Engineering Commons^™

The Evaluation Of Polysulfone Composites As Structural Implants In Orthopaedic Surgery, Howard L. Scalzo

Theses

Two polysulfone composites were evaluated to determine their use as structural implants in orthopaedic surgery. The first composite, carbon fiber reinforced polysulfone (C/PS), was evaluated for environmental degradation in an in vivo and in vitro study. The C/PS composites were implanted subcutaneously in the abdomen of rabbits for the in vivo study and immersed in saline solution at 32° C for the in vitro study. The second composite, hydroxylapatite coated polysulfone (HA/PS), was evaluated for bone ingrowth in an in vivo study, and for attachment strength between the HA and the PS in an in vitro study. Also, two surface …

A Study Of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions In The Ambient Air Of A Sanitary Landfill In Richard W. Dekorte State Park, New Jersey, Minsen Gao

Theses

A study was made of 15 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the ambient air emissions of a sanitary landfill located at Richard W. DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, New Jersey. The samples were collected from July 1986 to September 1987 at 10 designated landfill sites over the selected time period from 4 to 24 hours by drawing the air to be analyzed through a Tenax trap. An average 10 to 15 liters of air sample was collected each time. Sample analysis is done on a Varian Gas Chromatograph (GC) combined with a Tekmar Thermal Desorber. A standard gas mixture of the 15 …

Reactor Design For Hazardous Waste Treatment Using Immobilized Phanerochaete Chrysosporium, Ikram Ul Haq

Theses

The degradation of 2-Chlorophenol by Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a white rot fungus, was studied in three different reactor configurations, namely a batch reactor, a chemostatic reactor with the fungus immobilized on a silica based porous biocatalyst, and a packed bed reactor utilizing balsa wood chips as packing.

Preliminary experiments indicated that the use of porous solid support improved the degradation rate in batch reactor and chemostatic reactor. However, the packed bed configuration was found to be superior, and was studied in greater detail. The apparent Michaelis-Menten kinetic constants were obtained for the packed bed reactor.

Thermal Decomposition Of 1,1,1-Thrichloroethane-Methane-Oxygen Mixture In Tubular Flow Reactor, Yo-Ping Wu

Theses

The thermal decomposition of 1,1,1-trichloroethane in methane/oxygen mixtures and argon bath gas was carried out at 1 atmosphere total pressure in a tubular flow reactors. The thermal degradation of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and methane were analyzed systematically over temperature ranges from 500 to 800°C, with average residence times in the range of 0.05 to 2.5 seconds. Five reactants ratio sets in three different size flow reactors were studied.

It was found that the complete decay (99%) of the 1,1,1-trichloroethane at 1 second residence time occurs at about 600°C for all the reactants ratio sets. The major product for 1,1,1-trichloroethane decomposition are 1,1-dichloroethylene …

Ph Parametric Pumping : An Examination Of Different Feed Locations For A Two And Three Column Process With The Same Flow Patterns And Ph Distribution, Roberta Rosty

Theses

PH parametric pumping is used to separate protein mixtures of hemoglobin and Albumin.

In this thesis, modifications to a two-column process, where the fluid stage flow pattern and the pH distributions were constant, were explored. These modifications consisted of: changes in the feed stream inlet and outlet locations, changes in the amount of feed itself, and an addition of another column and reservoir to the original two-column process. The results were obtained through computer simulation.

Results indicate that the batch or no-feed two and three column processes yield better separations of the two proteins than the same processes with feed …

Prediction And Correlation Of Liquid-Liquid Equilibria, Jose Simonetty Jr.

Theses

The NRTL, LEMF, and UNIQUAC models are used in the prediction and correlation of liquid-liquid equilibrium data for ten type I systems. The results indicate that best predictions are obtained with the LEMF equation, with an overall average absolute percentage error in distribution coefficients of 19.5 as compared to 23.0 and 24.7 with the NRTL and UNIQUAC equations, respectively. Good correlation of liquid-liquid equilibrium data alone is obtained with all three models; the LEMF equation is slightly better with an overall average absolute percentage error in distribution coefficients of 5.5 as compared to 6.7 and 5.9 for the NRTL and …

Scanning Electron Microscopy And X-Ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopic Analysis Of Selected Sorbent Materials, Elhamy Amin Sedhom

Theses

A previous study⁽¹⁾ showed that a combination of acidic and basic sorbents in a layered system is required to reduce to safe levels the contaminants present in the leachates emanating from industrial landfills. The sorbents used were fly ash, vermiculite, kaolinite, illite, zeolite, apautagite, bentonite, activated carbon and bauxite.

The purpose of this investigation is to study the physical properties, elemental composition and the distribution of the aforementioned solid sorbents. Properties of interest are particle size, shape and distribution and also the chemical composition and the distribution of the elements within the sample particles.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and …

Algorithms And Analysis Of Dialogue Time Patterns, Muhammad Saleem Akhtar

Theses

The characteristics of a conversation between two people can be determined not only what they say to each other, but also by the rhythm of their dialogue. Their moods, attitudes and attributes may be conveyed in part by time patterns of the speech. The programs described herein can be useful in exploring the relationship between dialogue time patterns and other psychological aspects of human behavior. The measurements of these time patterns can be quickly, inexpensively, and reliably accomplished by the use of a PC.

The programs described herein are capable of calculating the variabilities, the time durations and frequencies of …

In Vitro Biocompatibility Study To Determine The Synergistic Effect Of Components For An Artificial Bone Graft Material, Levelle Elise Burr Alexander

Theses

A composite bone graft material which can induce or promote new bone growth has potential orthopaedic applications in the repair of bone defects or the stabilization of surgically implanted devices. This material should be biocompatible, have good handling properties, promote osteoinduction and/or osteoconduction and have a good shelf life. Demineralized bone matrix and bone morphogenetic protein have been demonstrated to promote osteoinduction in vitro and in vivo.

This in vitro study examined the inductive ability of an osteoinductive protein, bone morphogenetic protein, when absorbed on non-active devitalized bone matrix. In culture, fetal rat muscle was grown on powdered rabbit demineralized …

Performance Enhancement & Fault Detection Of Cmos Dynamic Logic For Vlsi, Ashok Arunachalum

Theses

New CMOS dynamic latches are designed which can be used along with conventional dynamic circuits to realize fast pipelined dynamic logic. Also a new method is described for detecting the difficult CMOS Non-classical faults viz. stuck open and stuck on faults. The conventional Domino logic is redesigned to make all the stuck open and stuck on faults detectable.

Unified Study Of Trellis Encoded Correlative-Fm, K. Narendra Bhat

Theses

Trellis encoding of correlative-FM is studied from the point of view of the overall structure, performance, bandwidth occupancy, and complexity. Here, correlative (partial-response) coding is used to improve the bandwidth efficiency of MSK (Minimum-Shift Keying) at the expense of performance. Then, trellis codes are used to improve the error-rate performance of the corresponding correlative-FM scheme with little or no increase in bandwidth occupancy (compared to uncoded MSK). In a sense, this is similar to Ungerboeck's coding for (memoryless) PSK modulation.

A new encoding approach, called matched encoding, is used here that produces trellis coded modulations achieving greater coding gains than …

Non Invasive Monitoring Of Cardiovascular Dynamics Through A Microwave Interferometer, Suresh Chakravarthi

Theses

The microwave interferometer is utilized to pick up vibrations of the anterior (front) chest wall, produced by cardiac activity. This instrument is capable of remotely measuring the vibrations at distances up to four feet through clothing, by using low level microwave energy at 9.3 Ghz. The vibrations picked up from subjects are filtered, and processed through a PC to correlate with EKG signals, and thereby evaluate the instrument as a non-invasive, non-contacting cardiac monitor.

The subjects lie on their back with the microwave energy illuminating their chest, and their cardiovascular dynamics are recorded simultaneously with EKG signals. The EKG is …

Investigation Of Surface Formation In Abrasive Waterjet Cutting, Shy-Shyan Chen

Theses

This study is concerned with experimental and numerical investigation of the dynamics of surface generation during the impingement of the abrasive waterjet on a workpiece.

A series of erosion zones were generated by the abrasive waterjet on the polished surface of stainless steel samples. The impingement was carried out at different traverse speeds and abrasive flow rates. An optical, a scanning electron microscope and a laser displacement sensor were used to investigate the developed surface.

The microscopical examination of the surface enabled determination of the shape of asperities created by individual particles, distribution of asperities on the surface and the …

Transverse Electric (Te) And Transverse Magnetic (Tm) Mode Conversion In Optically Active (Chiral) Embedded Polymeric Waveguides, Mingdeh Chien

Theses

Wave propagation in an optically active isotropic, polymeric thin film waveguides is studied. The waveguides are fabricated using the dipping method. Thin film layers are composed of a passive PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate) host material and a chiral, optically active, ((s)-(+)-1,1'-Binaphthyl-2,2'-dily hydro phosphate), guest material. Experimental results show about 1° per centimeter rotation of polarization as light propagates through a 1.8cm waveguide. The theoretical analysis of the mode structure and wave propagation in the waveguide are examined using first order coupled mode theory. TE (-4 TM mode converter is a typical application of this investigation.

Implementation Of The Sliding Dictionary Data Compression Algorithm On An At&T Dsp 32 Digital Signal Processor, Shu Fang

Theses

Compared with other data compression algorithms, the sliding dictionary is more practical for implementation in hardware. After a comprehensive study of the algorithm, an on line data compression scheme which uses AT&T DSP 32 Digital Signal Processor has been developed. Assembly language programs for encoder and decoder have been written and tested. The whole compression system has been simulated in a real-time environment and results have been obtained. A quantized coding scheme has been used to increase compression ratio. Separate assembly language programs have been written to implement the quantized coding scheme and tested. Results obtained from real-time simulation are …

Robotic Safety Utilizing A Safety Engineering Approach, Brian Gallagher

Theses

Robotic safety is examined and explained using a safety engineering perspective. After reviewing robot fundamentals and defining the need for safety, hazard assessment and risk analysis techniques are studied. Reasons for a comprehensive robot safety program are discussed. Currently available accident statistics are examined to better understand the hazards associated with robot installations. Robotic safety procedures and methods are listed which can help reduce the severity or frequency of hazards. Various safeguarding sensors and types are analyzed for they are the "last line of defense" to reduce hazards to an acceptable level. The American Robot Safety Standard, ANSI/RIA R15.06 - …

One-Dimensional Parametric Inverse Scattering For Lossless Dispersive Media, Frank Gangi

Theses

In this thesis, the effects of high frequency noise on a perturbational inversion algorithm for a stratified dispersive medium are investigated. It is shown that the perturbational algorithm becomes unstable under high frequency noise. The physical origin of this instability is discussed.

In order to enhance the robustness of the perturbational inverse scattering solution, a parametric inversion algorithm is implemented. The improvement by the use of a parametric inversion is given quantitatively by the profile-to-error ratio (PER). Examples of the two-pole and the three-pole reflection coefficients are compared and contrasted.

A Decomposition Algorithm For The State Transition Lattices Of Certain Non-Product Queueing Protocols, Cheng-Kuo Hong

Theses

In this thesis, an algorithm is developed to decompose the state transition lattice of a class of non-product form queueing models. Here only the lattices of regular type A structure are considered. By applying the algorithm, the lattice is decomposed into solvable subsets which can be solved sequentially.

Modelling And Parameter Estimation In Clinical Electrooculography, Shengche Hsu

Theses

The Corneoretinal potential (CRP) was discovered in 1848. Its response to changes in light intensity can provide information relevant in the diagnosis of some retinal degenerative disorders. The indirectly measured CRP is referred to as electro-oculography (EOG). A system for automatic data acquisition and modelling, providing graphic presentation, data processing and file management, has been developed. A linear feedback model is proposed to represent the dynamics of the EOG signal. Model parameters are estimated by the nonlinear least-square method. The effect of measurement time on the reliability of parameter estimation is discussed.

Variations Of Alkalinity, Ph, Oxidation Reduction Potential, And Conductivity In Single And Multi-Stage Sludge Digestion Systems, Nasser M. Kamazani

Theses

Anaerobic digestion is used at many municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. Recent increase in the cost of energy and search for an alternative source of energy for the future have prompted renewed interest in anaerobic digestion for energy recovery by production of methane from waste materials, including wastewater sludges and agricultural and municipal solid wastes. Accordingly, a large literature exist on the subject, most of it dealing with more physical aspects of different process design. Little or not enough attention has been paid to its highly complex biochemical characteristics.

The purpose of this study is a preliminary investigation regarding …

Csma/Cd Lan Performance : Modeling And Simulation In Csim, Nanda K. Kanuri

Theses

A simulation model to analyze the performance of CSMA/CD protocol is developed. CSIM, a process oriented simulation language, is used. Performance measures such as throughput, average delay and maximum delay per packet are presented. System performance is analyzed for different loads, number of stations, and network lengths, with packet length as parameter. By trading off the throughput and delay time, an optium packet length can be selected from simulated performance curves. A general scheme for MAC protocols modeling is provided.

Output Feedback Applied To Observer Based Controller, Nainn-Ping Ke

Theses

This thesis presented the results of an investigation on the stability robustness issues of the Infinite-horizon linear-quadratic-Gaussian (IH-LQG) control system design methodology. The goal of this research deals with the design of Observer based controller using Output Feedback (00F), and this is a new method to solve estimation problems. The primary difference of this method from others is that the estimator is considered as a system. The results of this research shows that the optimal output feedback control law and the optimal state estimator can be designed by the optimal output feedback control method, and shows that the OOF Weighting …

Feasibiltiy, Planning, And Justification Of Fms : A Case Study, Joo Hwan Kim

Theses

FMS production technology, because of its ability to adjust to changes in product demands and produce at competitive costs even on small runs and at above quality levels, has caused its adoption by the major automobile manufacturers. These attributes are of particular interest to Korean automobile manufacturers who due to a small home market need to manufacture in relative small quantities and to export.

This paper considers how such a technology can be implemented. It discusses the key factors to be considered such as strategy, selection and design of the appropriate hardware and software, required organizational changes, and its economic …

Investigation Of The Distribution Of Particles In An Abrasive Water Jet, Sun Kim

Theses

This study is concerned with the distribution of abrasive particles within an abrasive waterJet. The Jet is generated by the Ingersoll Rand nozzle set at the different diameters of the sapphire nozzles and carbide mixers. Water pressure is maintained at 4.7- 4.9 ksi.

The distribution of particles is examined by the separation of the central and adjacent part of the flow and the measurement of the fractions of the mixture and abrasive in the separated region. The separation is carried out by diamond washers coaxial with a carbide mixer. The second series of experiments involve the estimation of the Jet …

A Cmos Robotic Lan Interface Integrated Circuit Design, Yong-Bin Kim

Theses

This thesis describes the design including specification, schematics,logic and circuit simulation, and standard cell layout for a CMOS mixed-mode I.C. for interfacing sensors into a robotics local area network. The network accepts up to 256 interface chips as nodes in each area. A simple network protocol permits acquisition of digital data from the interface nodes through gateways into ARCNET and MAP.

The sensor chip interfaces directly from analog signals of range 0-1V and 0-20mV. It contains an 8-bit ADC. The application I.C. interfaces to sensors for pressure, tactile stress, humidity, temperature, etc.

Each of the sensor interface node I.C.s is …

The Rate Of Vibrational Segregation In Particulate Materials, Yidan Lan

Theses

The rate of vibratory size segregation has been modeled in multi-component size systems as a process of mutual sorting between each size species. The concept of mutual sorting is introduced from which generalized expressions are derived for the rates of change of the local concentration of each size species. In a binary system, the expressions simplify to give the expected result that the segregation rates for the large and small particles are equal but of opposite sign. Also, in these systems, the segregation rate is described by measuring the rising speed of the interface between the small and large particles. …

The Effects Of Degraded Indoor Air Quality On Employees Working In High Rise Office Buildings, Richard Patrick Luongo

Theses

An examination of the effects of poor indoor air quality on workers in high rise office buildings was conducted. These effects are manifested physiologically, psychologically and economically and originate from sources inside and outside the building, as well as from the building's ventilation system. These sources include combustion products, microorganisms, volatile organic chemicals, cigarette smoke and miscellaneous chemicals. Lower productivity and higher absenteeism are the initial results of these effects. If the situation becomes chronic, an erosion of trust between employer and employee can occur which may eventually serve as the basis for litigation, such as worker's compensation claims and …

Red Blood Cell Deformability Testing By Using A Rheological Method, Zhenglei Ma

Theses

A rheological model of blood has been used for testing red cell deformability. The result of the testing is characterized by five parameters of the model. We suggested that the rheological behavior of blood is affected by red cell deformability. The result of the parameter C of the model, which is the kinetic rate constant of the structural breakdown of rouleaux into individual erythrocytes induced by shearing, from decreased red cell deformability group higher than that from normal control group lead to a criterion for separating normal subjects from decreased red cell deformability. The easy experiment method of using whole …

Removal Of Contaminants From Clay Soils By Thermal Desorption, Wen-Ming Mao

Theses

The objective of this study was to investigate the removal of contaminants from clay soils by thermal treatment. There were two phases involved in this project. The first was a study of equilibrium adsorption of clay - organics study, and the second was the determination of the thermal desorption characteristics.

Three organics, phenol, chlorophenol, and chlorobenzene and one clay soil, bentonite, were selected for these studies. The first phase, involved the simulation of the isothermal adsorption simulated the process of contaminants being sorbed onto bentonite. Three different isotherm models,viz, Linear isotherm, Freundlich isotherm, and Langmuir isotherm were evaluated with experimental …

Sediment Transport/Sand Bypassing Analysis At Manasquan, Nj, Christopher Clemens Obropta

Theses

An experiment to determine the longshore sediment transport rate using a fluorescent dyed sand tracer was conducted during the summer of 1987 to help determine the feasibility of sand bypassing at the Manasquan Inlet in New Jersey. After the fluorescent sand tracer was introduced to the longshore transport system, the Spatial Integration Method was used to sample the surf zone. The Spatial Integration Method allowed the tracer cloud to be monitored in both time and space. The tracer experiment provided a constant to be used in the calculation of the longshore sediment transport rate. This constant is specific to the …