Engineering Commons^™

An Experimentally Obtainable Heat Source Due To Absorption Of Ultrasound In Biological Media, James L. Drewniak, F. Dunn

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Deposition of heat as a result of loss in an ultrasonic wave may result in damage to biological tissues. The extensive use of ultrasound for diagnostic purposes during pregnancy necessitates the evaluation of thermal risk to a developing fetus during routine clinical exposures. Because of the small ultrasonic absorption coefficient in soft tissues at low megahertz frequencies, temperature elevations exceeding 1 °C are not expected from clinically employed ultrasound systems, and there is no evidence that such small temperature increases can result in deleterious effects. However, when the propagation path includes bone, which is known to be highly lossy, theoretical …

An Investigation Of Diameter Measurement Repeatability Using A Coordinate Measuring Machine And A Multi-Baseline Repeatability Assessment Methodology, Bruce Marsh

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The need for reliable and consistent measurement has become more acute with the use of statistical process control (SPC), gage repeatability and reproducibility (Gage R&R) assessment, and high precision, computer-controlled gaging systems. Although it is often overlooked, the inspection methodology under which various features are inspected has an impact on Gage R&R results. This notion was confirmed when a 1993 thesis study substantiated inspection methodology as a source of measurement variability in direct computer-controlled, coordinate measuring machines (DCC/CMMs). Although this study explored a methodology to bring measurement variability under statistical control, the tested assessment methodology--single baseline repeatability assessment--was not validated. …

The Effects Of Telephone Technology On Saudi Arabian Society, Khalid I. Otibi

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The current research explores the significance of the introduction of telephone technology into Saudi Arabia. The problem addressed by the research was to identify and describe the cultural and economic significance that the telephone has had in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of the research was specifically to study the significance that telephone technology has in the three areas of family ties, business, and transportation. The methodology began with the development a data-collection document. An English version of the document was administered as a pilot test to students at the University of Northern Iowa. This pilot test revealed that the document …

Transient And Dynamic Average-Value Modeling Of Synchronous Machine Fed Load-Commutated Converters, Keith Corzine, S. D. Sudhoff, H. J. Hegner, D. E. Delisle

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A new average-value model of a synchronous machine fed load-commutated converter is set forth in which the stator dynamics are combined with the DC link dynamics. This model is shown to he extremely accurate in predicting system transients and in predicting frequency-domain characteristics such as the impedance looking into the synchronous machine fed load-commutated converter. The model is verified against a detailed computer simulation and against a hardware test system, thus providing a three-way comparison. The proposed model is shown to be much more accurate than models in which the stator dynamics are neglected

Two Methods Of Neural Network Controlled Dynamic Channel Allocation For Mobile Radio Systems, Kelvin T. Erickson, Edward J. Wilmes

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Two methods of dynamic channel allocation using neural networks are investigated. Both methods continuously optimize the mobile network based on changes in calling traffic. The first method uses backpropagation model predictions to aid the channel allocator. Each cell contains a backpropagation model which provides the channel allocator a call traffic prediction allowing the channel allocator to effectively optimize the network. The second method uses the same backpropagation models along with actor-critic models to perform the channel allocation. The actor-critics learn to model traffic activity between adjacent cells in real-time, and thereby learn to allocate channels dynamically between cells. The learning …

Programmable Logic Controllers, Kelvin T. Erickson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are at the forefront of manufacturing automation. Many factories use programmable logic controllers to cut production costs and/or increase quality. PLCs and their unique language, ladder logic, are the workhorses of factory automation. Higher-level languages, such as sequential function charts and function blocks, ease the programming task for large systems. However, ladder logic remains the dominant language at present

Dynamically Regularized Fast Rls With Application To Echo Cancellation, Steven L. Grant

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper introduces a dynamically regularized fast recursive least squares (DR-FRLS) adaptive filtering algorithm. Numerically stabilized FRLS algorithms exhibit reliable and fast convergence with low complexity even when the excitation signal is highly self-correlated. FRLS still suffers from instability, however, when the condition number of the implicit excitation sample covariance matrix is very high. DR-FRLS, overcomes this problem with a regularization process which only increases the computational complexity by 50%. The benefits of regularization include: (1) the ability to use small forgetting factors resulting in improved tracking ability and (2) better convergence over the standard regularization technique of noise injection. …

Fault Classification Using Kohonen Feature Mapping, Badrul H. Chowdhury, Kunyu Wang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Applications of neural networks to power system fault diagnosis have provided positive results and shown advantages in process speed over conventional approaches. This paper describes the application of a Kohonen neural network to fault detection and classification using the fundamental components of currents and voltages. The Electromagnetic Transients Program is used to obtain fault patterns for the training and testing of neural networks. Accurate classifications are obtained for all types of possible short circuit faults on test systems representing high voltage transmission lines. Short training time makes the Kohonen network suitable for on-line power system fault diagnosis. The method introduced …

Security-Constrained Optimal Rescheduling Of Real Power Using Hopfield Neural Network, S. Ghosh, Badrul H. Chowdhury

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A new method for security-constrained corrective rescheduling of real power using the Hopfield neural network is presented. The proposed method is based on solution of a set of differential equations obtained from transformation of an energy function. Results from this work are compared with the results from a method based on dual linear programming formulation of the optimal corrective rescheduling. The minimum deviations in real power generations and loads at buses are combined to form the objective function for optimization. Inclusion of inequality constraints on active line flow limits and equality constraint on real power generation load balance assures a …

Evaluating The Value Of Distributed Photovoltaic Generations In Radial Distribution Systems, Badrul H. Chowdhury, A. W. Sawab

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The impact of photovoltaic (PV) generations, when added to an existing rural utility's distribution system, is studied. The addition of PV is examined in the light of voltage support, loss reduction, and reduction in peak demand. Comparisons are made with the conventional and widely used methods for voltage control and loss minimization, such as the addition of series and shunt capacitors and voltage regulators. The economics of distributed PV systems in the context of conventional grid power purchases are also studied. Results of this study are meant to be used as general guidelines for evaluating the impact of significant PV …

Modelling An Optical Fiber Bragg Grating, Claudio Oliveira Egalon

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A theoretical investigation of a single mode optical fiber with one and two superimposed Bragg grating is presented. The formulation relies in the determination of an approximate solution in the asymptotic region of one of the fiber parameters. A correction is then applied to the asymptotic solution using the Method of the Successive Approximations also known as the Piccard Method. The approximation was then compared to the numerical solution using the Runge-Kutta method. Assuming that each Bragg grating has modulation frequencies given by Ω₁ and Ω₂, it has been found that the second Bragg grating shifts the …

Optical Fiber Fourier Transform Infrared Evanescent Wave Absorption Spectroscopy Of Aluminum Hydroxide And Natural Corrosion, Juock S. Namkung

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A new technique for continuous, real-time, in-situ detection of natural corrosion of aluminum alloys is presented. The technique is a generalized version of attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy, that combines optical fibers and a Michelson interferometer spectrometer to make evanescent wave absorption measurements. Aluminum hydroxide is one of the major corrosion products of aluminum. Absorption spectra of powdered samples of aluminum corrosion, in the spectral region around three micrometers have been studied and compared with the spectra from pure powdered aluminum hydroxide. A chalcogenide optical fiber was used as an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) optical element. The same samples were …

Jitter And Wander Reduction For A Sonet Ds3 Desynchronizer Using Predictive Fuzzy Control, Kevin Blythe Stanton

Dissertations and Theses

Excessive high-frequency jitter or low-frequency wander can create problems within synchronous transmission systems and must be kept within limits to ensure reliable network operation. The emerging Synchronous Optical NETwork (SONET) introduces additional challenges for jitter and wander attenuation equipment (called desynchronizers) when used to carry payloads from the existing Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PDH), such as the DS3. The difficulty is primarily due to the large phase transients resulting from the pointer-based justification technique employed by SONET (called Pointer Justification Events or PJEs). While some previous desynchronization techniques consider the buffer level in their control actions, none has explicitly considered wander …

Dynamic Scale Genetic Algorithm: An Enhanced Genetic Search For Discrete Optimization, Bela Dange Joshi

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The minimization of operations and support resources of reusable launch vehicles is a complex task, involving discrete optimization and the simulation domain. Genetic algorithms, offering a robust search strategy suitable for integer variables and the simulation domain, can be applied to minimize these resources. This research developed an enhanced genetic algorithm for problems with a linear objective function, the most common class of discrete optimization problems. The dynamic scale genetic algorithm developed here incorporates concepts of implicit enumeration to enhance search. This is achieved by utilizing problem specific information to refine the solution space over successive generations. The utility of …

Application Of Reanalysis Techniques For Pattern Design Of Spot Welds, Young San Kim

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Extensive benchmarking on competitive cars has shown that the durability of vehicles, assembly-induced variations, and assembly cost are directly related to the quality and number of spot welds. On most luxury cars, approximately 4,500 to 5,000 spot welds are found. On less expensive cars, the range is from 3,500 to 4,500. These cars usually inherit more noise, rattles, squeaks, and other quality-related problems. These problems have motivated the search for a new capability to systematically place welds in the most critical areas, with a minimum number of welds for car bodies, while satisfying all performance requirements (e.g., stiffness, stress distribution, …

Analysis Of Threaded Joint Behavior In An Airbag Module Assembly, Rustam Chemat

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

While some of think of our cars as simply "buckets of bolts", the proper design choices, applications, and assemblies of threaded fasteners/bolted joints play critical roles in automobile safety.

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), more commonly known as airbags, help prevent vehicle occupants from being thrown forward into the dashboard or windshield in the event of a collision. The components comprising the airbag, the inflator, the backing plate, and the cover are connected to each other, and to the vehicle, through a series of threaded fasteners. Proper and timely deployment of the airbag depends largely on the selection of suitable threaded …

Analysis Of Frequency Selective Surfaces With Ferrite Substrates, Youcheng Liu

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Frequency selective surfaces (FSS) have numerous applications in several microwave and optical systems. Most frequency selective surface structures have one or more dielectric substrates. In this work, instead of traditional dielectric substrates, ferrite substrates are used under different dc bias conditions. By using ferrite materials, one can change the spectral properties of these structures without physically altering them. An applied magnetic field (dc bias) on the ferrite substrate changes its properties and hence the electrical dimensions of the elements comprising the periodic structure. Thus by simply applying a dc bias, the transmission and reflection properties of the periodic structure can …

Semantic Correlation Of Behavior For The Interoperability Of Heterogeneous Simulations, Christopher James Dean

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A desirable goal of military simulation training is to provide large scale or joint exercises to train personnel at higher echelons. To help meet this goal, many of the lower echelon combatants must consist of computer generated forces with some of these echelons composed of units from different simulations. The object of the research described is to correlate the behaviors of entities in different simulations so that they can interoperate with one another to support simulation training. Specific source behaviors can be translated to a form in terms of general behaviors which can then be correlated to any desired specific …

The Effects Of Glucose And Fatty Acids On Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal Using A Sequencing Batch Reactor, Tarek Zaki Khouri

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Two anaerobic/aerobic sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were used to evaluate enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). The first SBR, designated the Glucose SBR, was run for a period of four months. It received a synthetic wastewater plus glucose as a supplemental carbon source. The second SBR, the Isovaleric SBR, was run for three months. During the first month, isovaleric acid was its supplemental carbon source while for the remaining time period, no supplemental carbon source was added to the feed. Steady-state data from the SBR receiving isovalerate yielded the highest phosphorus (P) removals observed during the study, with a mixed liquor …

Wide-Bandwidth Lithotripsy Hydrophone, E. Carr Everbach

Engineering Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Improved Methods For Electroplating Cadmium Sulfide Thin Films, Brandon Kemp, Robert Engelken, Arif Raza, Wasim Aleem, Imran Khan, Chris Barber

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We report improved methods for electroplating cadmium sulfide (CMS) films. Aprevious problem was cracking/flaking of films deposited from organic solutions of elemental sulfur; attempts to improve adhesion via bath additives reduced grain size. Aqueous baths of thiosulfate ions yield cadmium-richness at low T temperatures (T), long deposition times, and/or poor bath stability. Developments in our work to be discussed include (1) plating ofuniform, adherent, and stoichiometric CdS from tetraethylene baths of CdCl 2 and elemental sulfur at T >70° C with minimal cracking/flaking, (2) improved uniformity/ adherence by use of CdL>, and (3) swept voltage methods in aqueous thiosulfate …

Electrodeposition Of Copper Indium Sulfide Films From Organic Solutions, Arif Raza, Robert Engelken, Brandon Kemp, Imran Khan, Wasim Aleem, Chris Barber

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We report on organic solutions ofCuCl 2 ,InClg, and elemental sulfur for electrodepositing CuIn x Sv films. CuInS 2 and CuInSe 2 are promising solar cellmaterials; our work on CuInSg prefaces planned work on plating CuInSe 2 from nonaqueous solvents. Two promising solvent systems are (1) mixed propylcne carbonate and water and (2) mixed ethylene glycol, propionic acid, and water (Engelken et al., 1988). Gray-brown films ofCuInx Sy (nominally GuInS2 ) have been plated from both baths. Major problems include (1) reduction ofCu+2 to Cu and Cu x S by the solvent at high temperatures (T>l()0°C), hence depleting Cu+2,(2) …

A Robust Path Tracking Algorithm For Homotopy Continuation, S. H. Choi, D. A. Harney, Neil L. Book

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Conventional path tracking algorithms used in homotopy continuation systems sometimes miss roots owing to jumping from one segment of the homotopy path to another even if there exists homotopy paths to the roots. A robust path tracking algorithm is proposed which loses significant efficiency only on those portions of the path where segment jumping is likely to occur. The method presented here basically performs the predictor-corrector procedure using the Euler predictor and the Newton corrector. Any available algorithm can be used to control the step size. Robustness is achieved by adding the following rule: control the step size so that …

Modified Contactor For Experimental Studies Of Mass Transfer And Chemical Reaction Across A Liquid-Liquid Interface, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan, Charles E. Wicks

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A Modified Stirred-Cell Type Contactor Has Been Designed and Tested for its Use in Experimental Investigations of Mass Transfer and Chemical Reaction in Liquid-Liquid Systems. its Design overcomes the Shortcomings of Previously Proposed Contactors. It is Easy to Operate and Has the Ability to Investigate the Effect of a Wide Range of Operating Conditions. the Mixing Performance of the Contactor Was Tested using a Dye Injection and a Tracer Technique. Experiments to Evaluate Mass-Transfer Coefficients Across a Liquid-Liquid Interface Have Been Conducted to Determine its Effectiveness. the Results Verified that the Contactor Could Be Successfully Employed as a Useful Experimental …

Gas Dynamic Unstart In Superdetonative Ram Accelerators, Kaveh Ghorbanian, James D. Sterling

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper we analyze the reflection of non-reacting shock waves as oblique detonation waves. The 2D, steady, inviscid analysis makes use of detonation polar diagrams to identify incident shock angles that lead to reflected detonations, with and without detonation Mach stem formation. The implications of the results for design and operation of superdetonative ram accelerators are explored. The influence of the projectile forebody geometry, the propellant composition, and the takeover velocity is described. We conclude with a discussion of the significance of these parameters on superdetonative ram accelerator unstart phenomena.

Enhanced Combustion Pulsejet Engines For Mach 0 To 3 Applications, J. Sterling, K. Ghorbanian, T. Sobota

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, we discuss the cyclic operation of an enhanced combustion pulsejet engine (ECPE) applicable in the Mach number range of 0 to 3. The geometry of this engine naturally provides for integration into a new combined cycle engine with ramjets. As in the operation of conventional pulsejets, an ECPE provides engine aspiration, charge compression, combustion and expansion without the use of turbomachinery. The use of modern electronics, fuel injection, and feedback control offers the potential for performance improvements that could make the ECPE a cost-effective competitor for the turbojet engine. This article describes the operating cycle of a …

A Lattice Boltzmann Subgrid Model For High Reynolds Number Flows, S. Hou, James D. Sterling, S. Chen, G. D. Doolen

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

A sub grid turbulence model for the lattice Boltzmann method is proposed for high Reynolds number fluid flow applications. The method, based on the standard Smagorinsky sub grid model and a single-time relaxation lattice Boltzmann method, incorporates the advantages of the lattice Boltzmann method for handling arbitrary boundaries and is easily implemented on parallel machines. The method is applied to a two-dimensional driven cavity flow for studying dynamics and the Reynolds number dependence of the flow structures. The substitution of other sub grid models, such as the dynamic sub grid model, in the framework of the LB method is discussed.

Artifactual Nonlinearity Due To Wear Grooves An Friction In Four-Point Bending Experiments Of Cortical Bone, L. V. Griffin, J. C. Gibeling, V. A. Gibson, R B. Martin, S. M. Stover

Biomedical Engineering

Experiments and analyses were performed to determine th e cause of a nonlinear force-deflection response observed in four-point flexural fatigue of beams ofcortical bone machined from the mid-diaphysis of the equine third metacarpus. Observable grooves which formed on the beam surface at supports and load noses were found to be the primary cause of the nonlinearity. An additional geometric nonlinearity at large deflections revealed by finite element modeling may be minimized by using the smallest diameter supports and load noses recommended in ASTM 790. However, frictional constraint of the beams at the load noses and supports can occur at low …

Analysis Of Background Noise For Wireless Microwave Lan Channels, Jason C. Hislop

Theses : Honours

Perusal of the details within, should provide the reader with an insight into general wireless indoor communications within the microwave spectrum, with respect to the problems laced, specific to noise corruption of the transmitted signal. Indoor communication systems are difficult to model, due to the largely random nature of the relevant environment, and the compounding factors that degrade system performance. These factors are many and varied, in accordance with the operational topologies of possible application area. However, there exists a common and increasing need to effectively model the communication links in question. Part of this strategy involves having an understanding …

An Investigation Into Manufacturing Execution Systems, K. W. Duley

Theses : Honours

Hardware and software developments of this decade have exposed an hiatus between business/management applications and process control in heavy industry in the implementation of computer technology. This document examines the development of discrete manufacturing and of relevant implementations of computing. It seeks to examine and to clarify the issues involved in a perceived current drive to bridge this gap, to integrate all the systems in a manufacturing enterprise in a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) in order to address two hypotheses: I) That overseas trends towards the development of manufacturing execution systems have application in the Australian industrial context. 2) That …