Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Graphic Display Of Robot Kinematics, Ramamurthy Vishwanathan

Theses

This thesis uses the HOUIE.BYLI graphics software package to simulate the kinematics of a six degree of freedom, MAKER I robot. The coordinate frames for the various links of the robot were established. The kinematic equations for the manipulator were developed snd solved using the techniques of inverse geometric transformations and transformations of objects in 3D space. A program was also developed to calculate the joint variables of the manipulator given any point on, and the orientation of, an object. These variable values are used to direct the robot end effector to the given point. This can be seen in …

On Natural Frequency Of The Stiffened Hvac Ducts, Jin-Lian Ha

Theses

This thesis employs ANSYS program to calculate the natural frequency of a stiffened HVAC duct and to investigate the affect of these stiffeners to the values of the natural frequency.

Investigation through this thesis shows that increases in the number of transverse stiffeners mould increase the natural frequency of the HVAC duct and the installation of the axial stiffener mould also increase the duct natural frequency.

Optimum Design Of Structures Subject To Buckling Constraints, Thomas G. Looby

Theses

This thesis describes the optimal design of bar type planar truss structures subject to stress and buckling constraints. All of the structures considered are modeled using the direct stiffness finite element approach. A mathematical programming method incorporating a feasible directions routine is utilized to develop least weight designs for these conditions. The existing structural optimization programme CADOS which has successfully solved stress and deflection problems for this class of structures is adapted herein to treat local stability constraints based on Euler bucking criteria.In addition the optimization routine is modified to more effectively treat, infeasible starting designs. These modifications were tested …

Analysis And Evaluation Of The Developments In The Use Of Coal, Farid Najib Elkheshen

Theses

This thesis is a survey and evaluation of the developments in the use of coal. It deals with the social, economic, physical, and biological impacts of such a shift. It examines the complete coal system, from extraction to combustion, including the key steps and policy initiatives. The United States, with 6% of the world's population, consumes about 33% of its commerical energy supply - while the available reserve coal is about 80% of total energy in the United States, with coal use representing only 17%, oil and gas about 78% at present.

Technologies under development that might reduce costs, increase …

Identification Of Material Constants Of Human Bone Using Finite Element Method For Micropolar Elasticity, Sajid Mannan Sayed

Theses

Bone differs from most engineering materials in the composition of its structure. The classical theory of elasticity fails to correctly predict the stress concentration effects in bones with precracked or notched surfaces, and can be applied only to those materials which exhibit more homogeneity and isotropicity than bone. Therefore, generalized continuum theories, which have addditional degrees of freedom, must be used to determine the stress concentration effects in human bone, especially in regions of high strain gradient, such as a hole or an interface.

In this thesis, efforts have been made to identify the material constants of human bone since …

Development Of Dynamic Analysis Program Mini-Dymac, Shang-Rou Shien

Theses

The computer program DYMAC developed by B. Paul automatically generates and numerically integrates the equations of motion of closed loop multi-body mechanical systems. The theory behind this program is Larange's form of d'Alembert's principle. However, it is not an easy task for the beginners to understand this program completely. If there is a simplified version of the program, it will be of great help for those people to understand the essential organization of the program.

Using the same theory of DYMAC, computer program MINI-DYMAC is developed in this thesis and hoped to serve as an educational version of DYMAC. For …

Laminar Flow Through A Porous Annulus With Surface Suction, Stelios C. Nicolaides

Theses

A theoretical investigation was conducted to obtain the velocity, pressure and shear stress distributions for incompressible, steady, fully developed, laminar flow through an annulus, with a uniformly porous inside tube wall. Suction at the walls is a result of the pressure difference across the porous wall.

The continuity equation, momentum equation and the Darcy's law for suction velocity are analysed with an integral method. The resulting differential equations were solved using a numerical technique.

For the same radii ratio, dimensionless inlet pressures on both sides of the porous wall and dimensionless porous resistance, the dimensionless length required to reach zero …

Computer Analysis On Discontinuity Of Cylindrical Pressure Vessels With Various Heads, Ku-Shiang Sheu

Theses

This thesis uses FORTRAN programs to compute the maximum shear stresses of the cylindrical pressure vessel with various heads. They are cylindrical, spherical, ellipsoidal, flat and conic shapes. Also the maximum shear stresses for the bimetallic joints at the vessel wall and away from the vessel wall are analyzed. Numerical examples are given for each case to facilitate the applications.

A Survey Of The Literature On Moisture In Building Construction, Lawrence Charles Tiboldo

Theses

The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the literature on moisture in buildings for its usefulness in the understanding of the theory involved in moisture transfer in buildings. Because analysis of the effects of moisture migration and development of condensation control strategies in structures depends on the knowledge of heat and moisture transfer theory as well as on the documented data on building material properties, evaluation of the usefulness of the reference material will serve as an indication of the availability of pertinent information.

To fulfill this objective, the literature listed as references to Chapter 21 of the 1985 …

Buckling Of Some Grooved Columns, Clovis Georges Baaklini

Theses

Columns with two types of transverse grooves are analyzed: a one-sided groove whose bottom is parallel to a vertical plane and cross-section is constant, and a concentric uniform groove. Then, for illustration and to be more specific, round columns are selected such that the cross-section becomes partially circular, for one-sided grooves and totally circular for a concentric groove. The columns are simply supported at both ends and subjected to a compressive eccentric load P at eccentricity e. The static equilibrium of such columns is studied via two types of solutions: the solution to three-segment column and a substantially simpler but …

Skyline Technique For Least Square Temporal Finite Element Method, Ying-Woei Hu

Theses

Skyline technique is known to be one of the most efficient numerical methods for solving symmetric and positive definite simultaneous linear algebraic equations whose coefficient matrix is banded and sparse. This technique considers non-zero elements below the skyline only and manipulates Gaussian elimination process efficiently.

In recent years, the finite element methods applied to discretize the space domain has been successfully extended to time domain discretization. This new technique, temporal finite elements, makes it possible to numerically solve initial value problems in a manner similar to boundary value problems.

This thesis introduces skyline technique to one of the temporal finite …

Experimental Investigation Of Heat Transfer From An Array Of Air Jets Impinging Normally On A Flat Plate, Deniz Metin Kaya

Theses

Heat transfer from submerged, turbulent, circular and axisymmetric array of air jets impinging normally on a hot flat plate has been studied experimentally. Jets issued from an array of five nozzles 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter. The ratio of nozzle center-to-center distance to the nozzle diameter, given by C_n/D, of 2, 3 and 4 were considered. Nozzle exit Reynolds Numbers 14000, 26000 and 54000 were employed. The ratio of distance between the test plate and nozzle diameter (Z_n/D) varied from 5 to 15.

Two experimental arrangements, one with a segmented brass plate heated by a …

Optimal Design Of A Dynamic Structural System, Azhar Imtiyaz Khan

Theses

This Thesis studies optimal design of structural dynamics, based on the State Space approach which uses the Design Sensitivity Analysis and the Adjoint Variable Technique. As a numerical example, optimal design of a multistory structure subjected to a dynamic response, similar to that of an earthquake, is chosen. The equations of motion of the structural system are constructed using the Finite Element method, treating the cross-sectional area of each story as a design variable. To solve the equations a package program DE is used. A program is developed based on the State Space Algorithm and the cost function, constraints and …

The Effects Of Ultrasonic Excitation Of A Hydrocarbon Fuel On The Performance Characteristics Of A Spark Ignition Engine, Michael John Kooman

Theses

A six cylinder, 200 cu. in. spark ignition engine, model 1-AC-100-200 manufactured by Ford was tested by means of a Clayton dynamometer, model 8-200. The purpose of the test was to establish a reference base and to determine the effects of ultrasonic excitation on performance and combustion characteristics of the internal combustion engine. Variable load tests were performed at full throttle, 90% throttle, 60% throttle, and 40% throttle for the standard carburetor and the carburetor modified for ultrasonic excitation. Power was supplied by a Firbra-Sonics, model G-100 Mark 3, Ultrasonic generator. Exhaust gas concentrations were measured by means of a …

Evaluation Of Pressure Capacity Of Rectangular Hvac Duct Plates, Ming-Tui Liu

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the pressure capacity of the duct plates for HVAC design as recommended by Sheet MeLal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association, Inc, 1980, whose code is based on the theories of both one-dimensional and two-dimensional analysis. Various sizes of duct width and stiffener spacing for rectangular plates are investigated, Charts and plots are Provided to facilitate the HVAC desidn. A BASIC language program and disc for personal computer is also provided.

Computer Simulation Of Drop Weight Impact Tests On Plastic Parts Or Sheeting, Upendra V. Patel

Theses

The ASTM D3029 drop weight test on plasic parts or sheeting is simulated in this thesis. The simulation is accomplished by using the Bruceton staircase method or the Up-and-Down method and the normal distribution theory. The "Probit" method is also analyzed.

The simulation programs are done in FORTRAN computer language. First, the random number generator is used to find the probability value between 0 and 1.0. Then, the cumulative probability distribution formula is used to find the absolute standard normal value. This absolute standard normal value is converted in to X normal value using given input values of mean and …

Development Of Robotic Arm Models Using The Integrated Mechanisms Program, Mohan J. Somnay

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to study the broad concepts and applications of robots in industry and to evaluate the Integrated Mechanisms Program (IMP) for the development of models to suit the requirements of an industrial robot.

IMP is a programmed system for the computer-aided-design and analysis of mechanisms. The use of IMP to analyse and design mechanisms is done through a related problem oriented language which allows a variety of joints to be used.

This thesis describes a general procedure for designing robotic arms. Two mechanisms are modelled using IMP; the first is a jointed arm robot executing …

Free Convection Boundary Layer Heat Transfer Analysis Of Isothermal Horizontal Square Plates, Konstantinos E. Tsouras

Theses

The theoretical study presented here examines free convective boundary layer flow and heat transfer over isothermal horizontal square plates.

The boundary layer equations subjected to the appropriate boundary conditions were solved by using Von Karman's approximate integral technique. The analysis was performed by considering an axisymmetric boundary layer because the analyzed phenomenon is three-dimensional in nature. Three-dimensional boundary layer analysis, however, is complicated and the work involved is rather tedious. Consequently, the axisymmetric boundary layer offers a useful alternative. Unfortunately, it was found that this type of analysis is applicable to the case of an upward-facing heated plate only; for …

Axisymmetric Air Jet Impinging On A Hemispherical Convex Plate, Salahuddin Qureshi

Theses

This experimental study was carried out on an axisymmetric air jet impinging normally on a smooth, hemispherical convex plate. Three different nozzles of diameters 0.5in.(12.7mm), 0.375in.(9.525mm) and 0.25in.(6.35mm) were used and the nozzle exit Reynolds number varied from 14,000 to 80000.

The impingement hemispherical plate was made of brass and had a nominal outer diameter of 7.48in (189.99mm).

Calibrated Pitot tubes, U-tube manometer and a micromanometer were used for pressure and velocity measurements. The Pitot tubes were mounted on Precision position mechanisms permitting the accurate traversing in any direction in space. The test air flow rate was measured with calibrated …

An Analysis Of The Heating And Densification Process During Rotational Molding Of A Thermoplastic Powder In A Uniaxially Rotating Cylindrical Cavity, Floyd Steven Ribe

Dissertations

This dissertation presents the results of an experimental and theoretical investigation of the heating and densification portion of the rotational molding process in a uniaxial, cylindrical mold.

A thorough literature survey is included which reviewed past analysis of the rotational molding process and other areas that assisted in understanding of the process.

The results presented in this dissertation included an analysis of the densification process by use of Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM) photography producing intermediate correlations between the physical properties of the densifying material and neck radius of adjacent coalescing spheres. In addition, a hybrid experimental procedure coupled with a …

A Cogeneration Industrial Park In An Urban Environment In The Year 2000, Raymond T. Scott

Theses

An investigation into the feasibilty of placing an industrial park in an urban environment in the year 2000 was made. A selected cogeneration facility located within the park would supply electricity and process steam to the industries with minimal transmission costs and environmental effects. A projection was made on the industries that would exhibit growth to the end of this century, and yet be environmentally benign in nature. These industries would be placed within the industrial park. The selection of the cogeneration facility was based upon projections of fuel availability, environmental factors and available technologies. Socio-economic factors and the effects …

Comparative Study Of Computational Methods For Kinematics Of Mechanism Analysis, Ren-Jea Wang

Theses

This thesis introduces three numerical methods of solving nonlinear algebraic equations, i.e. Newton's method, Brown's method, and Brent's method, and applies these methods to kinematics of mechanism problems for comparative study.

Firstly, each method is reviewed in some detail. Then experimental computer programs, NABKAP(Nonlinear Algebraic equations Based Kinematic Analysis Programs), are developed based on the above methods and used to solve kinematic of mechanism problems. Example problems include various kinds of four-bar mechanisms and two degree of freedom mechanism. Lastly, each technique is compared with the others based on the above computational experiences.

The FORTRAN programs used for this study …

On Circular Hvac Duct Design Through Stress Analysis, Chien-Chung Lee

Theses

In this thesis, comprehensive studies through stress analysis of the circular HVAC ducts are made. The ducts are made of thin gaged steel sheet, and reinforced by stiffeners that are made of hot-rolled steel sections of L or C shapes. The ducts are loaded with pressure, its own weight and the possible seismic accelerations. A comprehensive FORTRAN program is developed as an aid Lo achieving the optimum design of circular ducts, i.e. duct thickness, stiffener spacing, stiffener size and seismic span length, Several stress analysis tables and a design parameter plot arc, provided in this thesis Lo facilitate design optimization.

A Diagnostic Study Of Burning Black Powder Via Stroboscopic Laser Schlieren Photography, Donald Bruce Rowland

Theses

The combustion processes and products of a single grain of burning black powder were experimentally investigated via the stroboscopic laser schlieren photographic technique. A high power modulated argon laser system was used in conjunction with a streak camera to provide a dynamic sequence of time resolved, high resolution schlieren photographs of a burning black powder grain. When black powder burns, a multi-phase product is produced consisting of hot gases, solid particles, and a molten liquid spray. The expansion processes of this multi-phase product cloud were recorded and characterized. Molten drops, reactive and nonreactive particles within as well as outside of …

Stress In The Alveolar Bone Surrounding A Dental Implant, Jagmohan Singh Kohli

Theses

The purpose of this study is to find the stresses developed in mandibular bone due to the occlusal loading of oral endosseous blade implants. Previous work done in this area was based on the theory of "Beam on Elastic Foundation". As the width/length ratio employed is approximately 0.65, the theory of "Plate on Elastic Foundation" used in this thesis is more appropriate. The mandibular bone acts as the foundation supporting the endosseous implants.

The analysis is complicated by the fact that the implants are irregular plates of varying thickness, the foundation modulus is a variable and the occlusal loading is …

Development Of A Computer Model To Track Water Droplet Trajectories As Related To Aircraft Icing, Satyen G. Harve

Theses

In order to be able to predict the local ice accretion rate, or the icing profile on any surface it is neccessary that a model be available, which helps in determining the local impingement values of water droplets on the object. Two models have been developed. One model determines the potential and the velocity field around any arbitrary object. The second model determines the trajectory of the water droplets in the presence of a potential field. The two models have been combined to form a general trajectory model capable of tracking water droplet trajectories around any arbitrary object. The object …

Enhancement Of The Integrated Mechanisms Program (Imp) By Addition Of Graphic Output, Anil Parsaram Hingorani

Theses

The Integrated Mechanisms Program (IMP) is enhanced to include the capability of graphic output of simple mechanisms. The subroutines available in the graphics package GP-10 are used. The output consists of a drawing of the mechanism at its initial position and for every position for which the analysis is done. In addition, a graph of velocity and/or acceleration against the angle of the driving link may be plotted. There are limitations. The output of the mechanism represents only prismatic joints by a different symbol. It is represented by a rectangle and the symbol of the fixed link. All the other …

Computer Aided Design Of Optimum Structures, Sanjay M. Alexander

Theses

Techniques for the improvement of procedures for large scale structural synthesis are investigated. Considerable amount of research has been devoted to structural optimization. Yet as developments continue in this area, constant improvements in structural analysis methods, most of which are computationally demanding, tax the ability of existing optimization procedures to use the most powerful of the new analysis techniques effectively. This thesis presents optimization of structures modeled by classical discretized finite elements using the direct stiffness approach. The technioue presented here utilizes a Mathematical Programming (MP) method, which is based on Zoutendijk's feasible Direction Finding Problem (DFP). Modifications on Zoutendijk's …

Finite Element Modeling Of A Femoral Stem In A Total Hip Prosthesis, Robert C. Cohen

Theses

A three-dimensional model was produced to study of effects of stress on a femoral stem in a total hip prosthesis. Using the ANSYS General Purpose Finite Element Computer Program, a reproduction of the system was constructed for the loads acting on the hip joint at intervals of a walking cycle. With isotropic properties for cortical bone, cancellous bone, cement, and selected alloys, the model was generated using three-dimensional, isoparametric, eight-node, solid elements (STIF45). The model consists of over 700 nodes and 442 elements. This model can be used to produce computer calculated stress data, if disc storage space allows.

On Analysis Of Small Bore Piping Vibrations, Nitinkumar Shroff

Theses

This thesis investigates the natural frequency and vibration induced stress of small bore power plant piping. Straight piping and piping with concentrated load, such as a valve, located anywhere along the span are studied. Four different boundary conditions of fixed-free, simple-fixed, fixed-fixed and simple-simple are investigated, as any single span piping may be approximated by one of these boundary conditions.

The results otained [sic] for frequency and stress coefficients in the case of straight piping are plotted. Plots of frequency factor and stress ratio for the piping with concentrated load are also presented.

The results obtained for the natural frequencies …