Engineering Commons^™

Evaluation Of Concrete Constitutive Models For Impact Simulations, Guillermo A. Mata

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

The research documented in this thesis deals with computational analysis of reinforced concrete impacted by both hollow and solid missiles as a continuing effort on the work conducted by the Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations (CSNI) and Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA). The analysis focuses on comparing two similar material models and their ability to capture the mechanistic response of a reinforced concrete slab subjected to impact loads. The analysis was performed using the Sandia National Laboratories computing software SIERRA Solid Mechanics to run the finite element model. The two constitutive models studied were the Holmquist-Johnson-Cook and Johnson-Holmquist 2 …

Smart Grid Technology In The Developing World, Jacob R. Young

Honors Projects

A smart grid is the integration of communication and information technologies with contemporary power infrastructure to enhance load service and to incorporate continually evolving end-use applications. It is the latest advancement in the areas of power generation, transmission and distribution. It has advanced beyond the traditional grid structure at every stage; a smart grid is capable of incorporating distributed generation (DG) renewable sources and has improved transmission capabilities through implementation of technologies such as Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS). Through the addition of control technology in the distribution network a smart grid is able to implement “self-healing” and other methods …

China's Motorization Wave And The Place Of Emerging Technologies, Christopher Cherry

PSU Transportation Seminars

E-bikes, E-Cars, Carshare, Bikeshare, and Micro-EVs in China have shaken up the traditional motorization pathways that have occurred in developing countries in the past. The combination of emerging vehicle technologies, urban and environmental constraints, and heavy-handed policy make China's motorization processes unique in the world—but how China motorizes has far-reaching impacts based on sheer volume of vehicles and population.

This seminar discusses the results of a six-year NSF CAREER project to explore China's motorization processes, combining behavioral and environmental modeling approaches to assess the impacts of emerging vehicle technologies on motorization and ultimately environmental sustainability. The focus is mostly on …

Acetone Production, Ali Ibrahim Neamah

The Hilltop Review

Iraq struggles with a lack of acetone production. This overall deficiency impacts the economy of countries like Iraq. Inasmuch, acetone is a vital chemical component for many items imported into this country such as nail polish remover. Therefore, a process of acetone production is proposed in this study.

The ideal process of producing acetone with 90.0% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) decomposition method is proposed within this study. The feed of the process is 100000 ton/ day. This amount of feed is suggested due to the demographic need of acetone for the Iraqi population as well as the surrounding Middle Eastern region. …

Balancing Of Production Line In A Bearing Industry To Improve Productivity, Sudharsan Sridhar, Balthilak Anandaraj, Santhosh B

The Hilltop Review

Line balancing addresses the issues of balancing production or assembly line and it generally minimizes the idle time for all the events and the combinations of workstations. Factors such as lack of materials, design changes in the product, labor position may also be needed for line balancing. We approached the industry and proposed a heuristic solution solving in two different platforms, by rearranging the existing tasks over the work stations, so that the idle time of the machines are reduced to minimum and the other is by using Timer Pro software where grouping of similar kind of activities are to …

Auto Generation Of Xliff Translation Documents From Proprietary File Formats, Kieran O'Connor, Geraldine Gray

The ITB Journal

The handling of proprietary documents by localisation vendors is time consuming and error prone, and represents a significant challenge to localisation projects. Vendors with many customers, each with its own set of document formats, must potentially support a document format set numbering in the hundreds or thousands. This paper describes an approach to automating the extraction of translatable text from a variety of file formats. The solution is based on XLIFF, language parsers, and XML transformations.

Implementing Test Patterns To Dynamically Assess Internet Response For Potential Voip Sessions Between Sip Peers, Declan Barber

The ITB Journal

The capability of VoIP to provide internet telephony is limited by the lack of homogeneous quality of service (QoS) mechanisms in the Internet. Whereas approaches which reserve QoS resources will work well in an end-to-end managed environment, they are not automatically suited to the heterogeneous nature of the Internet. It may be possible to adopt the 'chirp-sounder' approach uses in establishing the optimal frequency channel for a high frequency (HF) radio transmission which dynamically samples a range of possible transmission channels and uses the echoing of a an established test pattern to ascertain the quality of the potential links. The …

Developing Real-Time Multimedia Conferencing Services Using Java And Sip, Gavin Byrne, Declan Barber

The ITB Journal

This paper examines Java's suitability in creating real-time multimedia communications-based applications in Next Generation Networks (NGNs). We investigate some of the current enabling technologies provided by the Java plaiform which are concerned with the rapid development of realtime communications-based products and services. In particular, we look at creating a multiparty conferencing and collaboration service using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and the JAIN Framework and present an approach which models multiparty conferencing applications by separating signaling and media transfer functionality. We map our model through the design stage to an implementation in Java. This paper is based on real experiences …

Web Enabled Embedded Devices, Anthony Keane, Brian Myler

The ITB Journal

The trend in manufacturing of computerised control systems has been to miniaturise the components while increasing the functionality of the systems. This has led to the development of small inexpensive hand-held computer devices coupled with the availability of a user friendly application development language, Java and public cost-effect communication networks has given the developer a programmable web-enabled embedded device. This paper investigates the steps involved in programming the Tiny InterNet Interface platform and analyses the limitations imposed by miniaturisation on this device.

Soft, Vertical Handover Of Streamed Multimedia In A 4g Network, Ger Cunningham, Philip Perry, Liam Murphy

The ITB Journal

In this paper the soft, vertical handover of streamed multimedia in a 4G network is considered. We propose a soft handover solution in which the mobile client controls the handover. This solution requires no modifications to existing wireless networks. The second stream required for the soft handover is duplicated just above the transport layer, rather than requiring the server to play out a second stream that needs to be synchronised with the existing stream. Such a scheme is outlined, and the results are presented that show how the scheme functioned in an emulated environment.

Measurement Of The Frequency Response Of Clinical Gas Analysers, Kabita Shakya, Catherine Deegan, Fran Hegarty, Charles Markham

The ITB Journal

A technique for the time and frequency response measurement of clinical CO2 analysers has been established. The time and frequency response of several analyser systems has been determined. This paper presents the case for the routine measurement of the dynamic performance of such systems in the context of their application in high-frequency ventilation schemes. The importance of these measurements has been demonstrated in the comparison of older and newer systems in the sense that older systems demonstrate significant deterioration in peiformance. In the context of the use of capnographs in life-support systems, it is essential to measure and monitor the …

Investigation Into The Correct Statistical Distribution For Oxide Breakdown Versus The Oxide Thickness Used In Integrated Circuit Manufacture, James Prendergast, Eoin O'Driscoll, Ed Mullen

The ITB Journal

A critical aspect of integrated circuit manufacturing is the reliability of the components, in particular the gate oxide of transistors and capacitors. Accelerated stress tests are used for reliability predictions of gate oxides. There are two statistical distributions, which can be applied to stress test failure data, namely the Lognormal or the Weibull distributions. The failure data can fit each distribution equally well. However the use of either distribution will give vastly different lifetime predictions and their correct use is crucial for accurate lifetime prediction. A statistical based test, developed with Monte Carlo data, which is designed to decide if …

Application Of The Hough Transform To Aid Raised Pavement Marker Detection On Marked Roadways, Colin O'Rourke, Catherine Deegan, Simon Mcloughlin

The ITB Journal

A machine vision system is proposed that will identify and locate GPS co-ordinates of defective Raised Pavement Markers along road lane markings. This system will comprise of a mobile data acquisition system, and a separate ofjline image analysis system. In this paper we present a method for road lane marking identification, using a Hough Transform based technique. This paper describes the implementation of the Hough Transform for line detection. Using the Hough Transform algorithm road lane markings are automatically identified, given a scene acquired from a digital camera system. This knowledge is intended to be used to aid current research …

A Qualitative Method For Determining The Quality Of Bga Solder Joints In A Lead-Free Process, Shane O'Neill, John Donovan, Claire Ryan

The ITB Journal

The introduction of lead-free soldering is inevitable for the electronics industry and its use poses a number of challenges. Manufacturing processes need to be re-evaluated and any reliability issue needs to be addressed. In this study the effect of lead free solder on a reflow soldering process is investigated. Experimental design techniques were used to examine a reflow soldering process using the process parameters as experimental factors. The factors included the conveyor belt speed of the reflow oven and the preheat, soak and reflow temperatures of the temperature profile. Micro Ball Grid Array (EGA) packages were used as the test …

Novel Design Of A Variable Speed Constant Frequency Wind Turbine Power Converter., Aodhan Macaleer, Joe Dunk

The ITB Journal

The operation and efficiency of wind turbines at present are hampered by the variable speed nature of wind, yet the constant speed requirements of electrical generators, hence wind turbines speeds are generally held down to a constant value regardless of wind conditions. This paper presents a novel design for a power converter that can produce a fixed output suitable for grid connection, while operating at variable speed governed by the available wind power. This novel design utilizes advances in high power, high frequency solid-state switches (IGBT's) based on an ADSP-21990 fixed-point mixed-signal digital signal processor (DSP). At present the system …

Modelling A Mechatronic System Using "Matlab/Simulink" And "Dyanst", Paul Dillon

The ITB Journal

This paper presents the process of modelling a mechatronic system using two modelling methods. One the well known Matlab/Simulation package the other, Dynast, uses a novel energy based approach. The system modelled is a single axis positioning system driven via an armature controlled DC motor. The model consists of the main items in the system; pulse width modulated amplifier, DC motor, pulley and belt drive, and ball screw thread. Effects of inertia of parts and also frictional effects are also accoU;nted for in the models. The problems of combing different disciplines within each method are shown. Simulation results are presented …

Design Of A Wear Test Machine For Diamond Saw Segment, D. Nulty, J. Dwan, Y. Blake

The ITB Journal

Diamond tools are used in a wide range of industrial areas such as construction industry, metal machining and exploration drilling. The diamond impregnated tools used in the stone and construction industry are metal matrix composites. Diamond saw blades are the most commonly used tools. The optimum operation of diamond saw blades is determined by the cutting action of the diamond grit and the bounding of the metal matrix. However the wear behavior of the diamond saw has been less studied Currently in the blade development, actual full blade tests often have to be conducted for optimization and the testing process …

Developing A Distributed Java-Based Speech Recognition Engine, Tony Ayers, Brian Nolan

The ITB Journal

The development of speech recognition engines has traditionally been the territory of low-level development languages such as C. Until recently Java may not have been considered a candidate language for the development of such a speech engine, due to its security restrictions which limited its sound processing features. The release of the Java Sound API as part of the Java Media Framework and the subsequent integration of the Sound API into the standard Java development kit provides the necessary sound processing tools to Java to perform speech recognition. This paper documents our development of a speech recognition engine using the …

Battery Power

SIGNED: The Magazine of The Hong Kong Design Institute

Electric cars have always looked like the future, but around the world they are becoming an everyday reality. Can Hong Kong avoid getting stuck in the past or will the city be able to join the electric car revolution?

Characterization Of Slm Printed 316l Stainless Steel And Investigation Of Microlattice Geometry, Finley H. Marbury

Materials Engineering

The goal of this project was firstly to characterize Cal Poly’s SLM printed 316L stainless steel. SEM analysis showed Cal Poly’s as-printed 316L material to have a cellular dendritic microstructure containing mostly austenite and a small amount of δ-ferrite. After being heat treated to eliminate warp, its yeild and ultimate tensile strength were on par with the literature, however higher modulus and lower elongation were observed. XRD analysis confirmed residual stresses in the material, and that grains are preferentially oriented in both heat treated and non heat treated samples. The amount of porosity in the material was found to be …

Measurement And Analysis Of The Physical And Climatic Distribution Environment For Air Package Shipment, David Guadagnini

Master's Theses

The modern air parcel distribution industry has significantly grown to become one of the most commonly employed methods to quickly transport goods throughout the world. Although it comes with many benefits, including higher speed, greater reliability, and tighter security, the multimodal transport system within it can expose packages to a wide variety of climatic and physical distribution hazards. In a single route of transportation, packages could be included in different types of small delivery vans, large commercial semi trucks, cargo dollies, feeder aircraft, and high altitude commercial jetliners. The varying hazard level presented during distribution could directly weaken the packaging …

Virtual Inertia: Current Trends And Future Directions, Ujjwol Tamraker, Dipesh Shrestha, Manisha Maharjan, Bishnu P. Bhattarai, Timothy M. Hansen, Reinaldo Tonkoski

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

The modern power system is progressing from a synchronous machine-based system towards an inverter-dominated system, with large-scale penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) like wind and photovoltaics. RES units today represent a major share of the generation, and the traditional approach of integrating them as grid following units can lead to frequency instability. Many researchers have pointed towards using inverters with virtual inertia control algorithms so that they appear as synchronous generators to the grid, maintaining and enhancing system stability. This paper presents a literature review of the current state-of-the-art of virtual inertia implementation techniques, and explores potential research directions …

Simplest Polynomial For Which Naive (Straightforward) Interval Computations Cannot Be Exact, Olga Kosheleva, Vladik Kreinovich, Songsak Sriboonchitta

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

One of the main problem of interval computations is computing the range of a given function over given intervals. It is known that naive interval computations always provide an enclosure for the desired range. Sometimes -- e.g., for single use expressions -- naive interval computations compute the exact range. Sometimes, we do not get the exact range when we apply naive interval computations to the original expression, but we get the exact range if we apply naive interval computations to an equivalent reformulation of the original expression. For some other functions -- including some polynomials -- we do not get …

Towards Efficient Resource Provisioning In Hadoop, Peter P. Nghiem

Engineering Ph.D. Theses

Considering recent exponential growth in the amount of information processed in Big Data, the high energy consumed by data processing engines in datacenters has become a major issue, underlining the need for efficient resource allocation for better energy-efficient computing. This thesis proposes the Best Trade-off Point (BToP) method which provides a general approach and techniques based on an algorithm with mathematical formulas to find the best trade-off point on an elbow curve of performance vs. resources for efficient resource provisioning in Hadoop MapReduce and Apache Spark. Our novel BToP method is expected to work for any applications and systems which …

Multi-Criteria Flow-Shop Scheduling Optimization, Raviteja Arikati

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

A flow-shop is a type of manufacturing job shop where similar jobs follow a similar, linear sequence through the shop. Every day, flow-shops receive several different orders and it is up to the scheduler to plan the daily schedule. This schedule should be designed to prevent bottlenecks in the shop, to have on-time delivery of products, and satisfy several other requirements. Often, schedulers perform subjective scheduling and utilize simple heuristics or just intuition to schedule the jobs. With computer-based scheduling, schedulers can now create schedules and determine quantitatively what sorts of schedules work best. Currently, much of the computer-based schedules …

Policy Issue Research Committee Report, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Sterling Brown

All In-stream Flows Material

Under the direction of the Utah Farm Bureau Board of Directors, a Policy Issue Research Committee (PIRC) was appointed to help achieve one of its five Strategic Goals – develop and implement grassroots policy through advocacy and education by focusing on 3-5 priority policy issues. PIRCs help accomplish this goal by providing a forum for in-depth analysis on pertinent issues facing Utah Farm Bureau

Natural Convection In Redox Electrochemistry: Model, Simulation And Experiments, Fangping Yuan, Kakkattukuzhy M. Isaac

Collaborative Research: Actively Controllable Microfluidics with Film-Confined Redox-Magnetohydrodynamics -- Video and Data

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Methodology To Determine Antibiotic Concentrations In Water Samples Using High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography, Tahnee Qualls, Carmen T. Agouridis, Manish Kulshrestha

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Antibiotic concentrations are typically measured using solid-phase extraction along with liquid chromatography, but this process is not practical due to a large number of man hours involved. The use of a lyophilizer with high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) is an accurate and cost-effective method of analyzing antibiotics in water samples. An initial antibiotic analysis methodology was developed with the goal of concentrating antibiotics in water samples for greater detection; however, it was observed that the methodology required additional refinement to improve accuracy, particularly when manure was present in the water samples. Based on prior tetracycline antibiotic research, we hypothesized that sample …

บทบรรณาธิการ, จักรกฤษณ์ ดวงพัสตรา

Journal of Transportation and Logistics (TRANSLOG)

No abstract provided.

Improved Hot Water Code Calculation, Florida Solar Energy Center, Jeffrey Sonne

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The purpose of this report is to identify hot water waste sources, characterize the implications of climatic differences on hot water use and characterize the energy impacts of hot water recirculation systems and controls with respect to energy consumption in Florida homes, and recommend Florida-specific methods that can be employed in the Florida Energy Code for residential hot water use and energy consumption calculations.