Engineering Commons^™

Computer-Aided Testing Of Electrical Machines: Software Development, Max Darwin Anderson, Steven A. Hauk, Robert Laramore, Hardy J. Pottinger

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Computer-Aided Testing Of Electrical Machines: Software Development, Max Darwin Anderson, Steven A. Hauk, Robert Laramore, Hardy J. Pottinger

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Computer-aided test stations have been developed for research, experimentation, and testing of electric motors and generators. Data acquisition and control of the machines and drives are provided through a computer and its interfaces. Machines are connected to the computer through transducers for data acquisition, and power electronic drives for machine control. General software was written to enable the monitoring of all transducers continuously on the CRT screen while giving the user manual control of the machines and drives. Specialized software was written for automatic control of the induction, dc, and synchronous machines for specific experiments on each type of machine. …

Current That Kills., Burns E. Hegler

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The authors point out the hazards associated with electricity. Several methods for preventing or coping with inadvertent shocks are described.

Estimation Approach To Locating Buried Geological Interfaces, A. Omar, A. Addeeb, C. Slivinsky, Richard E. Dubroff

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The objective of the estimation work described in this paper is to improve algorithms for reconstructing the geometric configuration of acoustic reflecting surfaces. The conventional migration method of locating these surfaces is reviewed. A recent imaging condition which is closely related to the boundary condition at the geological interface is then described. This later procedure results in two outputs. One can be used to reconstruct the shape of the unknown acoustic reflector, while the second output estimates the acoustic wavespeed on the transmission side of the boundary. When noise is present in the reflected signal, the performance of the method …

Soil-Shrinkage Induced Structural Failure, David Newton Richardson, Richard Wesley Stephenson, Daniel Molloy

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This Paper Describes an Investigation into the Causes of Structural Damage to a Retirement Home and the Subsequent Rehabilitation Project. the Investigation Revealed that the Damage Was Caused by Shrinkage of the Soils Beneath the Structure's Foundation as a Result of Dry Weather, Shrinkage-Prone Characteristics of the soils, Deviation from the Original Design, and Poor Construction Techniques. the Structure Was Subsequently Underpinned to Rock using the Inclined Drilled Pier Method. Interaction between Design and Construction Professionals is Also Presented. © ASCE.

Impact Of Automation On Process Control Decision-Making, Steven M. Miller, Susan R. Bereiter

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

This paper investigates changes in the process control of a vehicle assembly plant which had been modernized from a principally manual procedure to one that uses programmable automation extensively. Process control is defined as the information flow and decision-making required to perform basic process operations. We investigate the effects of implementing a computer-integrated production system on the amount and types of process control decision-making and on the distribution of process control decision-making between humans and machines. After automation, the emphasis on decisions regarding product quality specifications increased and the emphasis on decisions related to flexibility in handling a variety of …

Parallel Approximate String Matching Applied To Occluded Object Recognition, David Smith

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis develops an algorithm for approximate string matching and applies it to the problem of partially occluded object recognition. The algorithm measures the similarity of differing strings by scanning for matching substrings between strings. The length and number of matching substrings determines the amount of similarity. A classification algorithm is developed using the approximate string matching algorithm for the identification and classification of objects. A previously developed method of shape description is used for object representation.

Threshold Characteristics Of Multimode Laser Oscillators, Mehdi Khoshnevissan

Dissertations and Theses

The threshold characteristics of multimode laser oscillators are considered in detail, and a new model is given for semiconductor diode lasers. Analytical expressions and numerical solutions are obtained for mode amplitudes, and over-all spectral characteristics of lasers operating above and below threshold. The theoretical results are i n agreement with experimental data. The band-ta-band absorption is included in the model and i t ' s effect is studied on the mixed broadening.

Numerical Solutions Of Continuous Wave Beam In Nonlinear Media, Jeffrey Huang

Dissertations and Theses

Deformation of a Gaussian beam is observed when it propagates through a plasma. Self-focusing of the beam may be observed when the intensity of the laser increases the index of refraction of plasma gas.

Due to the difficulties in solving the nonlinear partial differential equation in Maxwell's wave equation, a numerical technique has been developed in favor of the traditional analytical method. Result of numerical solution shows consistency with the analytical method. This further suggests the validity of the numerical technique employed.

A three dimensional graphics package was used to depict the numerical data obtained from the calculation. Plots from …

Improving Crystallographic Macromolecular Images: The Real-Space Approach, A. D. Podjarny, T. N. Bhat, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

Macromolecular crystallographicy is a unique tool for imaging the structures of proteins and nucleic acids. Images are obtained from the Fourier transform of the diffraction pattern of the crystal by use of X-ray, neutron, and / or electron scattering. When X-ray and neutron scattering are used only diffraction amplitudes are experimentally measured, and phases have to be obtained. Multiple isomorphous replacement (MIR) has been the technique of choice for solving this phase problem in the determination of most macromolecular structures. Unfortunately, the method is extremely time consuming, especially when compared with the solution techniques available for small molecules; moreover, structure …

Fluidized-Bed Gasifier Engine System Using Rice Hulls, Luis Cruz Baja

Masters Theses

"The operation of a fluidized-bed gasifier using rice hulls and a spark-ignition, internal combustion (IC) engine on product gas at the optimum reactor conditions and on gasoline produced generator loads of 6.7 KWe and 10.5 KWe at average speeds of 1740 RPM and 1785 RPM and thermal efficiencies of 12.7% and 13.8%, respectively. The diesel engine operation on dual diesel fuel oil (DFO) product gas and 100% DFO generated 8.0 KWe and 8.3 KWe at 1416 RPM and 1552 RPM and thermal efficiencies of 10.2% and 20.2% respectively. The gasoline engine could be run on 100% product gas while the …

The Interfacial Phenomena Of Liquid Copper Of Sapphire Substrates, Jenq Liu

Masters Theses

"The wetting behavior of liquid copper on the sapphire is effected by the crystallographic orientation of the solid surface, the oxygen partial pressure, and the temperature. Each of these influences has been studied by the sessile drop technique, over the oxygen partial pressure range from 10^-2 to 10^-20 atm at temperatures of 1373°K, and 1523°K. The effect of oxygen partial pressure on the liquid copper surface energy follows the Gibbs Langmuir Law.

The crystallographic orientation of the sapphire surface causes variations in the contact angle. This is more significant for higher oxygen partial pressure, but is eliminated at …

The Effect Of Excess Lead Oxide On The Sintering Characteristics And Dielectric Properties Of Lead Magnesium Niobate Ceramics, Dyllan Jye-Lun Hong

Masters Theses

"The effect of lead oxide additions on sintering characteristics and dielectric properties of ferroelectric Pb₃MgNb₂O₉ based capacitors was studied. The basic dielectric compositions were formed by solid state reaction. Densification was studied as a function of PbO content over the temperature range 900 °C to 1000 °C for sintering times one to six hours depending on the amount of additive, and the sintering temperature.

Weight loss, density and shrinkage measurements of each composition were made in order to relate the effects of the excess PbO additions on the densification. The dielectric and electrical properties were …

Formability Of 356 Aluminum, Karol Krumrey Schrems

Masters Theses

"Although aluminum casting alloys are not often thought of as being formable, this thesis examines this possibility. Aluminum alloy 356 was cast in permanent molds and subsequently deformed by rolling (providing compressive loading) and bending (providing tensile loading). Cold forming was found to be very limited, while forming at elevated temperatures was comparatively easy and permitted reductions of up to 90%. Tensile properties and microstructures were examined in detail. Forming breaks up the eutectic silicon and intermetallic compounds. The yield strength and tensile strength increased almost linearly with increasing total percent reduction. The elongation at first increases with total percent …

Design Of A Meta-Assembler For Microprogramming And A Survey Of Microprogram Optimization Techniques, Rahul Saxena

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this thesis is to develop and implement a meta-assembler for microprogramming. Different methods for optimizing microprogram execution and storage are also investigated.

The meta-assembler is of an adaptive type. It allows complete flexibility in the definition of the target machine op-codes and microinstruction field formats. The assembly process consists of two main phases. In the first phase the assembler builds a description of the target machine in terms of its microinstruction field format definitions. In the second phase the source program is assembled into object microcode. The assembler is written in the language Pascal. The assembler is …

Design Of Multivariable Deadbeat Controllers Using Reduced Order Models, Joaquin Alberto Zuniga

Masters Theses

"This study is concerned with the design of minimum Frobenius norm deadbeat controllers using reduced order models. Deadbeat controllers force the non-zero initial states of a linear multivariable discrete time system to the origin of the state space in minimum time. A controller of minimum Frobenius norm achieves such response with least effort.

The deadbeat controllers are designed on the basis of eigenspectrum assignment. In general, this approach permits a freedom in the selection of the closed-loop Jordan matrix which is used in the design of parametric controllers.

In this presentation, it is demonstrated that the task of deadbeat controller …

Mechanical And Neutronic Properties Of Neutron Absorbing Materials, Donald James Buth

Masters Theses

“The primary neutron absorbing material examined in this project was Boraflex™, which consists of a silicone polymer with boron carbide acting as the neutron absorber. Two aluminum based neutron absorbers, Boral™ and Al-B-Ten, were also examined. Both X-ray and neutron radiography were used to examine the Boraflex™. The neutron radiography gave better resolution in detecting fluctuations in the boron carbide distribution; however, X-ray radiography did perform better in detecting flaws in the base material. Tensile tests were performed to determine the uniformity of Boraflex™'s tensile properties. The average tensile strength was calculated to be 303 ± 15 psi. A small …

Effects Of The Luminous Environment On Managerial Decision Making, Marc Clay Belcher

Doctoral Dissertations

"Little is known about the influence the physical environment may have on the way a manager goes about making decisions. This work considers one element of the environment, lighting, and attempts to establish a relationship between that element and the decision strategy a manager may select.

From a review of the literature on the effects of light on man and from the field of decision making, a model is posited suggesting that the luminous environment affects decision making. Since others have established that mood influences how decisions are made, and since it is suggested in the literature that lighting affects …

Implementing An Mrp System In A Job Shop Environment, Kathleen A. Behnke

Masters Theses

"In today’s highly competitive marketplace, many small manufacturers are struggling to survive. The competition to produce a quality product at a competitive price comes not only from other small companies, but also from larger companies and foreign manufacturers, who have learned to produce in a more economical fashion. The challenge of the small manufacturer is learning to compete.

Every manufacturer, whether large or small, has one basic objective: to be profitable. The profit objective is usually achieved using a three part strategy of maximizing customer service, minimizing inventory investment, and maintaining efficient plant operation.

Small companies, including the one in …

Fundamental Study Of The Role Of Cathode Structure On Zinc Electrowinning, Horacio M. Aros

Doctoral Dissertations

"The influence of cathode macromorphology on the current efficiency of zinc electrowinning was determined.

The studies have shown that surface roughness affects current efficiency during zinc electrowinning, particularly when the electrolyte contains impurities such as nickel and antimony. Current efficiency does not change with surface roughness as long as the electrolyte is sufficiently pure.

Zinc deposited on smooth zinc cathodes tends to retain a more favorable structure and macromorphology, which is less sensitive to the effects caused by antimony and nickel. Glue helps to counteract the effect of the impurities; however, its presence in the electrolyte at certain combinations with …

Experimental Vapor-Liquid Equilibria Of Propyne With Propane, Propene And Propadiene, Edward Allen Kyser

Doctoral Dissertations

"Vapor pressures for pure propane, pure propene, impure propadiene and pure propyne and 19 binary mixtures of propane, propene, and propadiene with propyne are reported at -20, 5, 30, 55 and 80° C. An equation of state utilizing pure component saturated vapor and liquid densities is used to correlate all the data and the effect of the propadiene impurities was theoretically removed. The data of Burcham (1981) are recorrelated using new information about the impurities, and different results are obtained. Calculated relative volatilities and saturated densities are reported for the systems propane-propyne, propene-propyne, propadiene-propyne and propane-propadiene"-- Abstract, p. ii

Phase Equilibria From Pvt Measurements For Carbon Dioxide, Water And N-Decane, Michael Nduka Okafor

Doctoral Dissertations

"Phase equilibrium properties for the carbon dioxide - water - n-decane system were determined from pressure-temperature-volume (PVT) measurements. PVT properties were also obtained for pure carbon dioxide and water, and the binary mixtures of carbon dioxide - water and carbon dioxide - n-decane. The experiments were conducted at temperatures of 313.17, 353.15 and 393.15 Kelvin, and at pressures from 37 to 416 bar. Measurements for the mixtures were terminated when complete miscibility was observed.

The Perturbed-Hard-Chain (PHC) equation of state developed by Gmehling et al. (1979) was chosen to correlate the measured data because of its ability to handle the …

Studies Of Defect Structure And Oxidation-Reduction Behavior Of Undoped Lamno₃, Sr-Doped Lamno₃ And Mg-Doped Lamno₃, Jen-Ho Kuo

Doctoral Dissertations

"Undoped LaMnO₃, Sr-doped LaMnO₃ and Mg-doped LaMnO₃ showed reversible oxidation-reduction behavior. These perovskites can be excess, stoichiometric or deficient in oxygen content depending on the specific conditions. Under very reducing conditions these oxides will decompose into new phases. Phase stabilities for these oxides were determined. The results showed that both Sr and Mg doping caused the LaMnO₃ to dissociate at higher oxygen activities than for undoped LaMnO₃.

Defect models were proposed to interpret the TG results, in which metal vacancies are assumed for the oxygen excess condition and oxygen vacancies are assumed for the oxygen deficient condition. Thermodynamic properties were …

Bubble Formation, Movement And Distortion In Viscous Glass, Simon Cheng-Ping Wang

Doctoral Dissertations

"A study of bubble formation, movement and distortion in viscous glass is described. A glass rod containing an irregularly shaped hole is heated to a temperature at where the glass viscosity is low enough to let the hole form a spherical bubble. Spheration occurs as the bubble moves upward in the glass rod. At the proper time, the rising bubble is decelerated and brought to a stop by increasing the glass viscosity by slowly reducing the temperature. The entrapped bubble is then cut from the glass rod and heated again, if necessary, to a lower temperature, to reduce distortion of …

Implementation And Performance Analysis Of Numerical Algorithms On The Mpp, Flex/32, And Cray/2, Raad A. Fatoohi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation presents the results of the implementation of a number of numerical algorithms on three parallel/vector computers. The object of this research is to determine how well, or poorly, a number of numerical algorithms would map onto three different architectures and to analyze the performance of these architectures using these algorithms. These algorithms are: a relaxation scheme for the solution of the Cauchy-Riemann equations, an ADI method for the solution of the diffusion equation, and a compact difference scheme for the solution of two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. The computers were chosen so as to encompass a variety of architectures. They …

Performance Predictions For Oil Reservoirs Under Water Influx, Briareus Mitchell Wilkinson

Masters Theses

"The intent of this thesis is to develop a program that will give reasonable recovery predictions for oil reservoirs under water influx. The main advantage is to avoid the massive storage and computational requirements of numerical simulators while achieving roughly comparable results. There are many methods already in existence that have not received their full benefit, mainly because they were developed prior to the recent advances of the computer age. This thesis therefore brings some already proven methods together with new techniques in a program which, with the aid of the computer, stimulates new life in these methods. The main …

The Use Of Computerized Data Acquisition Techniques To Measure The Kinetics Of A Batch Flotation Process, Jose Antonio Barrera-Godinez

Masters Theses

"The flotation response of a lead ore was measured by utilization of a computer driven data acquisition system. A symmetric, fast and automatic froth removal and weighing system was attached to a conventional laboratory flotation cell. The rate controlling mechanisms were identified by manipulation of the froth removal rate, (FRR), froth layer thickness, (FT), and air flow rate, (AFR). The production of froth, water, solids and value in addition to value recovery and concentrate grade were determined as a function of time of flotation.

The flotation response was controlled by events dependent of AFR when using shallow froths of less …

Characterization Of The Fluid-Dynamic Mixing Of A Bottom Gas-Injected Channel Reactor Using Low-Temperature Modelling, Jay Bernett Gassel

Masters Theses

"Variables influencing the mixing in a single-phase (30.5 x 60 x 606 cm) and a two-phase (20 x 40 x 200 cm) channel reactor model were studied. Tracer and/or neutral density particle techniques were used to determine an eddy diffusivity, De, for the system(s). Three bubbler arrangements were investigated in the one-phase work. A separate apparatus was developed to withstand the corrosiveness of the tetrachloroethylene used in the two-phase work.

Both the electrical conductivity tracer technique and the neutral density particle technique were shown to be feasible experimental techniques for determining an eddy diffusivity in the systems studied. Decreasing liquid …

Coupled Bending-Torsion Steady-State Response Of Pretwisted, Nonuniform Rotating Beams Using A Transfer-Matrix Method, Carl E. Gray Jr.

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Using the Newtonian method, the equations of motion are developed for the coupled bending-torsion steady-state response of beams rotating at constant angular velocity in a fixed plane. The resulting equations are valid to first order strain-displacement relationships for a long beam with all other nonlinear terms retained. In addition, the equations are valid for beams with the mass centroidal axis offset (eccentric) from the elastic axis, nonuniform mass and section properties, and variable twist. The solution of these coupled, nonlinear, nonhomogeneous, differential equations is obtained by modifying a Hunter linear second-order transfer-matrix solution procedure to solve the nonlinear differential equations …

Comment On "Orientation, Alignment, And Hyperfine Effects On Dissociation Of Diatomic Molecules To Open Shell Atoms", Mark D. Havey, Linda L. Vahala

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

A recent paper in this journal [Y. B. Band e t a l., J. Chem. Phys. 8 4, 3762 (1986)] reported parameters describing orientation and alignment produced, in an axial recoil limit, by one photondissociation of diatomic molecules. Reported also were values, applicable to the resonance transitions of the alkali atoms, for orientation and alignment depolarization coefficients. Most of the numerical values reported for the coefficients were incorrect, in some cases by as much as a factor of 2. We report a tabulation of correct depolarization coefficients applicable to the resonance transitions of common alkali isotopes. Further, the coefficients …