Engineering Mechanics Commons^™

Electromechanics Of An Ocean Current Turbine, Vasileios Tzelepis

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

The development of a numeric simulation for predicting the performance of an Ocean Current Energy Conversion System is presented in this thesis along with a control system development using a PID controller for the achievement of specified rotational velocity set-points. In the beginning, this numeric model is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink® and it is used to predict the performance of a three phase squirrel single-cage type induction motor/generator in two different cases. The first case is a small 3 meter rotor diameter, 20 kW ocean current turbine with fixed pitch blades, and the second case a 20 …

A Resistance Based Structural Health Monitoring System For Composite Structure Applications, Dennis N. Boettcher

Master's Theses

This research effort explored the possibility of using interwoven conductive and nonconductive fibers in a composite laminate for structural health monitoring (SHM). Traditional SHM systems utilize fiber optics, piezoelectrics, or detect defects by nondestructive test methods by use of sonar graphs or x-rays. However, these approaches are often expensive, time consuming and complicated.

The primary objective of this research was to apply a resistance based method of structural health monitoring to a composite structure to determine structural integrity and presence of defects.

The conductive properties of fiber such as carbon, copper, or constantan - a copper-nickel alloy - can be …

Vibration-Based Health Monitoring Of Multiple-Stage Gear Train And Differential Planetary Transmission Involving Teeth Damage And Backlash Nonlinearity, Andrew Patrick Sommer

Master's Theses

The objective of this thesis is to develop vibration-based fault detection strategies for on-line condition monitoring of gear transmission systems. The study divides the thesis into three sections. First of all, the local stresses created by a root fatigue crack on a pinion spur gear are analyzed using a quasi-static finite element model and non-linear contact mechanics simulation. Backlash between gear teeth which is essential to provide better lubrication on tooth surfaces and to eliminate interference is included as a defect and a necessary part of transmission design. The second section is dedicated to fixed axis power trains. Torsional vibration …

Socio-Economic Impacts Of Computer Viruses In Tanzania, M Victor

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper reports on a research project conducted with an objective of identifying and assessing various approaches used by different computer users (Management, System Administrators and end users) in Tanzania to combat computer viruses (CVs), and to assess users' awareness level on CVs. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing the awareness level on CVs to the Tanzanian business community; analyze the socio -economic impact caused by CVs in Tanzania and; assess existing methods, capacity and limitations on controlling CVs in Tanzania. Data was collected using both questionnaires and interview from financial institutions such as NBC and BOT, and telecommunications sector …

Review Of The Product Development Process And Information Flow In The Manufacturing Industry: Problems And A Possible Wav Forward, E Opiyo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

No abstract provided.

Application Of Vibrational Techniques In Determination Of Dynamic Properties Of Agricultural Products-State Of The Arton Of Vibrational Techniques In Determination Of Dynamic Properties Of Agricultural Products-State Of The Art, Silas Kajuna

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Vibration is one of the techniques employed in the determination of dynamic properties of fruits and vegetables. It entails generation of a mechanical or acoustic vibrational signal which is propagated through the flesh of the agricultural material. A transducer is either attached or held close to the specimen to monitor the propagation of the signal through the specimen. The manner in which the signal is transmitted through the material is analyzed, and the dynamic properties of the specimen which relate to its firmness or its internal being are derived. The technique has been around for the past 30 years or …

Research Related To Multi Degree Of Freedom Magnetic Suspensions, Yan Yang

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This thesis covers the activities associated with 1) recommissioning of the 6-inch Magnetic Suspension and Balance System (MSBS) and 2) enhancing the Annular Suspension and Pointing System (ASPS). These activities continue the program of research in the multi degree of freedom magnetic suspension program at Old Dominion University. The 6-inch MSBS is a large gap magnetic suspension system used as a model support and balance system in wind tunnels. The first stage of recommissioning of the 6- inch MSBS for the 6-inch subsonic wind tunnel is performed. Experimental data and computational results for the magnetic field distribution of the MSBS …

Model For Complete Drawdown Of Floating Solids In Stirred Tank Reactors, J Mmbaga

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A Semi-empirical model has been developed on the basis of Kolmogoroff's theory of isotropic turbulence to determine the minimum drawdown speed for floating solids in a mechanically agitated vessel. An adjustable pa- rameter in the model is found to be afunction of impeller type and position in a vessel. A simplified representation of macroscopicflow pattern, rep- resenting the circulation flow in a vessel depending on impeller pumping characteristic is developed to account for recirculation pattern.

Application Of Improved Pressure Transducers For Pressure Measurements, P Mtui

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Substantial improvement of low sensitivity pressure transducers aiming at obtaining a more realistic output signal is discussed. The output signal direct from these transducers has deficiencies of amplitude attenuation and phase lag, thus the measured values are not necessarily the true in- stantaneous values. In order to correct for such shortcomings the unit step response of these transducers is also studied experimentally. A math- ematical model is established based on the experimental results to build up a compensation circuit which is then included in the instrumentation setup to eliminate these deficiencies. The effectiveness of the compensated transducer is demonstrated by …

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, …

Practical Aspects In Sensing Vrm Magneti- Sation Characteristics For Rotor Position Detection, N Mvungi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The detection of rotor position (stator/roror poles overlap) in a variable reluc- tance motor using the dependence of permeance on rotor position is the core of the effort to eliminate the need of a physical position sensor in the rotor shaft in the positional feedback operation of the motor. The reliability of the whole proc- ess Of eliminating the need of a physical sensor rests squarely On the ability to measure the instantaneous permeance ofa phase when the motor is in operation and at stand still. This paper presents an experimental investigation on the in- triguing problems of obtaining repeatable …

Theoretical And Experimental Study Of Inlet Manifold Pressure Profiles Using Compensated Transducers, P Mtui

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Computer simulation and experimental findings on single cylinder four-stroke cycle engine were done with a view of getting more realistic inlet manifold pressures. Since there is a direct relationship between the inlet pressure profiles and the volumetric efficiency of the engine, then there is a possibility of utilizing the knowledge of these profiles to enhance better engine air flow characteristics and hence improvement of engine performance.

The simulation program is based on hometropic process with constant specific heats where the results were validated using experimental findings of the engine with varying engine speeds.

Experimental results are obtained by measuring manifold …

Electrical Equivalent Method For The Calculation Of Vibrations In Transformers, D Chambega

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Noiselevel calculations may be done using an electrical equivalent method. So far a single mass and a double mass vibrating system may easily be represented by equivalent electrical circuits which are in turn useful for analysis. Multimass vibrating systems like transformers do not have straightforward methods which can enable analysis of noiselevels. This paper attempts to develop such a method by extending the method applicable to a double mass vibrating system. Then the validity of the method is tested using a transforme

An Electro Hydrodynamic Study Of The Negative Corona Electric Wind, Henry Thadei Kadete

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The velocity of corona generated electric wind is measured. From the velocity profile mass movement and electrokinetic conversion efficiencies are deduced. High speed schlieren photographs illustrate the form of the velocity distribution function as well as its high degree of turbulence.

Negative Corona Current Characteristics Of An Electric Wind System, Aviti Kadete

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The corona current characteristics of an electric wind system are investigated. First a brief summary of the negative point to plate corona mechanism and characteristics are presented. Then empirical equations for corona currents of an electric wind system are derived. Current waveform characteristics are also discussed. The effects of placing parallel rods in between a point-plate electrode gap to the corona currents are highlighted.