Engineering Commons^™

Contrast Enhancement Of Medical Images Using Multiscale Edge Representation, Jian Lu, Dennis M. Healy Jr., John B. Weaver

Dartmouth Scholarship

Experience suggests the existence of a connection between the contrast of a gray-scale image and the gradient magnitude of intensity edges in the neighborhood where the contrast is measured. This observation motivates the development of edge-based contrast enhancement techniques. We present a simple and effective method for image contrast enhancement based on the multiscale edge representation of images. The contrast of an image can be enhanced simply by stretching or upscaling the multiscale gradient maxima of the image. This method offers flexibility to selectively enhance features of different sizes and ability to control noise magnification. We present some experimental results …

Defense Industrial Base Policy: Revisited, Michael E. Heberling

Faculty Publications

In an era of decreasing defense budgets and enemy threats, problems associated with maintaining a healthy defense industrial base have become pronounced. This article discussed defense industrial policy goals and argues that these goals may be collectively unobtainable.

Radiative Interactions In Multi-Dimensional Chemically Reacting Flows Using Monte Carlo Simulations, Jiwen Liu

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The Monte Carlo method (MCM) is applied to analyze radiative heat transfer in nongray gases. The nongray model employed is based on the statistical narrow band model with an exponential-tailed inverse intensity distribution. The amount and transfer of the emitted radiative energy in a finite volume element within a medium are considered in an exact manner. The spectral correlation between transmittances of two different segments of the same path in a medium makes the statistical relationship different from the conventional relationship, which only provides the noncorrelated results for nongray analysis. Two features of the MCM that are different from other …

Investigation Of Computational And Spectral Analysis Methods For Aeroacoustic Wave Propagation, Florence Odile Vanel

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Most computational fluid dynamics (CFD) schemes are not adequately accurate for solving aeroacoustics problems, which have wave amplitudes several orders of magnitude smaller yet with frequencies larger than the flow field variations generating the sound. Hence, a computational aeroacoustics (CAA) algorithm should have minimal dispersion and dissipation features. A dispersion relation preserving (DRP) scheme is, therefore, applied to solve the linearized Euler equations in order to simulate the propagation of three types of waves, namely: acoustic, vorticity, and entropy waves. The scheme is derived using an optimization procedure to ensure that the numerical derivatives preserve the wave number and angular …

Direct Relation Between Fresnel's Interface Reflection Coefficients For The Parallel And Perpendicular Polarizations: Erratum 2, R. M.A. Azzam

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications

The record is set straight concerning two equations that determine the reflection phase shifts at a single interface from the intensity reflectances forp- and s-polarized light at one angle of incidence. These equations appeared previously in this journal [J. Opt. Soc. Am. 69, 1007 (1979); erratum, J. Opt. Soc. Am. 70, 261 (1980)].

Monolithic Concrete Irrigation Pipe, Charles M. Burt, John M. Wegener

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Monolithic concrete pipe (also known as "Cast-in-Place Concrete Pipe" (CIPCP) or Cast-In-Place Pipe (CIPP)) is widely used in some regions for purposes such as storm, sewer, or irrigation pipelines. The earliest use of CIPCP was in 1922 in the Turlock Irrigation District of California. It is reported by The Sierra Group (Sierra, 1991) that there are over 15 million linear feet (4.6 million linear meters) of CIPCP under various applications. Nevertheless, many irrigation engineers, especially outside the U.S., are unaware of CIPCP. Monolithic concrete irrigation pipe is seldom mentioned in irrigation design literature. This paper has been written to familiarize …

Transfer Function Matrix Identification From Input-Output Frequency Response Data, Zhiqiang Gao, Bruce Tabachnik, Razvan V. Savescu

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

A new formulation of transfer function matrix identification in frequency domain is introduced. It reduces the problem to a simple linear least square problem. It is shown that such a system identification problem is a special case of a matrix interpolation problem and much insight can be obtained by examining its algebraic characteristics. A new approach is proposed to determine the transfer function matrix of a multi-input and multi-output system from the input-output data. It eliminates the common assumption in the literature that the frequency response of the system is given. Its efficiency and practicality …

Numerical Simulation Of Dynamic-Stall Suppression By Tangential Blowing, Matthew C. Towne

Theses and Dissertations

The use of tangential blowing to suppress the dynamic stall of a pitching airfoil is investigated numerically. The laminar two-dimensional, compressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved time-accurately using a Beam- Warming algorithm. A slot is located at four different positions along the surface of a NACA 0015 airfoil and air is injected in a nearly tangential sense along the upper surface. Suction control is also employed at one of these slot locations to directly compare with tangential-blowing control. Solution sensitivity to grid refinement, time-step size, numerical smoothing, and initial conditions is investigated at a Reynolds number of 2.4 x 10exp 4. …

Use Of The Genetic Algorithm In Positioning Sacrificial Anodes For Optimum Cathodic Protection, Chi-Cheng Tsao

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A systematic design methodology is developed in this thesis to automatically determine the best locations to place the anodes in order to obtain the maximum cathodic protection. The design methodology numerically solves a design optimization problem which selects the locations to place the anodes to maximize the difference between the minimum current density supplied by sacrificial anodes on the surface of the cathodic materials and its free corrosion current density. The numerical tools used in this design methodology are the finite element analysis and the genetic algorithm. The former analyzes the current density distribution in the field of concern and …

Simple Apparatus For Producing Single Liquid Drops, Dhiren Panda, D. G. C. Robertson

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A simple experimental apparatus has been used to produce individual mercury and sodium amalgam drops in the size range of 0.3-2.5 mm diam. A high resistance to the flow of liquid was provided by a capillary tube. The cross section consisted of a 0.20 mm o.d. tungsten wire placed in a 0.25 mm capillary bore. By this method, flow rates of 1 μl/s and lower were obtained, which enabled the formation of drops as small as 1 mm diam in a time interval of 20 s. The drops were formed at a plastic tip, and on reaching the desired size, …

Development Of Vibration And Sensitivity Analysis Capability Using The Theory Of Structural Variations, Ting-Yu Rong

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

In the author's previous work entitled "General Theorems of Topological Variations of Elastic Structures and the Method of Topological Variation," 1985, some interesting properties of skeletal structures have been discovered. These properties have been described as five theorems and synthesized as a theory, called the theory of structural variations (TSV). Based upon this theory, an innovative analysis tool, called the structural variation method (SVM), has been derived for static analysis of skeletal structures (one-dimensional finite element systems).

The objective of this dissertation research is to extend TSV and SVM from one-dimensional finite element systems to multi-dimensional ones and from statics …

A Novel Microwave Fatigue Crack Detection Technique Using An Open-Ended Coaxial Line, Nasser N. Qaddoumi, Stoyan I. Ganchev, R. Zoughi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Surface crack detection on metallic structures (aircraft fuselage, turbine blades and nuclear power plant steam generator turbines) is of utmost importance. The use of an open-ended coaxial line for this purpose is very attractive because it offers advantages such as a wide frequency band of operation, small aperture (sensing) area, and excellent sensitivity.

Simulation Of Communication Systems, William H. Tranter, Kurt Louis Kosbar

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

When both a complex system and a complex channel model are encountered, the result is typically a design or analysis problem that cannot be solved using traditional (pencil and paper) mathematical analysis. Computer-aided techniques, which usually involve some level of numerical simulation, can be a very valuable tool in these situations. The purpose of this article is to provide a tutorial review of some of the basic techniques of communication system simulation. The authors consider the basic techniques used to represent signals, generate signals, and model linear systems, nonlinear systems, and time-varying systems within a simulation. They consider the important …

Stress Measurements On The I 65 Bridge Over The Ohio River At Louisville, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Christopher M. Oberst

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky Transportation Center personnel conducted measurements of live stresses on structural members of the I 65 (John F. Kennedy Memorial) Bridge over the Ohio River. That work was performed in conjunction with an extensive flaw evaluation of the bridge by Hazelet & Erdal Consulting Engineers.

The measurements were performed by placing strain gages on the upper chord (an H-beam) and a vertical post and transverse strut that were framed into the upper chord at PP63 on the West truss. Measurements were performed using battery-powered data logging instruments that were capable of unattended strain measurement. The units were used to monitor …

Barge Traffic On Kentucky Rivers, Michael W. Whitney, Issam E. Harik, James J. Griffin, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky currently has the second longest navigable inland waterway system in the United States. Prior to the design of a bridge at a specific location on a river, a thorough investigation of barge traffic at that location ust be conducted. This report investigates the barge traffic on all navigable waterways in Kentucky. This report provides the data necessary to develop the risk assessment procedures for Kentucky vessel impact design problems in accordance with the AASHTO Guide Specification and Commentary for Vessel Collision Design of Highway Bridges design Method II. Method II is more rigorous to apply than Method I, but …

An Experimental And Analytical Investigation Of The Iosipescu Shear Test For Composite Materials, Barry Stuart Spigel

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Mechanical properties of composite materials under shear loading are difficult to determine. The Iosipescu Shear test, originally proposed for metals, has in recent years been applied to composites. It has the advantages of small specimen size, simple loading and a reasonably uniform shear stress in the test section.

The purpose of this work is to study the validity of the Iosipescu test method for measuring the shear modulus and shear strength of composites. Finite element analyses indicate that optimum specimen geometry and load locations depend upon the degree of orthotropy of the composite. Test results for a quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy laminate …

Numerical Solution Of Nonequilibrium Compressible Nozzle Turbulent Boundary Layers Using Laws Of The Wall And Wake, Ajit A. Prabhu

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Accurate prediction of the development of the boundary-layer thickness is essential in designing hypersonic wind tunnel nozzles using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The nozzle boundary-layer thickness becomes extremely thin at the throat region. Immediately downstream of the throat, as the flow begins to expand, the boundary-layer thickness grows rapidly. Estimates of grid requirements for resolving the turbulent boundary layer in the throat region using a Navier-Stokes solver have shown that the number of grid points is typically an order of magnitude greater than what is needed to resolve the nozzle exit region. Approximately 80% of the total time taken to …

The Development Of A Method To Extract High Purity Oxygen From The Martian Atmosphere, Dongchuan Wu

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A glow-discharge in an ambient Mars atmosphere (total pressure of 5 torr, composed of 95% carbon dioxide) results in the dissociation of carbon dioxide molecules into carbon monoxide and oxygen. If the glow-discharge zone is maintained adjacent and close to a silver membrane, operated at temperatures above 400°C, atomic and molecular oxygen, produced by the glow-discharge, can be separated from the other species by atomic diffusion through the membrane to an ultrahigh vacuum region where the desorbed O₂ is then collected. Experiments have been conducted to study the behavior of the glow discharge in both molecular oxygen and carbon …

Investigation Of Wall Injectors For Supersonic Mixing Enhancement, Yaacov Haimovitch

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A comparative study of the interaction between wall mounted swept-ramp injectors and injector nozzle shape has been conducted in a constant area duct to explore techniques to enhance mixing in scramjet combustors. The scramjet combustors are currently being developed for propulsion systems applications on the envisioned hypersonic vehicles. Short combustor residence time, a requirement for fuel injection parallel to the main flow in the combustor, and an overall strong sensitivity of the vehicle performance to the propulsion system motivated the investigation. The swept-ramp injector investigated in this study produces vortex shedding and local separation downstream of the injector's nozzle exit, …

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Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Automated Manpower Rostering: Techniques And Experience, C. M. Khoong, Hoong Chuin Lau, L. W. Chew

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

We present ROMAN, a comprehensive, generic manpower rostering toolkit that successfully handles a wide spectrum of work policies found in service organizations. We review the use of various techniques and methodologies in the toolkit that contribute to its robustness and efficiency, and relate experience gained in addressing manpower rostering problems in industry.

Stress Fields In Composites With A Variable Interphase Under Thermo-Mechanical Loadings, Nianfeng Chen

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An interphase in a composite material has a important role for the composite performance. It influences directly or indirectly the strength, fatigue performance and effective properties of the composite. Recently, interphase has drawn increasing attention in composite mechanics. To the best of our knowledge, however, no one seems to have considered the effect of the variable material prope1ty in the interphase on the stress field in the composite material. In this research, the stress fields are determined in the continuous fiber composite and the particulate composite by using the four concentric circular cylinders model and the four phase spheres model, …

Transient Simulations And Modelling Of Semi-Insulating Gaas Photoconductive Switches, Prasun Kumar Raha

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The primary objective of this thesis is to develop a one-dimensional transient simulator for Photoconductive Semiconductor Switches (PCSS) taking into consideration the material characteristics, the internal physical effects, and the external circuit. Simulations have been performed to study the device behavior at different voltage levels for copper-doped silicon-compensated GaAs material, though other materials could easily be simulated by changing the parameters. The model includes hole transport, and the results demonstrate the effect of hole injection, with and without recombination centers. In addition to developing a one-dimensional transient simulator, the role of various physical effects, such as the field-dependence of trapping …

Pulping Of Sisal Fibres: Effects Of Chemical Concentration, Na-Zs03/Na2c03 Ratio And Fibre To Chemical Ratio, J Katima

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper reports on pulping of hard fibres extracted from the leaves Of agave sisalana using sodium sulphite buffered with sodium carbonate as pulping chemical. The cooking was carried Out at 1680Cfor a cooking period of 6 hours, with varying chemical concentration, sodium sulphite to sodium carbonate ratio and fibre to chemical ratio. The results show thar boll! the pulp yield and pulp viscosity decæase with increasing chemi- cal concentration, whereas Kappa number of pulp decreases to a limit of about 16.45. Brightness increases significantly with an increase in the ra- rio of Na2S03/Na2C03. The pulp yield obtained indicated the …

Electricity Consumption Patterns In Domestic House Holds, H Kadete

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Electricity tariff increases from 1988 to 1992 are presented. They are Compared with salaries paid to parastatal workers over the same period. Monthly expenditures on electricity are also presented. Electricity con- sumption profiles have been recorded. The typical end use electrical ap- pliances for each household category have been identified. About 69% of electricity is used for cooking in high demand households. In medium demand households electricity used for lighting dominates ar about 49%. Measurements indicate a 3 peak power consumption profile for domestic dwellings. Voltages of 180V were recorded instead of the expected 230V nominal. Power factor is nor …

Hazards Inherent In The Use Of Electricity, Alexanda Kyaruzi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper describes hazards associated with thc use of electricity, empha- sis is given to hazards due to electric shocks. A survey carried Out by the author indicated that 68.5 % of all reported accidents and 55.3 % of all fatal accidents are due to people Coming into contact with normally non current carrying metallic parts. The necessary conditions which need to bc present in an electric system for electric shock to occur are described. How the human body responds to Various severity of electric shock is dis- cussed. Possible solutions, and how to prevent or minimise the effect Of …

Regionalization Of Hydrologic Information In Tanzania (Low Flows), Onyekwuluje C

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Hydrologic infornjation is required for the planning and design Ofwater resource projects. However, Hydrologic infonnation is always lacking at points of interest. Regionalization is ained at estimating hydrologic infor- mation such as low flow statistics at ungauged sites. Hydrologic informa- tion from 63 catchments in Tanzania has been analysed. In this paper, pooled flow duration curves for 1, IO, 30, 60, and 90 days duration have been established. Regression equations between the low flow indices (i.e. 95 percentile and for a IO day duration, average annual yield (AAY), av- erage daily flow (ADE)) and catchment characteristics were developed. The pooled …

Influence Of Turbulence On Methane-Air Flame Speed, E Mushi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Experimental study Of the influence qfturbulence on flame speed for meth- ane-air mixtures has been conducted in afan stirred bomb using schlieren photography. It has been observed that turbulence increases flame speed but above KLe=O. 18 (KLe is the product Of the dimensionless Karlovitz flame stretch factor and the Lewis number) turbulence quenches the flame. Inminarflame kernel is observed to prevail in the early stages of flame development in a turbulent mixture. Further, the laminar burning velocity plays a significant role in turbulent combustion. It is proposed that the increase in flame speed is a result of flame wrinkling.

An Alternative Method Of Interfacing A Dc Motor To A Microprocessor For Mo- Tion Control, M Selekwa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A Simple and cheap alternative method Of interfacing a permanent mag- net dc motor to a motion control using switch- ing transistor motor drivers is presented. This method involves the use Of very few transistor-transistor logic (TTL) devices and a 555 timer to pro- duce a pulse width modulated (P WM) signal which is required by the mo- ror driver. The motor driver in this case should be of an H-bridge type. Like other methods currently in use, it relieves the MPU of all timing func- tions which are necessary in the generation of P WM signals. The present method, …

Quality Problems Facing Tanzanian Industrial Firms, M Msafiri

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper reports on the results of a study of quality problems facing Tanzanian industrial firms. The results show that Tanzanian firms do not set goals with respect to quality and quality management, thus their qual- ity performance is generally poor. A Ithough there are a number of opera- tional problems constraining the companies, the main problems lie with the internal management of the quality function. Extensive ideas and sug- gestions for improving the performance of the quality function are given.