Engineering Commons^™

Design Considerations In The Development Of An Automated Cartographic System, Robert L. Holden

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Cartography, the art of producing maps, is an extremely tedious job which is prone to human error and requires many hours for the completion of maps and their digital data bases. Cartography is a classic example of a job that needs to be automated. Through the new advances in image processing and pattern recognition, the automation of this task is made possible with the cartographer acting as a supervisor. This paper reviews current cartographic techniques, and examines design considerations for a fully automated cartographic system. The benefits of such a system would be improvements in speed, flexibility, and accuracy. The …

Design Of A Two-Layer, Capacitively Coupled, Microstrip Patch Antenna Element For Broadband Applications, Robert T. Cock

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A broadband, contiguous stacked, two-layer, square microstrip patch antenna element design is described which can be used for a linear or circular polarization. Single layer microstrip patch theory for the rectangular patch radiator is presented and used as a basis for understanding the two-layer patch configuration. The theory is modified to predict radiation patters and resonant frequencies of the two-layer microstrip patch antenna element. Experimental results include the radiation patterns, dominant resonant frequencies (TM₁₀ mode), return loss (S₁₁), and bandwidth for X band elements as a function of dielectric constants, dielectric thicknesses, and patch sizes.

Computer Aided Supplement For Calculus Review, Gholam A. Shaykhian

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Several years ago an experimental re-entry program for women was initiated at the University of Central Florida. Women with B.S. degrees in Math or Science dating back 10 and 20 years ago were given a review course in Mathematics, primarily calculus, preparatory to subsequent courses in their M.S. programs of study. The complete course is available on tape and many students have viewed it since the course’s inception.

This project involved generation of software for testing the manipulative skills presented in the Calculus review. A skeleton format is presented which demonstrates all the features of the different programming modules being …

Data Structure Implementation And Investigation For A Prolog Language Interpreter, Hector Iurcovich

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A developmental Prolog language interpreter is constructed in the C programming language. The data type format is a subset of that of the Project Aquarius Prolog Engine proposed and under development at the University of California, Berkley. The design of the Prolog interpreter is part of an investigation at UCF in design of expert system architecture for real time applications. The interpreter facilities of data structure definition and manipulation are developed and applied. The list data structure is used as an example data structure. The scheme for representing structured data is based on the Lisp cons cell. Run-time generated lists …

Ground Penetrating Radar In The Detection Of Subsurface Cavities Related To Sinkhole Activity In Florida, Marianne Sweeney

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The Florida peninsula is underlain by limestone undergoing continuous solution process resulting in subsurface cavity formation. Increased land development has led to costly structural damage and water supply contamination due to surface subsidence and collapse in areas overlying such cavities. Conventional drilling methods cannot guarantee detection of isolated cavities. A geophysical technique known as ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-destructive method in geotechnical investigation capable of surveying large areas quickly and efficiently. GPR works as an echo sounder with a continuous similar graphic display. Cavities are identified by hyperbolic patterns caused by reflections from variations in electrical properties of …

Automated Q-Factor Measurement Via A Network Analyzer, Fadi E. Ayoub

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An algorithm is developed for the HP automated network analyzer that can determine the three basic parameters of microwave cavity resonators: the unloaded resonant frequency fo, the unloaded Q-factor Q_o, and the coupling coefficient β. The input reflection coefficient of the resonator is measured via the network analyzer, which is driven by an HP desk computer. The graphical techniques (Smith Chart) are replaced by the much faster calculations on the computer using numerical techniques. Stirling and Bessel’s formulas, in conjunction with the central difference interpolation method, are used to interpolate between sampled points to enhance the accuracy …

Synchronized On-Line Microprocessor Control Of Optical Disk Recorders And Players Using Realtime Interface Hardware/Software, William C. Reese

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research report is to describe clearly the development of an operational software program which utilizes a realtime interface hardware unit to synchronously control an optical disc player and optical disc recorder via an external microprocessor. The previous UCF Engineering College’s optical disc hardware configuration consisted of a Panasonic optical disc player and recorder, color monitor, video camera, and PRO-350 to control only one device (player or recorder) at a time as the microprocessor has only one serial input/output (I/O) port. The Digital Equipment Corporation’s realtime interface device provides two serial I/O ports and therefore allows the …

Graphics Package For Portable Alphanumerical/Graphics Terminal, Elsie S. Loh

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research report describes the design of a highlevel graphics package for use by application programmers t o display pictures of two-dimensional objects on a portable alphanumeric/graphic terminal. The design is implemented on the Digital VAX-11/780™ minicomputer running under the VMS operating system environment as the host computer and uses the DECwriter Correspondent (LA12) as the graphics device. The graphics package consists both the database manipulation software which is completely device dependent, and the interface software between the normal "drawing functions" and the hardware associated with a particular graphics device, which is minimally device-dependent.

Distribution Of Lead And Zinc In Groundwater Around An Exfiltration Pipe Including A Study Of Specific Conductance, Donna M. Schiffer

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Highway runoff is a significant source of nonpoint pollution to surfoce and ground waters. Underground disposal of stormwater has several advantages, such as recharge of ground water resources and reduction of flow rates at existing storm sewer outfa11s. However, there are few studies on the effects of underground disposal of stormwater on the qua1ity of ground water. The purpose of this stucty was to examine the changes 1n lead, zinc, and specific conductance in highway runoff that is routed to an underground disposal facility as the water passes through the unsaturated soil to the surficia1 aquifer. An exfiltration pipe in …

Snap, A Contract Pricing Tool For The Micro-Computer, Kris Luella Hoffman

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The amount of time required during the contracting process from the solicitation of bids through contract award can be significant. Two of the main problem areas are evaluating the contractor’s proposal and completing the negotiation process. The SNAP system was developed to simplify Negotiations with Automated Pricing using the microcomputer. SNAP can track three separate positions during negotiations and provide hour/dollar summaries for each of these positions by cost account, lot, department, and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Evaluation worksheets and department summaries can be produced to provide the evaluators with different perspectives of the same work effort. SNAP will also …

Multi-Computer Communication Network With Crossbar Switches, Massood. Towhidnejad

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the architecture and organization of a multi-computer communication network employing crossbar switches. The network is implemented using the Motorola EXORset development system. The network provides a flexible communication system capable of application to a wide range of data transfers. In this system each computer will perform its local tasks, in the meantime, each computer could send or receive messages to and from other computers in the network. The system logic has been partitioned into two basic board types: (a) communication interface, and (b) controller. The communication interface provides the interface of computers in the network to the …

Editor Design In The Context Of Control System Simulation, Leon Fadden

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Advances in microcomputer display devices and support software during the past decade have made the microcomputer an increasingly popular vehicle for technical education. This is especially apparent in the area of simulation. The pedagog can provide the student of control theory not merely with the block diagrams and differential algebra but with high resolution color graphic animations supported by mathematical models whose parameters are easily changed by some editor facility. This mode of control system design and behavior study is both faster and more enjoyable for the student, providing greater continuity, concentration, and learning efficiency.

This paper describes the simulation …

The Effect Of Steel Fibers On The Toughness Properties Of Large Aggregate Concrete : Informational Report, Stephen Brent Tatro

JTRP Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Finite Element Analysis Of Plane Strain Problems With Ps-Nfap And The Cap Model: User's Manual : Implementation Report (1), Dana Norman Humphrey, William Oris Mccarron, R. D. Holtz, Wai-Fah Chen

JTRP Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Nebraska Summary: S023 Case-Ih 885, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data. EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES Purpose The purpose of …

A Shuttle Bus For The University Of Central Florida, Maryam Hosseini-Kargar

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The University of Central Florida, with an enrollment of approximately 16,000 students, is being faced with parking, traffic and transportation problems. The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a commuter campus, with over 90% of the students arriving by automobile. Parking spaces cost over $800/space, and funding to build new spaces is scarce. Existing lots on the perimeter of the UCF campus offer a potential advantage to park and ride services or a shuttle serve around UCF.

Research conducted for this paper evaluated the usage of a shuttle bus system around the UCF campus. The primary purpose of the shuttle …

Simulation Of A Parallel Manufacturing Operations, Charles P. Cochran

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines a manufacturing process using a real time interface with a 6502 microprocessor that gives the appearance of parallel processing. Two separate processes are operated, apparently simultaneously with an asynchronous interface between the two processes. An Apple microcomputer, an ISAAC data transfer system and a constructed simulation model are used to demonstrate this process. The model is constructed of Fischertechnik manufactured parts for the support framework, as well as gearing devices, small DC electric motors, and sensing devices in the form of photo-electric switches and single pole double throw switches physically activated by the constructed model. The software, …

Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform Image Compression Applied To Visual Flight Simulators, Nancy A. Burrell

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A visual flight simulator requires a huge amount of image data to be stored in the database. To make a photo-based system feasible an image compression scheme must be devised to compress the data.

An adaptive discrete cosine transform (DCT) technique is used to compress 24 bit color images to an average of 3 bits per pixel. The bits for the image are distributed based on the relative activity in different parts of the scene. Results and error analysis are presented.

Feasibility Investigation Into The Use Of A Liquid Crystal Television As A Spatial Light Modulator, Edward R. Raudenbush

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The recent availability of inexpensive, electrically addressable liquid crystal displays has generated interest in the use of such devices for optical processing applications. Characterizations pertinent to this use include: maximum obtainable modulation depth, modulation transfer function (MTF), linearity of response, refresh cycle time and optical flatness. Examples of device performance as a coherent processor and as an incoherent processor will be given.

Corrosion Ability And The Chemistry Of Mercuric Chloride And Related Compounds, Martin R. Kruger

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research project found that a solution of methanol and methylene chloride saturated with mercuric chloride was very effective at diffusing through a paint film and destroying an aluminum barrier below. The project also found evidence that mercuric chloride chemically reacts with dimethylformamide and dimethysulfoxide. The project concluded that corrosion of metals in an organic solvent media is best studied by thermal analysis.

The Use Of Enlarged Feed Wells As Flocculator Units In Activated Sludge Secondary Clarifiers, Mahnaz Shahnami

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The quality of the effluent from activated sludge wastewater treatment plants is highly dependent on the performance of the final clarifier. The final clarifier performs solids/liquids separation through sedimentation. The standard design criteria (overflow rate and detention time) must be selected such that the effluent suspended solids requirements are met.

Numerous research programs have been conducted to evaluate the factors affecting the sedimentation efficiency of activated sludge mixed liquor. Flocculation has been documented as a significant factor. The flocculation process is an agglomeration of small primary particles of the surface of larger particles to achieve higher settling velocities. Increased settling …

Companding Flash Analog-To-Digital Converters, Michael P. Brig

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report will demonstrate how a companding flash analog-to-digital converter can be used to satisfy both the dynamic range and resolution requirements of an infrared imaging system. In the past, infrared imaging systems had to rely on analog electronics to process a thermal image. This was costly and, in many ways, inefficient but the only way to perform the function. Digital processing was impractical because ADC conversion speeds were slow with respect to video frequencies. Furthermore, it is impossible to gain the necessary dynamic range using linear conversion techniques without large digital wordlengths. Therefore, the principles of companding flash analog-to-digital …

Design Of A Laboratory Course In Embedded Computer Systems, Alexander Nikoloff

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research report discusses and presents the design of a university undergraduate level laboratory course introducing the topic of embedded computer systems. The course utilizes the Rainbow 100 computer and the Data Translation LDT2801 interface board to illustrate this concept.

Lab problems in Digital to Analog conversions, Analog to Digital conversions, Digital input/output, serial communication, motor drivers and parallel communication are presented, as are fully documented solutions. Suggested lecture material appropriate to the course is reviewed.

Faceting At The Silicon (100) Crystal-Melt Interface: Theory And Experiment, Uzi Landman, W.D. Luedtke, R.N. Barnett, C.L. Cleveland, M.W. Ribarsky, Emil Arnold, S. Ramesh, H. Baumgart, A. Martinez, B. Khan

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Molecular-dynamics simulations and in situ experimental observations of the melting and equilibrium structure of the crystalline Si(100)-melt interface are described. The equilibrium interface is structured, exhibiting facets established on (111) planes.

Silicon-On-Insulator Technology By Crystallization On Quartz Substrates, Helmut Baumgart

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The purpose of the novel zone-melting recrystallization process (ZMR) is to produce single crystalline Si films on Si02 of high crystalline perfection, which are suitable for device fabrication and subsequent industrial applications. However, silicon films grown on amorphous insulating substrates without seeding contain regularly spaced subgrain boundaries as their predominant growth defect and to a lesser degree twin boundaries and some grain boundaries. Detailed materials studies have revealed the core structure of these extended defects and the fundamental mechanisms responsible for subgrain boundary formation. The nature and origin of subgrain boundaries is reviewed and a model for polygonization of the …

Interactive Texturing For A Computer Graphics Display System, Yin L. Wah

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Surfaces have texture, and few surfaces are truly smooth in the real world, yet this is how they are modeled. Texturing provides the illusion of increased surface roughness or granularity, and it also gives the illusion of extra detail and realism. This is accomplished by modulating surface color based on gradient function known as texture pattern.

Changing texture pattern data can be expensive and time consuming since the change must be done on database offline system and then reloaded on the Computer Image Generator (CIG) for review of the change. The Interactive Generator (IAT) system is designed for online examination …

A Computer Simulation Of An Incoherent Optical Processor For Spatial Frequency Analysis, Randall T. Stratton

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A computer simulation demonstrates the feasibility of a technique for performing spatial frequency analysis on an incoherent scene in one dimension using an electronically addressable spatial light modulator (SLM). By applying biased sinusoidal variation to the SLM transmittance, the real and imaginary parts of the Fourier transform are available and readily yield both magnitude and phase of the Fourier transform.

In addition to the Fourier transform this simulation investigates the use of a simple binary pulse train transform for the sake of reducing system complexity and increasing speed of operation.

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Acquisition Design, John C. Fakatselis

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Spread spectrum communication techniques are utilized to provide transmission of signals which have anti-jamming properties, a low probability of being intercepted, and can support a multiple-access system by servicing simultaneously a number of channels. This thesis concentrates on the receiver acquisition problem of a transmitted signal which is the output of a spread spectrum communication system. The acquisition requirements of a spread spectrum system and also the general approaches to the problem of “active and passive correlation” are discussed. A unique general purpose all-digital acquisition hardware design is developed and described to the schematic level of detail, where specific parts …

A Two-Dimensional, Three-Phase Reservoir Simulator Using The Impes Formulation, Ralph Ross Roesler

Masters Theses

"A numerical model for two dimensional, three-phase fluid flow has been developed using the IMPES formulation. Reservoir heterogeneities have been included, such as areal variations in porosity, permeability, thickness, and depth from a reference point. The model can also solve the problem of variable bubble points.

To check the accuracy of the model, a comparison was made with the Buckley-Leverett technique of predicting waterflood performance. The reservoir in the comparison is a 40 acre five spot with an initial gas saturation of 15 percent. The study shows that the two models are in good agreement, except for differences due to …

A Study Of Problem Lead-Zinc Ores Of Southeast Missouri In Terms Of Mineralogy And Galena Oxidation, Michael G. Schroer

Masters Theses

"Recovery problems encountered at some of the St. Joe Lead Company's milling facilities prompted the study of 6 different ores. High and low grade ores had characteristics that varied from poor lead - zinc selectivity to excessive lead losses to the flotation tailings. Three ores from both the Fletcher and Viburnum mills were studied through flotation tests, mill water analysis, and ore analysis using an ore microscope.

The major cause for poor recovery was found to be due to ore oxidation. Not only was lead, in the form of oxides, reporting to the tails, but high levels of copper ions …