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Missouri University of Science and Technology

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Articles 1441 - 1470 of 2222

Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering

Method Of Improving Weld Quality, P.-C. Wang, Hai-Lung Tsai, R. J. Menassa Jan 2006

Method Of Improving Weld Quality, P.-C. Wang, Hai-Lung Tsai, R. J. Menassa

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A method of improving weld quality between aluminum members by slowing the rate of solidification of a molten weld trough into solidified material. Upper and lower aluminum members are positioned together in contact between facing surfaces thereof to expose a first outer surface of the upper aluminum member to laser irradiation. A welding laser beam is moved in a path over the first outer surface, wherein the welding laser beam has an energy and width to progressively melt a trough of molten metal to a depth through the upper aluminum member and into the lower aluminum member. The molten metal …


A Qualitative Modeling Method For Platform Design, Michael Van Wie, Robert B. Stone, Asli Sahin, Janis Terpenny, Fabrice Alizon, Steve Shooter, Timothy Simpson Dec 2005

A Qualitative Modeling Method For Platform Design, Michael Van Wie, Robert B. Stone, Asli Sahin, Janis Terpenny, Fabrice Alizon, Steve Shooter, Timothy Simpson

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The development of a collection of related products sharing a common platform represents an important approach in modern product design. an ongoing problem is the application of design methods toward a limited set of evolving product data and archived design knowledge to search and explore alternative platform options. with the goal of maximizing the reuse of end item artifacts and supply chain elements, we propose a design modeling method using basic qualitative relationships among relevant performance, design, and noise parameters in the system of interest. by using qualitative models related to multiple levels of design data, the method provides a …


Repeatable Nanostructures In Dielectrics By Femtosecond Laser Pulse Trains, Lan Jiang, Hai-Lung Tsai Oct 2005

Repeatable Nanostructures In Dielectrics By Femtosecond Laser Pulse Trains, Lan Jiang, Hai-Lung Tsai

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Using the plasma model recent developed by the authors, this study predicts the existence of a constant ablation-depth zone with respect to fluence in femtosecond laser ablation of dielectrics, which has also been observed experimentally. It is found that the value of the constant ablation depth is significantly decreased by the pulse train technology. Repeatable nanostructures can be achieved with the parameters in the constant ablation-depth zone of a femtosecond pulse train, even when the laser system is subject to fluctuations in fluences.


Determination Of Dynamic Powder Modeling Parameters Via Optical Methods, Todd E. Sparks, Heng Pan, Frank W. Liou Aug 2005

Determination Of Dynamic Powder Modeling Parameters Via Optical Methods, Todd E. Sparks, Heng Pan, Frank W. Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Dynamic parameters, such as restitution and friction coefficients are important for powder flow simulations of laser based deposition processes. These parameters are difficult to find, especially for industrial metal powders. This paper introduces an optical method for measuring restitution and friction coefficients. The free falling powder flow was illuminated by a laser sheet. In order to obtain particle velocity, streaks proportional to particle velocities was generated by laser pulse obtained by a chopper. Recorded imaged were analyzed to determine particle velocities both before and after various impact conditions as well as impact parameters.


Workpiece Alignment For Hybrid Laser Aided Part Repair Process, Ajay Panackal Padathu, Todd E. Sparks, Frank W. Liou Aug 2005

Workpiece Alignment For Hybrid Laser Aided Part Repair Process, Ajay Panackal Padathu, Todd E. Sparks, Frank W. Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Work piece alignment is a key issue for hybrid laser aided part repair,a process utilizing both machining and laser deposition.Proper alignment can greatly improve the accuracy of the repair process.This paper introduces a method for aligning a physical work piece and a CAD model using a Renis aw touch probe and software tools. Also discussed is a model for computing 5-axis CNC positions based on a desired work piece orientation.


Freeze-Form Extrusion Fabrication Of Ceramics, Tieshu Huang, Michael S. Mason, Greg Hilmas, Ming-Chuan Leu Aug 2005

Freeze-Form Extrusion Fabrication Of Ceramics, Tieshu Huang, Michael S. Mason, Greg Hilmas, Ming-Chuan Leu

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A novel, environmentally friendly solid freeform fabrication method called Freeze-form Extrusion Fabrication (FEF) has been developed for the fabrication of ceramic-based components. The method is based on deposition of ceramic pastes using water as the media. The ceramic solids loading can be 50 vol. % or higher and initial studies have focused on the use of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The FEF system components and their interaction are examined, and the main process parameters affecting part geometry defined. 3-D shaped components have been fabricated by extrusion deposition of the ceramic paste in a layer-by-layer fashion. The feasibility …


Sensitivity Analysis Of Process Parameters In Laser Deposition, Zhiqiang Fan, Kaushik Phatak, Frank W. Liou Aug 2005

Sensitivity Analysis Of Process Parameters In Laser Deposition, Zhiqiang Fan, Kaushik Phatak, Frank W. Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In laser cladding with powder injection process, process output parameters, including melt pool temperature and melt pool dimensions, are critical for part quality. This paper uses simulation and experiments to investigate the effect of the process input parameters: laser power, powder mass flow rate, and scanning speed on the output parameters. Numerical simulations and experiments are conducted using a factorial design. The results are statistically analyzed to determine the significant factors and their interactions. The simulation results are compared to experimental results. The quantitative agreement/disagreement is discussed and further research is outlined.


Part Repair Using A Hybrid Manufacturing System, Kunnayut Eiamsa-Ard, Hari Janardanan Nair, Lan Ren, Jianzhong Ruan, Todd E. Sparks, Frank W. Liou Aug 2005

Part Repair Using A Hybrid Manufacturing System, Kunnayut Eiamsa-Ard, Hari Janardanan Nair, Lan Ren, Jianzhong Ruan, Todd E. Sparks, Frank W. Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nowadays, part repair technology is gaining more interest from military and industries due to the benefit of cost reducing as well as time and energy saving. Traditionally, part repair is done in the repair department using welding process. The limitations of the traditional welding process are becoming more and more noticeable when the accuracy and reliability are required. Part repair process has been developed utilizing a hybrid manufacturing system, in which the laser aided deposition and CNC cutting processes are integrated. Part repair software is developed in order to facilitate the users. The system and the software elevate the repair …


Special Issue: Engineering Applications Of Representations Of Function, Part 2, Robert B. Stone, Amaresh Chakrabarti Jun 2005

Special Issue: Engineering Applications Of Representations Of Function, Part 2, Robert B. Stone, Amaresh Chakrabarti

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.


Three-Dimensional Radiative Transfer In An Isotropically Scattering, Plane-Parallel Medium: Generalized X- And Y-Functions, D. W. Mueller, A. L. Crosbie Jun 2005

Three-Dimensional Radiative Transfer In An Isotropically Scattering, Plane-Parallel Medium: Generalized X- And Y-Functions, D. W. Mueller, A. L. Crosbie

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The topic of this work is the generalized X- and Y-functions of multidimensional radiative transfer. the physical problem considered is spatially varying, collimated radiation incident on the upper boundary of an isotropically scattering, plane-parallel medium. an integral transform is used to reduce the three-dimensional transport equation to a one-dimensional form, and a modified Ambarzumian's method is used to derive coupled, integro-differential equations for the source functions at the boundaries of the medium. the resulting equations are said to be in double-integral form because the integration is over both angular variables. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the computational characteristics of …


Hierarchical Optimal Force-Position-Contour Control Of Machining Processes. Part Ii. Illustrative Example, Yan Tang, Robert G. Landers, S. N. Balakrishnan Jun 2005

Hierarchical Optimal Force-Position-Contour Control Of Machining Processes. Part Ii. Illustrative Example, Yan Tang, Robert G. Landers, S. N. Balakrishnan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

There has been a tremendous amount of research in machine tool servomechanism control, contour control, and machining force control; however, to date these technologies have not been tightly integrated. This paper develops a hierarchical optimal control methodology for the simultaneous regulation of servomechanism positions, contour error, and machining forces. The contour error and machining force process reside in the top level of the hierarchy where the goals are to 1) drive the contour error to zero to maximize quality and 2) maintain a constant cutting force to maximize productivity. These goals are systematically propagated to the bottom level, via aggregation …


Hierarchical Optimal Force-Position-Contour Control Of Machining Processes. Part I. Controller Methodology, Yan Tang, Robert G. Landers, S. N. Balakrishnan Jun 2005

Hierarchical Optimal Force-Position-Contour Control Of Machining Processes. Part I. Controller Methodology, Yan Tang, Robert G. Landers, S. N. Balakrishnan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

There has been a tremendous amount of research in machine tool servomechanism control, contour control, and machining force control; however, to date these technologies have not been tightly integrated. This paper develops a hierarchical optimal control methodology for the simultaneous regulation of servomechanism positions, contour error, and machining forces. The contour error and machining force process reside in the top level of the hierarchy where the goals are to 1) drive the contour error to zero to maximize quality and 2) maintain a constant cutting force to maximize productivity. These goals are systematically propagated to the bottom level, via aggregation …


The Coupling Effect Of Interfacial Adhesion And Tensile Residual Stress On A Thin Membrane Adhered To A Flat Punch, Kai Tak Wan, Lior Kogut Apr 2005

The Coupling Effect Of Interfacial Adhesion And Tensile Residual Stress On A Thin Membrane Adhered To A Flat Punch, Kai Tak Wan, Lior Kogut

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Adhesion and residual stress play a critical role in the performance and reliability of microdevices, in particular, the cross bridge of RF microswitches. to investigate their combinatorial influences on thin films, an elastic model is constructed for a clamped circular membrane in contact with the planar surface of a rigid cylindrical punch. External force applied to the punch leads to thin film delamination and ultimately 'pull-off' at a critical non-zero contact radius. Characteristic trends of the mechanical responses were obtained for fixed load and fixed grips in terms of pull-off force, punch displacement and contact radius. It is shown that …


A Systematic Method For Characterizing The Elastic Properties And Adhesion Of A Thin Polymer Membrane, Bing Feng Ju, Yang Ju, Masumi Saka, Kuo Kang Liu, Kai Tak Wan Mar 2005

A Systematic Method For Characterizing The Elastic Properties And Adhesion Of A Thin Polymer Membrane, Bing Feng Ju, Yang Ju, Masumi Saka, Kuo Kang Liu, Kai Tak Wan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The elastic properties and adhesion of a thin silicone rubber membrane have been characterized. an effective instrumentation embodying a video-enhanced microscope, which meets force and displacement resolution of 0.1μN and 10 nm, was developed. It provides the capability of simultaneously measuring both the applied force and the resultant displacement of the thin polymer membrane. a linear theoretical elastic solution was applied to quantitatively interpret the measured central deflection of the membrane under a circular concentrical load. Young's modulus of the membrane can be easily determined once the applied force and the central deflection, together with the essential dimensions, are known. …


The Properties Of Bridgestone Ecopia Solar Car Tires (For The Umr Solar Car Team), Tessa C. Russell Jan 2005

The Properties Of Bridgestone Ecopia Solar Car Tires (For The Umr Solar Car Team), Tessa C. Russell

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Much of the energy used by a solar car can be attributed to overcoming rolling resistance, and rolling resistance comes predominantly from the tires. The main goal of this project was to better understand the properties of the Bridgestone Ecopia tires used by the UMR Solar Car Team. Experiments were conducted to obtain this objective, measuring the vertical stiffness, lateral stiffness, and contact patch shape and area. As expected, with decreasing pressure and increasing load, the vertical and lateral deflections increased as well as the tire contact patch area. The stiffness parameters of the tire measured experimentally were used in …


Modeling And Control Of Re-Entry Heat Transfer Problem Using Neural Networks, Katie Grantham, Radhakant Padhi, S. N. Balakrishnan, Dwight C. Look Jan 2005

Modeling And Control Of Re-Entry Heat Transfer Problem Using Neural Networks, Katie Grantham, Radhakant Padhi, S. N. Balakrishnan, Dwight C. Look

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A nonlinear optimal re-entry temperature control problem is solved using single network adaptive critic (SNAC) technique. The nonlinear model developed and used accounts for conduction, convection and radiation at high temperature, represents the dynamics of heat transfer in a cooling fin for an object re-entering the earth's atmosphere. Simulation results demonstrate that the control synthesis technique presented is very effective in obtaining a desired temperature profile over a wide envelope of initial temperature distribution.


Adhesion Of An Axisymmetric Film Onto A Rigid Substrate: Application To A Mem-Rf-Switch, Ming-Fung Wong Jan 2005

Adhesion Of An Axisymmetric Film Onto A Rigid Substrate: Application To A Mem-Rf-Switch, Ming-Fung Wong

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

A solid mechanics model is constructed to discuss the mechanical aspect of a MEM-RF-switch. A thin circular membrane clamped at the perimeter is adhered to a rigid cylindrical flat punch. A tensile load applied to the punch causes an interfacial de lamination. Once the contact circle shrinks to 0.1758 - 0.3651 of the punch dimension depending on the magnitude of the tensile residual stress on the film, a spontaneous delamination, or "pull-off', occurs and the film snaps from the substrate at a critical load and punch displacement. The theoretical model has significant implications in MEMS that involves active moveable films.


Dynamic Re-Optimization Of A Mems Controller In Presence Of Unmodeled Uncertainties, Nishant Unnikrishnan, S. N. Balakrishnan, Venkat Durbha Jan 2005

Dynamic Re-Optimization Of A Mems Controller In Presence Of Unmodeled Uncertainties, Nishant Unnikrishnan, S. N. Balakrishnan, Venkat Durbha

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Online trained neural networks have become popular in recent years in designing robust and adaptive controllers for dynamic systems with uncertainties in their system equations because of their universal function approximation property. This paper discusses a technique that dynamically reoptimizes a Single Network Adaptive Critic (SNAC) based optimal controller in the presence of unmodeled uncertainties. The controller design is carried out in two steps: (i) synthesis of a set of online neural networks that capture the uncertainties in the plant equations on-line (ii) re-optimization of the existing optimal controller to drive the states of the plant to a desired reference …


A Model Of Function-Based Representations, Michael Van Wie, Cari R. Bryant, Matt R. Bohm, Robert B. Stone, Daniel A. Mcadams Jan 2005

A Model Of Function-Based Representations, Michael Van Wie, Cari R. Bryant, Matt R. Bohm, Robert B. Stone, Daniel A. Mcadams

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The need to model and to reason about design alternatives throughout the design process demands robust representation schemes of function, behavior, and structure. Function describes the physical effect imposed on an energy or material flow by a design entity without regard for the working principles or physical solutions used to accomplish this effect. Behaviors are the physical events associated with a physical artifact (or hypothesized concept) over time (or simulated time) as perceived by an observer. Structure, the most tangible concept, partitions an artifact into meaningful constituents such as features, Wirk elements, and interfaces in addition to the widely used …


Experimental Verification Of Near-Wall Hindered Diffusion Theory For The Brownian Motion Of Nanoparticles Using Evanescent Wave Microscopy, Kenneth D. Kihm, Arindam Banerjee Jan 2005

Experimental Verification Of Near-Wall Hindered Diffusion Theory For The Brownian Motion Of Nanoparticles Using Evanescent Wave Microscopy, Kenneth D. Kihm, Arindam Banerjee

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy technique coupled with three-dimensional tracking of nanoparticles is used to experimentally verify the theory on near-wall hindered Brownian motion [Goldman et al., Chem. Eng. Sci. 22, 637 (1967); Brenner, Chem. Eng. Sci. 16, 242 (1967)] very close to the solid surface (within ~1 µm). The measured mean square displacements (MSDs) in the lateral x-y directions show good agreement with the theory for all tested nanoparticles of radii 50, 100, 250, and 500 nm. However, the measured MSDs in the z direction deviate substantially from the theory particularly for the case of smaller particles of …


Modular Control Laboratory System With Integrated Simulation, Animation, Emulation, And Experimental Components, J. Liu, Robert G. Landers Jan 2005

Modular Control Laboratory System With Integrated Simulation, Animation, Emulation, And Experimental Components, J. Liu, Robert G. Landers

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A typical sequence for the design of a controller, given the desired objectives, is the following: system modeling, design and mathematical analysis, simulation studies, emulation, and experimental implementation. Most control courses thoroughly cover design and mathematical analysis and utilize a simulation or experimental project at the end of the course. However, animation and emulation are seldom utilized and projects rarely cover the entire controller design sequence. This paper presents a control laboratory system developed at the University of Missouri at Rolla that integrates simulation, animation, emulation, and experimental components. The laboratory system may be applied to a wide variety of …


Optimal And Hierarchical Formation Control For Uav, Xiaohua Wang, S. N. Balakrishnan Jan 2005

Optimal And Hierarchical Formation Control For Uav, Xiaohua Wang, S. N. Balakrishnan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, optimal and hierarchical control concepts are investigated for cooperative formation flying of aircrafts. The airplanes are modeled as point mass and represented by double integrators. And all the planes are considered to be in a plane. For demonstration of the concepts, a task of forming a square from arbitrary initial conditions is presented to four airplanes. The final position that each airplane has to reach is unknown to them. The goal for the team is abstracted in the top layer. The system is modeled as a two layer hierarchical system in which the global information comes from …


Method Of Metallurgically Bonding Articles And Article Therefor, L. G. Hector Jr, Hai-Lung Tsai, P.-C. Wang Jan 2005

Method Of Metallurgically Bonding Articles And Article Therefor, L. G. Hector Jr, Hai-Lung Tsai, P.-C. Wang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An article suitable for laser-welded metallurgical bonding, the article having a first part having a lower surface, and a second part having an upper surface is disclosed. The lower surface of the first part is disposed at the upper surface of the second part to provide for a faying surface thereat. The faying surface has a plurality of channels with a depth equal to or greater than about 1 micron and equal to or less than about 1000 microns. The article is suitable for laser-welded metallurgical bonding at the faying surface. The plurality of channels has a repetitive pattern of …


Multiple Spacecraft Formation Control Using Θ - D Method, Ming Xin, S. N. Balakrishnan, Henry J. Pernicka Jan 2005

Multiple Spacecraft Formation Control Using Θ - D Method, Ming Xin, S. N. Balakrishnan, Henry J. Pernicka

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multiple spacecraft formation control about the L2 libration point is investigated in this paper. the circular restricted three-body problem with Sun and Earth as the two primaries is utilized as a framework of study. the idea of virtual structure is considered as the architecture of multiple spacecraft formation. the center of the virtual rigid body follows a nominal orbit around the L2 libration point. the individual spacecraft is controlled so as to keep a constant relative distance from the center of the virtual structure. a nonlinear model is developed that describes the relative formation dynamics. This nonlinear control problem was …


A Methodology For Model Selection In Engineering Design, Rajesh Radhakrishnan, Daniel A. Mcadams Jan 2005

A Methodology For Model Selection In Engineering Design, Rajesh Radhakrishnan, Daniel A. Mcadams

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Engineering design consists of a series of stages during which a number of decisions need to be made by the designer. Since the information available to the designer is limited during initial design stages, to make these decisions and be able to proceed further in the design process, the designer needs to depict the nature, visualize the form, and predict the behavior of the product through the use of aids called models. These models guide these decisions; therefore, the designer needs to ensure the downstream validity of these decisions by constructing models with sufficient accuracy and resolution. Because higher quality …


Optimal Control Of A Class Of One-Dimensional Nonlinear Distributed Parameter Systems With Discrete Actuators, Radhakant Padhi, S. N. Balakrishnan Jan 2005

Optimal Control Of A Class Of One-Dimensional Nonlinear Distributed Parameter Systems With Discrete Actuators, Radhakant Padhi, S. N. Balakrishnan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Combining the principles of dynamic inversion and optimization theory, a new approach is presented for stable control of a class of one-dimensional nonlinear distributed parameter systems with a finite number of actuators in the spatial domain. Unlike the existing ''approximate-then-design'' and ''design-then-approximate'' techniques, this approach does not use any approximation either of the system dynamics or of the resulting controller. The formulation has more practical significance because one can implement a set of discrete controllers with relative ease. To demonstrate the potential of the proposed technique, a real-life temperature control problem for a heat transfer application is solved through simulations. …


Stochastic Optimal Control With Neural Networks And Application To A Retailer Inventory Problem, Zhongwu Huang, Xiaohua Wang, S. N. Balakrishnan Jan 2005

Stochastic Optimal Control With Neural Networks And Application To A Retailer Inventory Problem, Zhongwu Huang, Xiaohua Wang, S. N. Balakrishnan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Overwhelming computational requirements of classical dynamic programming algorithms render them inapplicable to most practical stochastic problems. To overcome this problem a neural network based Dynamic Programming (DP) approach is described in this study. The cost function which is critical in a dynamic programming formulation is approximated by a neural network according to some designed weight-update rule based on Temporal Difference(TD)learning. A Lyapunov based theory is developed to guarantee an upper error bound between the output of the cost neural network and the true cost. We illustrate this approach through a retailer inventory problem.


Hierarchical Optimal Force-Position Control Of A Turning Process, B. Pandurangan, Robert G. Landers, S. N. Balakrishnan Jan 2005

Hierarchical Optimal Force-Position Control Of A Turning Process, B. Pandurangan, Robert G. Landers, S. N. Balakrishnan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Machining process control technologies are currently not well integrated into machine tool controllers and, thus, servomechanism dynamics are often ignored when designing and implementing process controllers. In this brief, a hierarchical controller is developed that simultaneously regulates the servomechanism motions and cutting forces in a turning operation. The force process and servomechanism system are separated into high and low levels, respectively, in the hierarchy. The high-level goal is to maintain a constant cutting force to maximize productivity while not violating a spindle power constraint. This goal is systematically propagated to the lower level and combined with the low-level goal to …


Investment Casting Using Ice Patterns -- Solid Mold And Shell Mold Methods, Harish Jose Jan 2005

Investment Casting Using Ice Patterns -- Solid Mold And Shell Mold Methods, Harish Jose

Masters Theses

"This thesis focuses on the development and implementation of the investment casting process using ice patterns. The traditional method of the investment casting process involves using wax patterns. Wax patterns tend to expand during the dewaxing process, and this causes stress on the shell wall which can eventually lead to the breaking of the wall. Ice patterns on the other hand shrink when heated. This is a very desirable property for the investment casting process. The process of dewaxing (dewatering) of ice patterns can be achieved by keeping the shells at room temperature, instead of heating the shell in an …


Effect Of Engine Operating Conditions On The Size And Morphology Of Diesel Particulate Emissions, Adam Neer Jan 2005

Effect Of Engine Operating Conditions On The Size And Morphology Of Diesel Particulate Emissions, Adam Neer

Masters Theses

"The size, morphology and volume fraction of sub-micron particulate matter emitted from a compression ignition (diesel) engine was investigated using thermophoretic sampling experiments followed by direct visual characterizations under transmission electron microscopy. Specifically, measurements were conducted at the exhaust of a 6059T John Deere, 5.9 L, 6 cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection diesel engine. The particles observed were composed of nearly spherical primary particles (spherules) that formed aggregates of various sizes and shapes. The size distributions of spherules and aggregates were separately measured to obtain the available surface area, which is crucial for estimating the environmental and health impact of particles. …