Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Comparison Of Digital Controllers Used In Magnetic Suspension And Balance Systems, William Allen Kilgore

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Dynamic systems that were once controlled by analog circuits are now controlled by digital computers. Presented is a comparison of the digital controllers presently used with magnetic suspension and balance systems. The overall response of the systems are compared using a computer simulation of the magnetic suspension and balance system and the digital controllers. The comparisons include responses to both simulated force and position inputs. A preferred digital controller is determined from the simulated responses.

Application Of Shape Sensitivity Analysis For Computation Of Transient Free-Surface Flows, Frank Nicolas Michel

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Shape sensitivity analysis is introduced into a numerical scheme simulating a transient free-surface flow and applied to the case of a fluid advancing through a bed of cylinders. For this incompressible Newtonian flow, viscous forces are dominant. A penalty function finite element formulation is used to solve the problem. Coordinates of nodes on the moving boundary are chosen as design variables and an analytical formulation of the gradient of the finite element algebraic system, with respect to these variables, is derived.

In a numerical example, the results obtained with and without sensitivity analysis are compared. The efficiency and accuracy of …

Investigating The Method Of Structural Topological Variations For Sensitivity Analysis And Design Optimization, Niki A. Mehta

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The method of structural topological variations is a newly developed technique for analysis of frame structures. It provides a novel method that completely avoids formulating and solving simultaneous equations, required in the finite element displacement method. The principal objective of this thesis is to investigate the method of topological variations as a possible design tool and study its applicability in the sensitivity analysis and in the process of design optimization.

A computer code was developed for this method to obtain its comparative performance against the finite element displacement method. For analysis of large structures involving frequent local modifications, the method …

Global/Local Stress Analysis Of Composite Structures, Jonathan B. Ransom

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A method for performing a global/local stress analysis is described and its capabilities are demonstrated. The method employs spline interpolation functions which satisfy the linear plate bending equation to determine displacements and rotations from a global model which are used as "boundary conditions" for the local model. Then, the local model is analyzed independent of the global model of the structure. This approach can be used to determine local, detailed stress states for specific structural regions using independent, refined local models which exploit information from less-refined global models. The method presented is not restricted to having a priori knowledge of …

Explicit And Implicit Calculations Of Turbulent Cavity Flows With And Without Yaw Angle, Guan-Wei Yen

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Computations have been performed to simulate turbulent supersonic flows past three-dimensional deep cavities with and without yaw. Simulation of these self-sustained oscillatory flows have been generated through time accurate solutions of the Reynolds averaged complete Navier-Stokes equations using two different schemes: (1) MacCormack, finite-difference, (2) implicit, upwind, finite-volume schemes. The second scheme, which is approximately 30% faster, is found to produce better time accurate results. The Reynolds stresses have been modeled, using the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic turbulence model with certain modifications. The computational results include instantaneous and time averaged flow properties everywhere in the computational domain. Time series analyses have been …

A Reiner-Rivlin Fluid Flow Through Entrance Region Of A Circular Pipe, V. G. Masanja

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The flow of a Reiner-Rivlin fluid with two viscosity coefficients through the entrance region of a circular pipe has been studied numerically. In particular the growth of the entrance length as a function of the Reynolds number and the non-Newtonian parameters has been examined. Where comparison could be made, the results have been compared with existing experimental -and numerical data as well as the limited theoretical work available.

The Effects Of Nonlinearities On The Optimal Design Of Forced Vibrating Beams, Cheryl Celestine Jackson

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The optimal design of a beam under harmonic excitations is formulated and solved numerically for linear and nonlinear forced vibration theories. The beam has a nonuniform cross-sect ion, whose thickness can change during the optimization procedure. Based on the numerical results, for the given input frequency range, the linear vibration theory produces a more conservative design than the nonlinear vibration theory.

The analytical formulation for both theories is presented. For the linear case, a mean case is defined for the self-weight on a beam, and an alternating case is defined for input forcing frequencies which cause fatigue variations on a …

The Effect Of Elastic Boundary Conditions On The Dynamic Response Of Rectangular Plates, Terry K. Brewer

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Natural frequencies and forced steady-state harmonic response for the vibration of uniform rectangular plates with edges elastically restrained against rotation and transverse translation are addressed. A single mode Rayleigh-Ritz solution is derived using functions that describe the normal modes of vibration of a beam whose ends are elastically restrained. The finite element solution is obtained for comparison. MACSYMA symbolic manipulation system is implemented as an aid to the mathematical rigor of the Ritz approach and NASTRAN finite element code is used to model the mechanical system. Comparisons are made to published results and the solutions of this study are found …

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 …

Eigenvalue And Eigenvector Design Sensitivity Analysis For Nonlinear Beam Vibrations, Jian-Zhong Yuan

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A beam with immovable ends under large amplitude oscillations is axially subjected to an amplitude-dependent stretching force which is induced by the geometrical nonlinearity. The design sensitivity analysis for such a beam is investigated in this study.

Two variational formulations based on different approximations of nonlinear stretching force are studied firstly. The analytical equations of design sensitivity analysis for these nonlinear eigenproblems are then derived. Finally, a computational scheme using finite element method is developed to calculate the design sensitivity derivatives of the eigenvalue and eigenvector numerically. Numerical examples associated with the nonlinear eigenvalue and eigenvector analysis, as well as …

Structural Self-Shadowing And Its Effects On The Thermal-Structural Behavior Of Orbiting Trusses, Jack Mahaney

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The determination of structural shadowing is described. The computation of environmental heat loads for slender structural members in earth orbit is described, and two methods for finite element thermal analysis are described . The effects of self-shadowing on the thermal structural behavior of single truss members and two different trusses are presented. In each case the shadowing produces a noticeable effect on the temperature distributions on truss members, and on the deformations of the trusses.

Analysis And Optimal Design Of Wind Tunnel Balances, Sung-Ling Twu

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The problem of finding the optimal cross-sectional shape of the elastic cage in wind tunnel balance is formulated and solved numerically. A mathematical model to implement the boundary condition associated with the elastic rigid connection into the finite element method is discussed. Numerical results show that the rigid connection at the end of the elastic cage has significant effect on the stress distribution.

The finite dimensional approach for a three dimensional design sensitivity analysis is derived. Using both the free and rigid boundary conditions, numerical examples are performed and comparisons of the accuracy of design sensitivity analysis between the proposed …

Microcomputer Based Digital Image Processing System Developed To Count And Size Laser-Generated Small Particle Images, K. D. Ahlers, D. R. Alexander

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

A microcomputer-based digital image processing system has been developed to count and size laser-generated small particle images. Processing rates of 5 to 600 frames per minute were achieved by utilizing a real-time digital image processor. Particles from 7 to 700 µm in the plane of focus were counted and sized. A major emphasis in this work was to determine the basic problems and limitations involved with using a digital image processing scheme to accurately size particles. Areas that were investigated include the effect of the threshold level on measured particle size, particle boundary diffraction gray-level gradients, and geometric nonlinearities introduced …

Shape Optimization For Elastic Hollow Bars In Torsion, Jahau Lewis Chen

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The problem of finding optimal cross-sectional shapes of elastic hollow bars in torsion is formulated and solved numerically. A variational formulation for the state equation is presented, and the material derivative of continuum mechanics is used for the shape design sensitivity analysis. Performance criteria include the bending stiffness, the torsional rigidity, and the weight of the bar. The existence of a keyway, an example of geometric irregularity, can be considered as well. The material can be either isotropic or anisotropic. The finite element method is used for the numerical solution of the variational state equation and is integrated into an …

Design Of A Combustion System Simulating Waste Heat Recovery From Diesel Engine Exhaust Gases, Nikolaos Papadopoulos

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A forced-draft laboratory combustion system simulating diesel engine exhaust gas volume flow rate and temperature conditions for waste energy recovery is analyzed and discussed. The system consists of a fan which supplies the air. The slightly compressed air is then ducted through a combustor where it is heated, and then to an air-quencher where it is cooled to a desired temperature. Finally, the air is sent through a heat exchanger, after a diffuser process, for waste heat recovery.

A gas dynamic analysis has been performed for each component part as well as a parametric study via a computer program in …

Domestic Water Heating With Microwave Radiation, Dan Lynn Merchant

Graduate Research Papers

Purpose of the Study

1. To determine if microwave radiation can be safely employed in a domestic water heating system.

2. To determine if microwave radiation can be efficiently and economically employed in a domestic water heating system.

3. To determine if microwave radiation can be effectively employed in a domestic water heating system.

Application Of Least-Squares Method To The Determination Of Orthotropic Elastic And Photoelastic Constants, R. G. Chermahini

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A least-squares technique is developed in matrix form to determine orthotropic elastic and photoelastic constants. Orthotropic elastic constants are determined by mounting strain gages on a half-plane specimen which is subjected to a compressive concentrated force. Strain values corresponding to a 1000 lb load and coordinates of the points where the gages are located are used as input data to the governing equation of orthotropic elasticity for the model under consideration. Orthotropic photoelastic constants are determined using a transparent composite half-plane model which is subjected to a concentrated load. Photoelastic constants are determined using the coordinates of selected point on …

Photoelastic Investigation Of Load Transfer In Eccentrically Loaded Single Lap Joints, Stephen Antrim Hann

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Photoelastic models of three eccentrically loaded single lap joints were analyzed. The adherends of each joint were identical and the bondlines differed in thickness and material properties. The adherends were analyzed for both cylindrical plate behavior and geometrical nonlinearity and the load transfer efficiency was examined. For all three models it was found that over 98% of the shank behaves as a cylindrical plate and that a geometrically nonlinear analysis yields bending stresses substantially lower than a linear analysis and that a relatively thick, low modulus bondline can increase load transfer efficiency.

An Apparatus For Measuring The Thermal Conductivity Of Cast Insulation Materials, Christine A. Wilkins, Robert L. Ash

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

A steady-state apparatus has been developed for measuring the thermal conductivity of cast materials. The design has employed a novel thermal symmetry arrangement which can permit total electrical isolation of the test material from its surroundings. © 1980 American Institute of Physics

The Efficiency Of A Two-Edged Tool And Its Improvement, J. R. Masuha

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Abstract

Steel Making In Port Talbot Works Of British Steel Corporation, S. P. Mosha

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Abstract

Effect Of Compliant Wall Motion On Turbulent Boundary Layers, Dennis M. Bushness, Jerry N. Hefner, Robert L. Ash

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

A critical analysis of available compliant wall data which indicated drag reduction under turbulent boundary layers is presented. Detailed structural dynamic calculations suggest that the surfaces responded in a resonant, rather than a compliant, manner. Alternate explanations are given for drag reductions observed in two classes of experiments: (1) flexible pipe flows and (2) water-backed membranes in air. Analysis indicates that the wall motion for the remaining data is typified by short wavelengths in agreement with the requirements of a possible compliant wall drag reduction mechanism recently suggested by Langley. Copyright © 1977 American Institute of Physics.

Ua64/3 Readout, Wku Industrial Education & Technology

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter includes articles:

• New Departmental Programs
• Crisp, Jeff. Vocational-Industrial & Technical Teacher Education CBTE Project
• Lyons, Jerry. Not a Dirty Word, re productivity
• Conley, Frank. Comment, re: scholarships
• Dye, Wandel. Airbrush Rendering
• Student Chapter of SME Formed
• New Equipment Inventory
• Nalbach Demonstration Highlights Semester
• Environmental Science & Technology Building
• Industrial Technology Lecture Series

Dynamics Of Explosion Remnants In Earth-Orbits, Joseph T. Fuss

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Explosions in space produce particles that are hazardous to space vehicles. Some of these particles are not trackable and their locations must be predicted by dynamical methods.

This investigation sheds light on three different, areas, First, ignoring perturbations, the characteristics of a three dimensional envelope outlined by the sum of individual particle orbits is determined, Second, the distribution of the particles is found as a function of time, Finally, the movement, of the body via secular perturbations is investigated. Magnitudes of the explosion, the point of. detonation in the parent satellite's orbit, and the radius of perigee of the parent …

Ua64/3 Readout, Wku Industrial Education & Technology

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter includes the following articles:

• Environmental Science & Technology Building
• Redrup, Donald. A Philosophy of Industrial Arts - ?
• Conley, Franklin. A Comment, re: energy crisis
• Bywaters, Gary. Student vs Faculty Sports
• Redrup, Donald. Department Possesses EDM Capability
• Craftsman and Guitar Genuis Speaks, re: Hascal haile
• Bochan, John. Computer Controlled Machinery at WKU
• Bywaters, Gary. Western Wins at KIEA
• Mr. Walter Nalbach Honored.

Forming Of 7075-T6 Aluminum In High Pressure Environments, Richard L. Pendleton, Robert L. Davis

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Plates of 7075-T6 Aluminum have been folded along a major axis in pressure environments of atmospheric, 20,000 psi, and 40,000 psi. A finite element computer program is used to determine the stress state in the plates at various loads. Tension and compression tests conducted in pressure environments up to 70,000 psi were used to construct models using effective stress, effective strain, and pressure as parameters to predict the behavior of the material under various stress conditions. A prediction of the occurrence of fracture in the folded plate was possible using the computer results and the pressure dependent model. As better …

Australian Tractor Test Report No. 58 : Massey-Ferguson 165, G H. Vasey, W. T. Brown

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE Massey-Ferguson 165 is a general purpose farm tractor. The test tractor gave 50 drawbar h.p. with 59 h.p. at the P.T.O. at rated engine speed it comes within Class 5 of the Australian Standard Classification of Wheeled Tractors for Agricultural Purposes, AS Dl 0-1967. It is equipped with 18.4 x 28 in. pneumatic tyres. It has a threespeed gear box with a ratio change giving 6 forward and reverse speeds.

Australian Tractor Test Report No. 55 : Nuffield 4/65, G H. Vasey, W. F. Baillie

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE Nuffield 4/65 is a general purpose farm tractor of 49 drawbar horsepower.

With 54 h.p. at the P.T.O. at rated engine speed it comes within Class 5 of the Australian Standard Classification of Wheeled Tractors for Agricultural Purposes, AS D10-1967. I t is equipped with 18.4 x 30 pneumatic tyres.

It has a five speed gear box with a High and Low ratio change giving 10 forward and 2 reverse speeds.

Australian Tractor Test Report No. 49 : Mccormick International 624, G H. Vasey, W. F. Baillie

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

AUSTRALIAN TRACTOR TEST REPORT

No. 49 - McCORMICK INTERNATIONAL 624

Siphon Tubes For Furrow Irrigation In The Kimberleys, K S. Cole

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Irrigation soils in the Ord River area have a high clay content and erode easily under the influence of running water.

To overcome the problem of erosion in cuts between the head channels and irrigation furrows polythene siphon tubes have been found the most satisfactory.

In this article K. S. Cole, B.Sc. (Agric), Agricultural Adviser, Kununurra, describes the use of siphon tubes for furrow irrigation in the Kimberleys.