Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

A Magnetic Suspension System With A Large Angular Range, Colin P. Britcher, Mehran Ghofrani

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

In order to explore and develop technology required for the magnetic suspension of objects over large ranges of orientation, a small-scale laboratory system, the large-angle magnetic suspension test fixture (LAMSTF) has been constructed at NASA Langley Research Center. This apparatus falls into the category of large-gap, actively stabilized magnetic levitation systems. The hardware comprises five conventional electromagnets in a circular arrangement, each driven from a separate bipolar power amplifier. Electromagnet currents are commanded by a digital control system, implemented on a microcomputer, which in turn derives the position and attitude of the suspended element from an infrared optical system. The …

Measurement Of Thermal-Energy Charge-Transfer Rate Coefficient Of Mo6+ And Argon, Victor H.S. Kwong, Z. Fang, Yingtao Jiang, T. T. Gibbons, L. D. Gardner

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

The charge-transfer rate coefficient of Mo6+ and argon has been measured at mean ion energies of 8.8 and 1.4 eV using a laser-ablation ion source and an ion trap. The rate coefficient deduced from these measurements is 1.02(0.10)×10-10 cm3 s-1 and appears to be independent of the mean ion energy at this energy range. However, the measured value is an order of magnitude smaller than the Langevin rate coefficient.

Neural Network Based Vowel Articulation Training Aid For The Deaf, Andrew E. Beck

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Teaching the hearing-impaired to speak is both a challenging and rewarding task. Computer-based training aids are valuable teaching tools and complement the speech therapist in the speech training process. We have developed a computer based vowel articulation training aid designed to provide visual feedback for vowel production to the hearing-impaired user. This system transforms speech spectra from a multi-dimensional acoustic space to a two-dimensional phonetic space which is displayed on a computer monitor. The system signal processing includes feature extraction designed to mimic the properties of the human ear, and a transformation to a two-dimensional display space. The dimensionality transformation …

Integrated Control Of Thermally Distorted Large Space Antennas, Robert H. Tolson

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Studies on controlling the thermal distortion of large space antennae have generally investigated a single orbital position and have optimized actuator locations based on minimizing the RMS surface deviation from the original parabolic shape. One study showed the benefits of directly using far zone electric field characteristics as the performance measure; but, this approach resulted in a nonlinear programming problem. The objective of the current study is to develop an approach to designing a control system that (1) recognizes the time dependence of the distortion and (2) controls variables that are directly related to far field performance in a quadratic …

Measurement Of Thermal Noise In Condenser Microphones In A Vacuum-Isolation Vessel, Kim Chi Thi Ngo

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The electrical noise generated by thermal agitation of the air molecules impinging upon the membrane of a condenser microphone and from its associated preamplifier has been studied analytically and experimentally over a wide bandwidth. These background noise levels constitute one of the most important specifications of a microphone for they determine the lowest sound pressure that can be detected. Therefore, a new method for measuring the thermal agitation noise within a bandwidth of 1-25600 Hz has been developed. The theoretical and experimental measurements of thermal agitation noise in a condenser microphone by enclosing the microphone in a vessel which is …

Coke Oven Emissions: A Case Study Of Technology-Based Regulation, John D. Graham, David R. Holtgrave

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

After examining and analyzing the experience with coke ovens, the authors conclude that attempts to force technology beyond its demonstrated competence can be both expensive and ineffective in controlling hazards. They also suggest implications for pending proposals to further control air pollution.

Effect Of Viscoplastic Flow Rules On The Initiation And Growth Of Shear Bands At High Strain Rates, R. C. Batra, Chang-Soo Kim

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Marchand and Duffy have reported detailed measurements of the temperature and strain as a shear band develops in a HY-100 steel. Assuming their torsional tests in thin-wall tubes can be adequately modeled by a viscoplastic block undergoing overall adiabatic simple shearing deformations, we investigate the effect of modeling the viscoplastic response of the material by a.power law, and flow rules proposed by Litonski, Bodner and Partom, and Johnson and Cook. Each of these flow rules is first calibrated by using the test data at a nominal strain-rate of 3300 s-1. Then predictions from the use of these flow rules at …

Feasibility Study Of Maine's Small Hydropower Potential, James D. Sysko

Maine Collection

Feasibility Study of Maine's Small Hydropower Potential

Prepared by James D. Sysko, Small Hydro East, for the Maine State Planning Office, Maine Office of Energy Resources, January 1989.

"This study focuses on finding potential hydropower sites of approximately 50 kw to 1000 kw in capacity."

Electric Power Transmission & Purchases : Report Of A Study By The Joint Standing Committee On Utilities, 112th Maine Legislature, Maine. Legislature. Joint Standing Committee On Utilities

Maine Collection

Electric Power Transmission & Purchases : Report Of a Study By the Joint Standing Committee on Utilities, 112th Maine Legislature

Maine Legislature. Joint Standing Committee on Utilities.

Augusta, Maine (December 2, 1986).

Contents: Introduction / Issues & Recommendations / Review of 1986 Legislation / Maine's Electric Power Picture / Technical Analysis of Transmission & Wheeling / Economic Implications of Transmission & Wheeling /. Legals Analysis of Transmission & Wheeling / Proposed Legislation / Appendices / Tables & Figures

Maine Yankee Shutdown Assessment: A Report To Governor Joseph E. Brennan, Maine State Planning Office

Maine Collection

Maine Yankee Shutdown Assessment: A Report to Governor Joseph E. Brennan

Maine State Planning Office, Maine Office of Energy Resources, Maine Public Advocate

Executive Department - May 1986

Contents: Legal Process / Decommissioning Constraints and Costs / Public and Economic Costs and Benefits / Apprendices

Electronic Control Of Electric Motors, Armando Castillo

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the theoretical information on electronic control of electric motors as well as the current state-of-the-art on this topic. It was also intended to carry out some of the experimental circuits discussed, for future instructional situations.

Design Of Multivariable Feedback Control Systems Via Spectral Assignment, Mohsen Marefat

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

During the past 15 year s significant advances have been made towards developing viable synthesis- techniques for multivariable feedback control systems. The entire aggregate of this theoretical work has been reviewed and consolidated. Diverse notations have been standardized into a single system. A two-step design philosophy for spectral assignment has been developed which first meets stability and time response requirements by assigning eigenvalues and eigenvector s and then provides for attainment of secondary objectives without significant deviation from the initial assignment. Finally, a computer-aided design package has been created to streamline the process of mathematical calculation and to allow users …

Fundy Tidal Power Development : Preliminary Evaluation Of Its Environmental Consequences To The Resources Of The State Of Maine, Bigelow Laboratory For Ocean Sciences

Maine Collection

Fundy Tidal Power Development : Preliminary Evaluation of Its Environmental Consequences to the Resources of the State of Maine

A Report to the Maine State Planning Office by the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, April, 1984.

"Technical Report No. 35 - Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine - A Division of Northeastern Research Foundation, Inc."

Contents: Executive Summary / Introduction / Methods / Physical and Biological Consequences / Socio-Economic Consequences / Research Needs / Bibliography / Appendix I. Written Comments on Greenberg Model

The Development Of A Microprocessor Controlled Linearly Actuated Valve Assembly, Raymond H. Wall

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The development of a proportional fluid control valve/assembly is presented. This electro-mechanical system is needed for space applications to replace the current proportional flow controllers that use bulky hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems. The flow is controlled by a microprocessor system that monitors the control parameters of upstream pressure and requested volumetric flow rate. The microprocessor achieves the ·proper valve stem displacement by means of a digital linear actuator. A linear displacement sensor is used to measure the valve stem position. 'Ibis displacement is monitored by the microprocessor system as a feedback signal to close the control loop. With an …

Saving Energy In Rural Maine : Or Who's Doing What On The Farm, Mane Department Of Agriculture

Maine Collection

Saving Energy In Rural Maine : Or Who's Doing What on the Farm

Compiled by Bettina M. Blanchard and Edited by Bill Seekins.

Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Division of Resources Development, Augusta, Maine, 1983.

Contents: List of Photographs and Diagrams / Introduction / Projects / 1. Wind / 2. Wood Heat Applications On the Farm / 3. Solar Applications / 4. Manure Handling and Waste Utilization / 5. Energy Efficient Cooling Methods / 6. Energy Saving In Field Operations / 7. Production and Use of Alternative Fuels / 8. Multi-Project Sites / Summary and Conclusions / …

Reduction Of Capacitor Switching Transients By Controlled Closing, John Herman Brunke

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis presents the theory, analysis, testing and implementation of a scheme to reduce shunt compensation capacitor switching transients. The described method is switch the capacitors very near the instant when the bus voltage is at a power frequency zero. This was accomplished with a vacuum breaker on a 230 kV shunt capacitor bank.

Some Facts And Prospects For The Establishment Of Television Broadcasts In Mainland Tanzania, H. R. Mgombelo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Abstract

The Economics Of Solar Water Heaters : A Guide For Evaluating The Cost-Effectiveness Of Active Solar Water Heating Systems In Maine, Maine Office Of Energy Resources

Maine Collection

The Economics of Solar Water Heaters : A Guide for Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Active Solar Water Heating Systems in Maine

State of Maine, Executive Department, Office of Energy Resources,

Augusta, Maine (July, 1979).

Contents: Section I: Introduction / Section II: Economic Method: The Life Cycle Cost Analysis / Section III: Factors Affecting the Decision to Buy / Section IV: Explanation of the Tables / Table I - Table IIIA

Design And Operational Characteristics Of A Retrofit Solar Heating System, D. J. Wetteroff, Bassem F. Armaly

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The construction and the operation of a retrofit solar assisted space heating system are described. Performance characteristics of each component were measured and used to estimate the contribution of solar energy to the yearly space heating energy requirements.

4th Annual Umr-Dnr Conference On Energy -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

No abstract provided.

Heat Recovery Devices For Building Hvac Systems, Ronald H. Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr.

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The opportunities and advantages of air-to-air heat recovery are described. The five basic types (rotary regenerative, coil loop run around, open run-around, heat pipe, and plate type) are described and their typical performance is presented. The potential savings in operating costs as well as initial equipment costs for common applications are presented.

A Solar Energy System For Space Heating And Space Cooling, Thomas J. Mcnamara

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

To help reduce natural gas and electrical operating costs, a retrofit space heating and space cooling solar energy system is integrated into the existing conventional heating and air handling systems serving the exhibit spaces. This installation would not only provide substantial energy cost savings to the Museum, but it would also provide a means of showing and explaining the operation of an actual working solar energy system to the large number of daily visitors to the Museum. This report explains the design, operation and performance of this solar energy system.

An Annotated Bibliography Of Ocs Documents In Maine, Maine State Planning Office

Maine Collection

An Annotated Bibliography of OCS Documents in Maine

Outer Continental Shelf Memorandum 1

Compiled by Edward H. Shenton & Charles S. Colgan

Maine Coastal Program, Maine State Planning Office, Augusta, Maine, 1977.

Contents: 1. Introduction / 2. OCS - General / 3. OCS - Federal Regulations / 4. Economic Aspects / 5. Environmental Studies / 6. Oil Spills - Effects and Studies / 7. Onshore Effects / 8. The North Sea Experience / 9. Legal Aspects / 10. Petroleum Drilling Technology

Ua64/3 Readout, Wku Industrial Education & Technology

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter includes articles:

• Renovation of Industrial Education Building Nearing Completion
• Tomazic, Norman. Basic Industrial Education: Futures Oriented "Sabre-toothed" Curriculum?
• Conley, Franklin. Comments re: departmental news
• New Electricity / Electronics Facilities
• WKU Student Receives KIEA Scholarship, Bonnie Thomerson
• Zax, Carol. Communication & Interaction
• Pittman, Frank. Guitars, Guitars, Guitars re: Hascal Haile
• IE&T One-Liners
• Walter Nalbach Scholarship Fund

Ua64/3 Readout, Wku Industrial Education & Technology

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter includes articles:

• Construction Complete on Environemental Science & Technology Building
• Wendt, Donald. Some Reflections on teh Kentucky Industrial Education Association
• Tomazic, Norman. Technology Assessment A Step Toward a Humanized Technology
• Frank Pittman has Individualized Course Published
• Lowrey, H.J. Industrial Arts in a Changing Society
• H.B. Clark
• Growing Interest, re: Architectural Drafting
• Old Building Begins Renovation
• Walter Nalbach: Craftsman at Home

3rd Annual Umr-Mec Conference On Energy -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

No abstract provided.

The Energy Conservation Implications Of Master Metering Of Electric Service In Apartments, Gordon Gross

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A study has been made of the difference in electricity usage between residents of "Electricity included" apartments and those tenants who pay individual "light bills." The factors which influence owners' and builders' choices of metering service are discussed in detail.

Data taken from over 100 apartment buildings or complexes in 10 major U.S. metropolitan areas and from over 50 major electric power companies are used as the basis for the reported results. Contractors estimates of the costs to convert building service from master to individual meter and some bases for these costs are presented.

The energy conservation potential which might …

A Vehicle For Improving Energy Management For Business And Industry, Herbert M. Eckerlin, Albert S. Boyers

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A new technical assistance program focusing on the area of energy management has been developed by North Carolina State University for business and industry. This paper describes the operation of the program and presents some typical recommendations made to industry. The impact of the energy crisis on small industry is discussed and future plans for addressing this problem are presented.

Ways To Reduce Peak Electrical Demand In South Louisiana, S. J. Gold, M. D. Bakewell, G. E. Guidry, E. F. Lewis, L. J. Naquin, B. P. Whitney

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This study analyses alternatives for coping with the peak electrical demand of hot summer afternoons. Economic and Political aspects, as well as technical feasibility, are included. It is concluded that South Louisiana may indeed be able to trim peak demand to 5% below what is anticipated by 1980 , thus making one of the coal fired stations scheduled then unnecessary. However, the contingencies (Natural Gas Shortage, Another Oil Embargo) would make a coal-fired station very desirable.

The Impact Of Direct Coupling Of Solar Cell Arrays To Electric Power Networks, Adel H. Eltimsahy, Fernando L. Alvarado, Thomas W. Boyd

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper has to do with a preliminary investigation of the economic impact of solar cells when directly coupled to a conventional three-phase power network in the Toledo area.

A correlation is established between power system demand curves and solar insolation data in the Toledo area using computer simulation. The correlation studies determine how successfully solar cell/inverter systems can alleviate the power system demand during peak hours. They also show how much solar cell area will be needed to cause a significant impact on the power generating system.

Using computer simulation the initial cost of the solar cell/inverter is compared …