Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Molecular Modeling Of Epon 862-Detda / Carbon Composites, Cameron Hadden

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The thermoset epoxy resin EPON 862, coupled with the DETDA hardening agent, are utilized as the polymer matrix component in many graphite (carbon fiber) composites. Because it is difficult to experimentally characterize the interfacial region, computational molecular modeling is a necessary tool for understanding the influence of the interfacial molecular structure on bulk-level material properties. The purpose of this research is to investigate the many possible variables that may influence the interfacial structure and the effect they will have on the mechanical behavior of the bulk level composite. Molecular models are established for EPON 862-DETDA polymer in the presence of …

Mechanical Impedance Of Ankle As A Function Of Electromyography Signals Of Lower Leg Muscles Using Artificial Neural Network, Chen Jia

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

This paper reports on the feasibility of developing a model to describe the nonlinear relationship between the mechanical impedance of the human ankle within a specified range of frequency and the root mean square (RMS) value of the Electromyography (EMG) signals of the muscles of human ankle using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). A lower extremity rehabilitation robot — Anklebot was used to apply pseudo-random mechanical perturbations to the ankle and measure the angular displacement of the ankle to estimate the data of ankle mechanical impedance. Meanwhile, the surface EMG signals from the selected muscles were monitored and recorded using a …

Modeling Of Biomass Torrefaction And Pyrolysis And Its Applications, Jordan L. Klinger

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Utilizing biomass provides a possible near-term alternative solution for fossil energy dependence in both electricity generation and transportation. Though thermochemical conversion can produce solid/liquid fuels that are compatible in existing infrastructure, detailed scientific chemical and mechanistic understanding are still being developed. In contribution to these efforts, this work is focused on development of a semiempirical, lumped parameter, chemical kinetic model to describe the degradation of woody biomass.

The initial kinetic model was developed in the torrefaction region to describe the gas-phase evolution of products (water, organic acids, permanent gases, and furfural) through a three consecutive reaction model. In this model, …

Development And Operation Of A Mobile Test Facility For Education, Christopher Davis

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The automotive industry saw a large shift towards vehicle electrification after the turn of the century. It became necessary to ensure that new and existing engineers were qualified to design and calibrate these new systems. To ensure this training, Michigan Tech received a grant to develop a curriculum based around vehicle electrification. As part of this agenda, the Michigan Tech Mobile Laboratory was developed to provide hands-on training for professional engineers and technicians in hybrid electric vehicles and vehicle electrification. The Mobile Lab has since then increased the scope of the delivered curriculum to include other automotive areas and even …

Spacecraft Attitude Control Using Magnetic Actuators, Karthik Mysore Srinivasa

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

This report presents a study on the problem of spacecraft attitude control using magnetic actuators. Several existing approaches are reviewed and one control strategy is implemented and simulated. A time-varying feedback control law achieving inertial pointing for magnetically actuated spacecraft is implemented. The report explains the modeling of the spacecraft rigid body dynamics, kinematics and attitude control in detail.

Besides the fact that control laws have been established for stabilization around local equilibrium, this report presents the results of a control law that yields a generic, global solution for attitude stabilization of a magnetically actuated spacecraft. The report also involves …

Optical Access Engine Setup And Validation, Jiongxun (Justin) Zhang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The optical access engine integrated with the diagnostic and optical measurement techniques is a great platform for engine research because it provides clear visual access to the combustion chamber inside the engines. An optical access engine customized based on a 4-cylinder spark ignited direct injection (SIDI) production engine is located in the Advanced Power Systems Laboratories (APS LABS) at Michigan Technological University. This optical access engine inside the test cell has been set up for different engine research.

In this report, two SAE papers in engine research utilizing the optical access engine are reviewed to gain basic understanding of the …

Development And Validation Of A Radtherm Model To Predict Exhaust System Behavior For A Hybrid Xm1124 Hmmwv, Souman Haldar

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Accurately predicting component temperatures, and the influence various subsystems have on each other prior to hardware development and testing is an important aspect of the vehicle development process. In this report, a 1-D thermal model is used for predicting the behavior of the exhaust system and underbody area of prototype Hybrid Electric HMMWV XM1124. This prototype vehicle is designed to be capable of exporting up to 15 kW of electrical power to a micro-grid or similar operation. However, in this project instead of exporting power to a micro-grid, 6.5 kW of power was used to charge the batteries and increase …

Modelling And Control Of Combustion Phasing Of An Rcci Engine, Kaveh Khodadadi Sadabadi

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) is a novel combustion strategy introduced to achieve near-zero NOx and soot emissions while maintaining diesel-like efficiencies. Meanwhile, precise control of combustion phasing is a key in realization of high fuel conversion efficiency as well as meeting stringent emission standards. Model-based control of RCCI combustion phasing is a great tool for real-time control during transient operation of the engine, which requires a computationally efficient combustion model that encompasses factors such as, injection timings, fuel blend composition and reactivity. In this thesis, physics-based models are developed to predict the combustion metrics of an RCCI engine. A …

Structural Analysis Of Integration Of A Non-Cylindrical Cng Fuel Tank, Prathamesh Prashant Deshpande

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The purpose of this study is to computationally model and analyze the vehicle frame which is mounted with a non-conventional, non-cylindrical compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tank. Integration of this tank in the vehicle underbody will resolve the issue of reduced storage space which is observed in a conventional CNG powered vehicle. This research will ultimately result in making CNG a good alternative to gasoline and reducing the increasing dependency on a single fuel. This tank will be developed in two phases: phase I design of the tank will be a standard rectangular outer box shape with Schwarz P-surface inner …

Electrophoretic Deposition Of Gallium With High Deposition Rate, Hanfei Zhang, Yiping Mao, Sunand Santhanagopalan, Dennis Desheng Meng

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

In this work, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is reported to form gallium thin film with high deposition rate and low cost while avoiding the highly toxic chemicals typically used in electroplating. A maximum deposition rate of ~0.6 μm/min, almost one order of magnitude higher than the typical value reported for electroplating, is obtained when employing a set of proper deposition parameters. The thickness of the film is shown to increase with deposition time when sequential deposition is employed. The concentration of Mg(NO₃)₂, the charging salt, is also found to be a critical factor to control the deposition …

Me-Em Enewsbrief, December 2014, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Modification Of A Single-Molecule Afm Probe With Highly Defined Surface Functionality, Fei Long, Bin Cao, Ashok Khanal, Shiyue Fang, Reza Shahbazian-Yassar

Michigan Tech Publications

Single-molecule force spectroscopy with an atomic force microscope has been widely used to study inter- and intramolecular interactions. To obtain data consistent with single molecular events, a well-defined method is critical to limit the number of molecules at the apex of an AFM probe to one or to a few. In this paper, we demonstrate an easy method for single-molecule probe modification by using the Cu-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition reaction. Excess terminal alkynes were covalently attached to the probe, and a bi-functional molecule containing an azide at one end and a carboxylic acid at the other was dissolved in the reaction …

Recent Advances In The Field Of Bionanotechnology: An Insight Into Optoelectric Bacteriorhodopsin, Quantum Dots, And Noble Metal Nanoclusters, Christopher Knoblauch, Mark Griep, Craig Friedrich

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Molecular sensors and molecular electronics are a major component of a recent research area known as bionanotechnology, which merges biology with nanotechnology. This new class of biosensors and bioelectronics has been a subject of intense research over the past decade and has found application in a wide variety of fields. The unique characteristics of these biomolecular transduction systems has been utilized in applications ranging from solar cells and single-electron transistors (SETs) to fluorescent sensors capable of sensitive and selective detection of a wide variety of targets, both organic and inorganic. This review will discuss three major systems in the area …

Me-Em Enewsbrief, September 2014, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Me-Em Enewsbrief, June 2014, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Me-Em Enewsbrief, March 2014, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Anti-Icing Coatings And Methods, Russell G. Alger

Michigan Tech Patents

A method of inhibiting or preventing bonding between snow or ice and a substrate. The method includes applying an adhesive to the substrate, broadcasting an aggregate onto the adhesive, the aggregate having the capacity to receive an anti-icing chemical into the aggregate, and applying the antiicing chemical onto the aggregate so that at least a portion of the anti-icing chemical is received into at least a portion of the aggregate.

Rapid Space Trajectory Generation Using A Fourier Series Shape-Based Approach, Ehsan Taheri

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

With the insatiable curiosity of human beings to explore the universe and our solar system, it is essential to benefit from larger propulsion capabilities to execute efficient transfers and carry more scientific equipment. In the field of space trajectory optimization the fundamental advances in using low-thrust propulsion and exploiting the multi-body dynamics has played pivotal role in designing efficient space mission trajectories. The former provides larger cumulative momentum change in comparison with the conventional chemical propulsion whereas the latter results in almost ballistic trajectories with negligible amount of propellant. However, the problem of space trajectory design translates into an optimal …

Water Transport Through Porous Media And In Flow Channels Of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, Mehdi Mortazavi

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell has been known as a promising power source for different applications such as automotive, residential and stationary. During the operation of a PEM fuel cell, hydrogen is oxidized in anode and oxygen is reduced in the cathode to produce the intended power. Water and heat are inevitable byproducts of these reactions. The water produced in the cathode should be properly removed from inside the cell. Otherwise, it may block the path of reactants passing through the gas channels and/or gas diffusion layer (GDL). This deteriorates the performance of the cell and eventually can cease …

Me-Em 2013-14 Annual Report, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Annual Reports

Table of Contents

• Human-Centered Engineering
• Enrollment & Degrees
• Graduates
• Faculty & Staff
• Alumni
• Donors
• Contracts & Grants
• Patents & Publications

Modeling Of Transfer Path For Determination Of Combustion And Noise Metrics On Diesel Engines, Libin Jia

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Determination of combustion metrics for a diesel engine has the potential of providing feedback for closed-loop combustion phasing control to meet current and upcoming emission and fuel consumption regulations. This thesis focused on the estimation of combustion metrics including start of combustion (SOC), crank angle location of 50% cumulative heat release (CA50), peak pressure crank angle location (PPCL), and peak pressure amplitude (PPA), peak apparent heat release rate crank angle location (PACL), mean absolute pressure error (MAPE), and peak apparent heat release rate amplitude (PAA). In-cylinder pressure has been used in the laboratory as the primary mechanism for characterization of …

An Assessment Of Flow Regime Maps And A Numerical Heat Transfer Correlation For The Stratified/Annular Regime Of Shear-Driven Internal Condensing Flows, Fnu Nikhil Shankar

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Several modern-day cooling applications require the incorporation of mini/micro-channel shear-driven flow condensers. There are several design challenges that need to be overcome in order to meet those requirements.

The difficulty in developing effective design tools for shear-driven flow condensers is exacerbated due to the lack of a bridge between the physics-based modelling of condensing flows and the current, popular approach based on semi-empirical heat transfer correlations. One of the primary contributors of this disconnect is a lack of understanding caused by the fact that typical heat transfer correlations eliminate the dependence of the heat transfer coefficient on the method of …

An Investigation Of Variable Valve Timing Effects On Hcci Engine Performance, Hrishikesh Abhay Saigaonkar

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine is a promising combustion concept for reducing NO_x and particulate matter (PM) emissions and providing a high thermal efficiency in internal combustion engines. This concept though has limitations in the areas of combustion control and achieving stable combustion at high loads. For HCCI to be a viable option for on-road vehicles, further understanding of its combustion phenomenon and its control are essential. Thus, this thesis has a focus on both the experimental setup of an HCCI engine at Michigan Technological University (MTU) and also developing a physical numerical simulation model called the …

Test-Analysis Model Correlation And Calibration Of A Multi-Component Plastic Part, Steven P. Carter

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The goal of this project is to learn the necessary steps to create a finite element model, which can accurately predict the dynamic response of a Kohler Engines Heavy Duty Air Cleaner (HDAC). This air cleaner is composed of three glass reinforced plastic components and two air filters. Several uncertainties arose in the finite element (FE) model due to the HDAC’s component material properties and assembly conditions. To help understand and mitigate these uncertainties, analytical and experimental modal models were created concurrently to perform a model correlation and calibration. Over the course of the project simple and practical methods were …

Reconciling Function- And Affordance-Based Design, Benjamin T. Ciavola

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Traditional engineering design methods are based on Simon's (1969) use of the concept function, and as such collectively suffer from both theoretical and practical shortcomings. Researchers in the field of affordance-based design have borrowed from ecological psychology in an attempt to address the blind spots of function-based design, developing alternative ontologies and design processes. This dissertation presents function and affordance theory as both compatible and complimentary. We first present a hybrid approach to design for technology change, followed by a reconciliation and integration of function and affordance ontologies for use in design. We explore the integration of a standard function-based …

Improving Startability And Reducing Emissions In Flexfuel Spark Ignition Direct Injection Variable Cam Timing Engine, Vaibhav S. Kale

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Experimental work and analysis was done to investigate engine startup robustness and emissions of a flex-fuel spark ignition (SI) direct injection (DI) engine. The vaporization and other characteristics of ethanol fuel blends present a challenge at engine startup. Strategies to reduce the enrichment requirements for the first engine startup cycle and emissions for the second and third fired cycle at 25°C ± 1°C engine and intake air temperature were investigated.

Research work was conducted on a single cylinder SIDI engine with gasoline and E85 fuels, to study the effect on first fired cycle of engine startup. Piston configurations that included …

Water Access And Maintenance In Karonga, Malawi, Donald A. Norris

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

This report is a case study of how Mwangalala community accesses water and how that access is maintained. Mwangalala community is located in the northern tip of Karonga district in Malawi, Africa. The case study evaluates how close the community is to meeting target 10 of the Millennium Development Goals, sustainable access to safe drinking water, and evaluates the current water system through Human Centered Design’s criteria of desirability, feasibility, and viability. It also makes recommendations to improve water security in Mwangalala community.

Data was collected through two years of immersive observation, interviews with 30 families, and observing two wells …

A Study Of Acoustic Boom Generation Due To Vibro-Acoustic Coupling In Passenger Cars, Mayuresh Pathak

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

This thesis aims at understanding the vibro-acoustic behavior related to vehicle boom in passenger cars. Acoustic boom in the 40 Hz frequency range is studied on a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ model. Impact testing, full vehicle structural and acoustic modal tests are first performed to understand, locate and test the boom phenomenon and the fluid-structure interaction between the vehicle structure and acoustic cavity. Later, different iterations like effect of door cavities, trunk cavity and rear seats are also tested to understand their participation. LMS Test.Lab software is used for data acquisition, processing and analysis of the test results.

Finite Element …

A Backing Device Based On An Embedded Stiffener And Retractable Insertion Tool For Thin-Film Cochlear Arrays, Radheshyam Tewari

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Intracochlear trauma from surgical insertion of bulky electrode arrays and inadequate pitch perception are areas of concern with current hand-assembled commercial cochlear implants. Parylene thin-film arrays with higher electrode densities and lower profiles are a potential solution, but lack rigidity and hence depend on manually fabricated permanently attached polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tubing based bulky backing devices. As a solution, we investigated a new backing device with two sub-systems. The first sub-system is a thin poly(lactic acid) (PLA) stiffener that will be embedded in the parylene array. The second sub-system is an attaching and detaching mechanism, utilizing a poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-block-poly(d,l-lactide) (PVP-b-PDLLA) copolymer-based …

Development Of Confocal Imaging Techniques For Probing Interfacial Dynamics In Microscale, Gas-Liquid, Two-Phase Flow, Joseph E. Hernandez

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Micro-scale, two-phase flow is found in a variety of devices such as Lab-on-a-chip, bio-chips, micro-heat exchangers, and fuel cells. Knowledge of the fluid behavior near the dynamic gas-liquid interface is required for developing accurate predictive models. Light is distorted near a curved gas-liquid interface preventing accurate measurement of interfacial shape and internal liquid velocities. This research focused on the development of experimental methods designed to isolate and probe dynamic liquid films and measure velocity fields near a moving gas-liquid interface. A high-speed, reflectance, swept-field confocal (RSFC) imaging system was developed for imaging near curved surfaces.

Experimental studies of dynamic gas-liquid …