Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Reduced-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Fabricated By Screen Printing, Changrong Xia, Fanglin Chen, Meilin Liu

Faculty Publications

Electrolyte films of samaria-doped ceria (SDC, Sm_0.2Ce_0.8O_1.9) are fabricated onto porous NiO-SDC substrates by a screen printing technique. A cathode layer, consisting of Sm_0.5Sr_0.5CoO₃ and 10 wt % SDC, is subsequently screen printed on the electrolyte to form a single cell, which is tested at temperatures from 400 to 600°C. When humidified (3% H₂O) hydrogen or methane is used  as fuel and stationary air as oxidant, the maximum power densities are 188 (or 78) and 397 (or 304) mW/cm² at 500 and 600°C, respectively. Impedance analysis …

Bistable Operation Of A Two-Section 1.3-Mm Inas Quantum Dot Laser—Absorption Saturation And The Quantum Confined Stark Effect, Xiaodong Huang, A. Stintz, Hua Li, Audra Rice, G. T. Liu, L.F. Lester, Julian Cheng, K.J. Malloy

Faculty Publications

Room temperature, continuous-wave bistability was observed in oxide-confined, two-section, 1.3- m quantum-dot (QD) lasers with an integrated intracavity quantum-dot saturable absorber. The origin of the hysteresis and bistability were shown to be due to the nonlinear saturation of the QD absorption and the electroabsorption induced by the quantum confined Stark effect.

Analysis Of Microdamage Evolution Histories In Composites, Yuris A. Dzenis, Jie Qian

Department of Engineering Mechanics: Faculty Publications

Evolution of microdamage in advanced composites was experimentally studied in this paper. A new method of acoustic emission (AE) analysis of histories of different damage mechanisms was formulated based on a combination of transient AE classification and multiparameter filtering. The capabilities of the method were illustrated on examples of damage evolution in several graphite/epoxy composites. Three characteristic AE waveforms with different frequency spectra were identified based on the transient analysis. Regions occupied by these waveforms in the amplitude–rise time parametric space were identified for the [0]₈ and [90]₁₆ unidirectional composites. Multiparameter filtering was applied to extract evolution histories …

Effects Of Concentration And Temperature On The Coupled Heat And Mass Transport In Liquid Mixtures, Yaşar Demirel, Stanley I. Sandler

Papers in Thermal Mechanics

Using published experimental data on the thermal conductivity, mutual diffusivity, and heats of transport, the degree of coupling between heat and mass flows has been calculated for binary and ternary nonideal liquid mixtures. The binary mixtures consist of two types: the first is six systems of six-to-eight-carbon straight and branched chain alkanes in chloroform and in carbon tetrachloride; and the second is mixtures of carbon tetrachloride with benzene, toluene, 2-propanone, n-hexane, and 11-octane. The ternary mixture considered is toluene-chlorobenzene-bromobenzene. The published data are available at 35°C, 30°C, and 35°C and ambient pressure. Using the linear nonequilibi-ium thermodynainics (LNET) and the …

Control And Characterization Of Line-Addressable Micromirror Arrays, Harris J. Hall

Theses and Dissertations

This research involved the design and implementation of a complete line-addressable control system for a 32x32 electrostatic piston-actuated micromirror array device. Line addressing reduces the number of control lines from N² to 2N making it possible to design larger arrays and arrays with smaller element sizes. The system utilizes the electromechanical bi-stability of individual elements to bold arbitrary bi-stable phase patterns. The control system applies pulse width modulated (PWM) signals to the rows and columns of the micromirror array. Three modes of operation were conceived and built into the system. The first was the traditional signal scheme which requires …

Smart Material Control System And Related Method, John A. Main, George C. Nelson

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Patents

A smart material control system and related method is disclosed for adaptively controlling the movement of an adaptive structure. The adaptive structure includes a smart material layer bonded to a conductive substrate in a bimorph configuration. A charge projector, such as an electron gun, is utilized to project charges onto the smart material layer of the adaptive structure. A voltage/charge source adaptively controls the potential of the conductive substrate. Depending on the placement of the projected charges and the adaptively controlled potential of the conductive substrate the displacement/curvature is precisely controlled. In an alternate embodiment, two smart material layers are …

Rate Effects On Mode-I Delamination Toughness Of A Graphite/Epoxy Laminated Composite, Xiangfa Wu, Yuris A. Dzenis

Department of Engineering Mechanics: Faculty Publications

Mechanical properties of composite materials made of high modulus fibers and relatively low modulus polymeric matrix, such as graphite/epoxy laminated composites, are sensitive to loading rate and temperature. Generally, at fixed loading rate, when temperature increases, the fracture toughness of polymers also increases; however, it will decrease with the increase of loading rate at constant testing temperature. Rate effects on fracture toughness are of critical to understand the fracture transition from ductile to brittle of some polymers. However, there have been fewer studies of rate effects on delamination toughness of laminates compared to that of pure polymers. In the present …

Numerical Stimulation Of Stress-Induced Crystallization Of Injection Molded Semicrystalline Thermoplastics, Jianxin Guo

Dissertations

Injection molded semicrystalline plastic products exhibit variable morphology along their thickness directions. The processing conditions have a significant effect on the crystallinity distribution in the final parts. However, because of the lack of sound theoretical models for stress-induced crystallization kinetics in thermoplastics, simulations of the injection molding process of semicrystalline plastics with the consideration of stress-induced crystallization have been scarce.

A stress-induced crystallization model for semicrystalline plastics is proposed based on the theory that stress induced orientation of polymer chains increase the melting temperature of the plastics, and hence, the supercooling which is the driving force for crystallization. By assuming …

Numerical Modeling And Optimization Of Waterjet Based Surface Decontamination, Konstantin Babets

Dissertations

The mission of this study is to investigate the high-pressure waterjet based surface decontamination. Our specific objective is to develop a practical procedure for selection of process conditions at given constraints and available knowledge. This investigation is expected to improve information processing in the course of material decontamination and assist in the implementation of the waterjet decontamination technology into practice. The development of a realistic procedure for processing of a chaotic and non-accurate information constitutes the main accomplishment of this study.

The research involved acquisition of representative information about removal of brittle, elastic and viscous deposits. As a result an …

Electro-Magnetic Control Of Cylinder Wake, Zhihua Chen

Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation is to develop open and closed-loop control algorithms for manipulating wake flows past a solid cylinder in an electrically low-conducting fluid (e.g. seawater). The intent is to avoid both vortex shedding and flow separation from the body. It is desired to reduce the mean drag significantly and prevent the lift from becoming non-zero at all times. This is achieved through the introduction of a Lorentz force in the azimuthal direction generated by an array of permanent magnets and electrodes located on the solid structure. The array of actuators offers the advantage of making the Lorentz …

Kinematic Synthesis Of Adjustable Spatial Four And Five-Bar Mechanisms For Finite And Multiply Separated Positions, Kevin Russell

Dissertations

Although spatial mechanisms are more general in structure than planar mechanisms, their applications are few due to the limited number of practical design tools and the complexity of those available. It is in fact the task of the future to develop effective, but practical design tools for spatial mechanisms.

This research presents several new methods for synthesizing adjustable spatial mechanisms. The first method involves the kinematic synthesis of spatial mechanisms for multiphase motion generation. Using this method, spatial four and five-bar mechanisms can be synthesized to achieve different phases of prescribed rigid body positions. The theory of this approach has …

Numerical Studies Of Newtonian And Viscoelastic Fluids, Felix J. Alcocer

Dissertations

The direct numerical simulation (DNS) approach is used to understand the flow behavior of Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids in porous materials, four-to-one contraction and the flow of a Newtonian fluid past an airfoil.

In simulations the viscoelastic fluid is modeled by the finitely extensible nonlinear elastic (FENE) dumbbell and Oldroyd-B models. The finite element method (FEM) is used to discretize the flow domain. The DNS results show that the permeability of a periodic porous medium depends on the wavelength used for arranging particles in the direction of flow. Specifically, it is shown that for a given particle size and porosity …

Jan 2001, Tractor Museum

Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum: Planning and Development Documents

New Personel Area rearrangement Missouri Valley Wrench Club

Application Of Dynamic System Identification To Timber Beams - Part I, S T. Peterson, D I. Mclean, M D. Symans, David Pollock, W F. Cofer, R N. Emerson, Kenneth J. Fridley

Faculty Publications - Biomedical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering

In this first part of a two-part paper, development of a method of dynamic system identification for timber beams is presented with an analytical verification of the method using a finite-element model. A method of global nondestructive evaluation for identifying local damage and decay in timber beams is investigated in this paper. Experimental modal analysis is used in conjunction with a previously developed damage localization algorithm. The damage localization algorithm utilizes changes in modal strain energy between the mode shapes of a calibrated model, representing the undamaged state of the beam of interest, and the experimentally obtained mode shapes for …

Fpc Residential Monitoring Project: New Technology Development Radiant Barrier Pilot Project, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The FPC Monitoring project has evaluated radiant barrier systems (RBS) as a new potential DSM program. The objective was to examine how the retrofit of attic radiant barriers can be expected to alter FPC residential space conditioning loads. An RBS consists of a layer of aluminum foil fastened to roof decking or roof trusses to block radiant heat transfer between the hot roof surface and the attic below. The radiant barrier can significantly lower summer heat transfer to the attic insulation and to the cooling duct system. Both of these mechanisms have strong potential impacts on cooling energy use as …

Reliability Indices For Bolted And Nailed Connections In Wood Structures, David Pollock, Donald A. Bender

Faculty Publications - Biomedical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering

Recently published test data for bolted and nailed connections was evaluated to assess the structural reliability inherent in current allowable stress design procedures for connections in wood structures. Reliability indices were determined for timber connections using standard firstorder, second moment (FOSM) procedures. For the connections considered in this study, reliability indices range from 2.6 to5.1, generally providing higher levels of safety than the structural members in timber structures.

Executive Summary - Fpc Residential Monitoring Project: New Technology Development Radiant Barrier Pilot Project, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The FPC Monitoring project has evaluated radiant barrier systems (RBS) as a new potential DSM program. The objective was to examine how the retrofit of attic radiant barriers can be expected to alter FPC residential space conditioning loads. An RBS consists of a layer of aluminum foil fastened to roof decking or roof trusses to block radiant heat transfer between the hot roof surface and the attic below. The radiant barrier can significantly lower summer heat transfer to the attic insulation and to the cooling duct system. Both of these mechanisms have strong potential impacts on cooling energy use as …

Report Of The State Nuclear Safety Advisor Submitted To The Governor And 120th Legislature As Of January 15, 2001, Paula M. Craighead

Maine Collection

Report of the State Nuclear Safety Advisor submitted to the Governor and 120th Legislature As of January 15, 2001

Paula M. Craighead, State Nuclear Safety Advisor, Executive Department, Maine State Planning Office, Augusta, Maine, 2001.

Contents: Introduction and Executive Summary / I. Maine Yankee Decommissioning / II. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) / III. Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) / IV. High Level Radioactive Waste / V. Transport Routes and Safety Response / VI. Shipments / VII. Status of Federal and State Legal and Administrative Proceedings / References and Resources / Glossary

Application Of Dynamic System Identification To Timber Beams - Part Ii, S T. Peterson, D I. Mclean, M D. Symans, David Pollock, W F. Cofer, R N. Emerson, Kenneth J. Fridley

Faculty Publications - Biomedical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering

In a companion paper, a method of global nondestructive evaluation (NDE) for identifying local damage and decay in timber beams was developed and verified analytically using a finite-element model of a timber beam. The previously presented method of damage localization employs experimental modal analysis and an algorithm that monitors changes in modal strain energy between the mode shapes of a damaged beam with respect to the undamaged state of the beam. In this second part of a two-part paper, experimental laboratory tests on simply supported timber beams are presented to verify the capabilities and determine the limitations of the proposed …

Basic Engineering Science --- A Systems, Accounting, And Modeling Approach, Donald E. Richards

Faculty Publications - Mechanical Engineering

This textbook is based on a different paradigm for organizing an engineering science core --- a systems, accounting and modeling approach --- that emphasizes the common, underlying concepts of engineering science. Although this approach is not new, as most graduate students have been struck by this idea sometime during their graduate education, its use as the organizing principle for an undergraduate curriculum is new. By focusing on the underlying concepts and stressing the similarities between subjects that are often perceived by students (and taught by faculty) as unconnected topics, this approach provides engineering students a foundational framework for recognizing and …

Energy Reduction By Enhanced Evaporative Cooling Of Buildings In Martime Climates, Ben Costelloe, Donal Finn

Conference Papers

Direct cooling of buildings by water evaporation has traditionally been seen as appropriate, only, in dry and arid climates, which experience high levels of wet bulb temperature depression. The technique has generally not been applied in maritime climates where low levels of wet bulb temperature depression are frequently found. However, recent developments in enhancing heat and mass transfer in cooling towers, together with the success of high temperature sensible cooling systems, such as chilled ceiling panels and beams, have prompted a review of the evaporative cooling technique as an effective and low energy means of cooling modern deep plan buildings, …

Ole Miss Engineer 2001

Ole Miss Engineer

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Mechanical Design In Mechatronics Education, John Gardner

Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A survey of Mechatronics course offerings around the United States shows a rich variety of approaches to this topic.[1] Indeed, it appears that a majority of Mechanical Engineering programs across the county offer some formal offering in this area and it seems clear that the vast majority of Mechatronics courses are offered through Mechanical Engineering departments. With the traditional emphasis on design skill in mechanical engineering, it would seem obvious that mechatronics courses would feature a major design component. Surprisingly, very few existing mechatronics courses (at least those reported in the literature) feature a strong emphasis on mechanical design. That …

Task Specific Uncertainty In Coordinate Measurement, R. G. Wilhelm, R. Hocken, H. Schwenke

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Task specific uncertainty is the measurement uncertainty associated with the measurement of a specific feature using a specific measurement plan. This paper surveys techniques developed to model and estimate task specific uncertainty for coordinate measuring systems, primarily coordinate measuring machines using contacting probes. Sources of uncertainty are also reviewed.

Bicycle Braking System, Noel Brady

Patents

A bicycle braking system for permitting controlled rotation and continuous power to the wheels of a bicycle during braking of the bicycle to enhance control of the bicycle during braking includes a cylindrical brake pad that is spring loaded within angled slots in a casing. The brake pad is positioned proximate the rim of a wheel and a cable assembly is coupled to the brake pad for urging the brake pad towards an end of the angled slots and against the rim of the wheel to slow rotation of the wheel.

Languages For Engineering Design: Empirical Constructs For Representing Objects And Articulating Processes, Clive L. Dym, Philip Brey

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

Design knowledge incorporates knowledge and information about designed objects and their attributes, as well as about methods and means for undertaking the design process. Such design knowledge is articulated in several different representations or languages. This paper presents a typology of the languages of engineering design, emphasizing the representation of designed objects and the articulation and representation of the cognitive processes of design. Design languages include verbal or textual statements, drawings and graphics, formulas, and numbers. Still other design languages follow from computational styles. The languages of design and their computer-based implementations are empirical in origin, since observation reveals that …

Mathematical Modeling For Fabricating A Microstructure With A Pre-Specified Geometry Using Laser -Induced Chemical Vapor Deposition, Chaoyang Zhang

Doctoral Dissertations

Laser-induced chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) is an emerging new technique with many practical applications. To optimize the system for fabricating a microstructure with a pre-specified geometry in pyrolytic LCVD, a three-dimensional mathematical model is developed for predicting temperature distributions and laser dwell times across the substrate scanned by the laser beam. A microstructure is fabricated layer by layer, and for each layer the laser beam moves from one pixel to the next. The complicated correlations among temperature distribution, deposit growth rate, and laser dwell time are investigated. A purely heterogeneous reaction is assumed and any gas-phase transport is ignored.

A …

Using A Rapid Prototyping Machine In The Integrated Kinematics, Dynamics, And Machine Design Lab, Wieslaw M. Szydlowski

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

According to a recent trend, two different labs - the Machine Design lab, and Kinematics, and Dynamics lab are combined into one integrated lab. The time students spend on their projects is halved. To save the quality of undergraduate education, an ew methodology has to be developed. The paper explains the methodology developed by the author while teaching the integrated Kinematics, Dynamics, and Machine Design Lab (MECH 488) at the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The objective of the aforementioned lab is to teach the students, who have no design experience, how to select proper tools (firom …

An Optimal Control Based Treatment Strategy For Parturient Paresis Using Neural Networks, Radhakant Padhi, S. N. Balakrishnan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An optimal online feedback treatment strategy is developed for the parturient paresis of cows, based on nonlinear optimal control theory. A limitation in the development of an existing mathematical model for calcium homeostasis is addressed and the model is extended to incorporate control inputs. An optimal feedback controller is synthesized for the nonlinear system using neural networks. Though the main aim of this paper is to solve the biomedical control problem, the methodology presented in this paper is a general computational tool, which can be applied to solve a fairly general class nonlinear optimal control problems.

Nebraska Summary 389: Fendt 920 Vario Diesel, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA

The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data.

EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES

Purpose

The purpose of …