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2012

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Articles 421 - 450 of 987

Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering

Model-Based Systems And Methods For Analyzing And Predicting Outcomes Of Vascular Interventions And Reconstructions, Yuris A. Dzenis, Alexey Kamenskiy, Iraklis I. Pipinos, Jason N. Mactaggart Apr 2012

Model-Based Systems And Methods For Analyzing And Predicting Outcomes Of Vascular Interventions And Reconstructions, Yuris A. Dzenis, Alexey Kamenskiy, Iraklis I. Pipinos, Jason N. Mactaggart

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Systems and methods for analyzing and predicting treatment outcomes of medical procedures such as vascular interventions and reconstructions are disclosed. An illustrative system for analyzing and predicting therapeutic outcomes of medical procedures comprises a relational database configured for classifying and storing patient specific input data for multiple patients, a fluid-solid interaction biomechanical model configured for performing a biomechanics simulation and generating biomechanics data, and a graphical user interface.


Mathematical Modeling Of Pipeline Features For Robotic Inspection, Yang Gao Apr 2012

Mathematical Modeling Of Pipeline Features For Robotic Inspection, Yang Gao

Doctoral Dissertations

Underground pipeline systems play an indispensable role in transporting liquids in both developed and developing countries. The associated social and economic cost to repair a pipe upon abrupt failure is often unacceptable. Regular inspection is a preventative action that aims to monitor pipe conditions, catch abnormalities and reduce the chance of undesirable surprises. Robots with CCTV video cameras have been used for decades to inspect pipelines, yielding only qualitative information. It is becoming necessary and preferable for municipalities, project managers and engineers to also quantify the 3-D geometry of underground pipe networks. Existing robots equipped specialized hardware and software algorithms …


The Search For An Optimal Means Of Determining The Minmax Control Parameter Using Sensitivity Analysis, John Teye Brown Apr 2012

The Search For An Optimal Means Of Determining The Minmax Control Parameter Using Sensitivity Analysis, John Teye Brown

Doctoral Dissertations

The use of computational methods for design and simulation of control systems allows for a cost-effective trial and error approach. In this work, we are concerned with the robust, real-time control of physical systems whose state space is infinite-dimensional. Such systems are known as Distributed Parameter Systems (DPS). A body whose state is heterogeneous is a distributed parameter. In particular, this work focuses on DPS systems that are governed by linear Partial Differential Equations, such as the heat equation. We specifically focus on the MinMax controller, which is regarded as being a very robust controller. The mathematical formulation of the …


Numerical Study Of The Performance Of A Model Scramjet Engine, Ayad Alhumadi Apr 2012

Numerical Study Of The Performance Of A Model Scramjet Engine, Ayad Alhumadi

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A computational parametric investigation was conducted to study the effect of variations to several geometric parameters on the performance of a two-dimensional model scramjet engine (square cross section area for 3-D model). Geometric parameters included backstep location, height, and angle and fuel injector angle, diameter, and location. Two- and three-dimensional geometries have been studied, using a finite-volume computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code (FLUENT) with structured grids with sizes between 50,000 and 90,000 cells for the two-dimensional geometry and with structured hexahedral grid sizes between 650,000 and 949,725 cells for the three-dimensional geometry. Otherwise, identical values of program inputs were utilized …


Dynamic Scheduling For Unplanned Maintenance Work, Tejaswi Karempudi Apr 2012

Dynamic Scheduling For Unplanned Maintenance Work, Tejaswi Karempudi

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Ships are maintained at regular intervals in a scheduled manner. But there may be unexpected problems which necessitate immediate or as-soon-as-possible attention. These kinds of problem are handled through some type of Unplanned Maintenance Scheduling (UMS).

In a recent paper, Bao, Mittal and Dean I presented a method for planning and scheduling maintenance jobs using lean maintenance principles. In this method, the priority levels of the jobs are initially identified through a Maintenance Priority Evaluation Matrix (MPEM), then conflicts between the jobs because of personnel, tooling and spatial uses are taken into account concurrently to force a re-prioritization of the …


A Complete Autonomous Vehicle Solution: An Asv Case Study, Justin Michael Selfridge Apr 2012

A Complete Autonomous Vehicle Solution: An Asv Case Study, Justin Michael Selfridge

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The field of robotics has grown at an astonishing rate over the past two decades, and the interest in autonomous vehicles has grown even faster. Autonomous vehicles offer the unique promise of removing drivers from dangerous environments, and increasing the efficiency of our highways. However, the development of these systems is no trivial task. For an autonomous vehicle to effectively navigate and interact with the world, the vehicle must ( 1) determine where it is located and create an accurate assessment of its surroundings, (2) develop a feasible navigational path based on the current surroundings and the vehicle's destination, and …


Model Verification For Multi-Body Dynamics And Six Degree Of Freedom Machine Impact Testing, Scott James Tedesco Apr 2012

Model Verification For Multi-Body Dynamics And Six Degree Of Freedom Machine Impact Testing, Scott James Tedesco

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Using MSC's ADAMS software, a multi-body dynamic model was created to represent a Six Degree of Freedom (Six DOF) Machine, located at the Old Dominion University Dynamic Environment Simulation Laboratory (DES Lab). This rigid body model was verified for single axis impact using experimental test data from the Six DOF Machine. Due to the large number of unknowns in the physical Six DOF Machine, a parameter sensitivity study was conducted to analyze critical parameters. This study provided data regarding machine performance, improved general understanding of the physical and mechanical operation of the Six DOF Machine, and guidance for parameter modeling …


The Solar Thermal Decoupled Electrolysis Of Water Process: An Investigation Of The Electrochemistry In A Base, Jessica Guertin Apr 2012

The Solar Thermal Decoupled Electrolysis Of Water Process: An Investigation Of The Electrochemistry In A Base, Jessica Guertin

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

The solar research team at Valparaiso University is developing solar thermal chemical processes that will transform solar energy into economically viable and reusable energy forms. One subgroup is working on the Solar Thermal Decoupled Electrolysis of Water Process. In this multi-step process, the electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen occurs at room temperature outside of the solar reactor, and it is facilitated by the oxidation of magnetite (Fe3O4) to hematite (Fe2O3). The hematite is then pumped to the solar reactor where it is reduced back to magnetite at high temperatures with the liberation of oxygen. This cycle is then repeated. …


Design Of A Catenoidal Shaped Anechoic Termination, Kyle Myers Apr 2012

Design Of A Catenoidal Shaped Anechoic Termination, Kyle Myers

Masters Theses

An analytical model is developed in this thesis to predict the reflection coefficient of an anechoic termination consisting of a catenoidal horn connected to a tube lined with absorbing material. The theoretical predictions are compared to experimental measurements on a prototype. Comparisons are made for a variety of arrangements, including, an open horn, and a horn connected to absorbing terminations of two different lengths. The absorbing terminations are either open or closed to the environment and the analytical model can account for both these scenarios. The results indicate that the new model can accurately predict the reflection coefficient for each …


A Nanoporous Silicon Nitride Membrane Using A Two-Step Lift-Off Pattern Transfer With Thermal Nanoimprint Lithography, Bhargav P. Nabar, Zeynep Çelik-Butler, Brian H. Dennis, Richard E. Billo Apr 2012

A Nanoporous Silicon Nitride Membrane Using A Two-Step Lift-Off Pattern Transfer With Thermal Nanoimprint Lithography, Bhargav P. Nabar, Zeynep Çelik-Butler, Brian H. Dennis, Richard E. Billo

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nanoimprint lithography is emerging as a viable contender for fabrication of large-scale arrays of 5500 nm features. A fabrication process for the realization of thin nanoporous membranes using thermal nanoimprint lithography is presented. Suspended silicon nitride membranes were fabricated by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) in conjunction with a potassium hydroxide-based bulk micromachining process. Nanoscale features were imprinted into a commercially available thermoplastic polymer resist using a prefabricated silicon mold. The pattern was reversed and transferred to a thin aluminum oxide layer by means of a novel two-stage lift-off technique. The patterned aluminum oxide was used as an etch mask …


Corrosion Rate Of Carbon Steel For Flowline And Pipeline As Transmission Pipe In Natural Gas Production With Co2 Content, Andi Rustandi, Muhammad Adyutatama, Enriko Fadly, Norman Subekti Apr 2012

Corrosion Rate Of Carbon Steel For Flowline And Pipeline As Transmission Pipe In Natural Gas Production With Co2 Content, Andi Rustandi, Muhammad Adyutatama, Enriko Fadly, Norman Subekti

Makara Journal of Technology

The purpose of this research is to investigate the corrosion rate of carbon steel as flowline and pipeline in natural gas production with CO2 content. The influence of variety of conditions that represent the actual conditions in practice such as CO2 partial pressure and solution composition, particularly NaCl percentage were performed. Research conducted by polarization test and simulation methods using PREDICTTM software. The result of this research is used to illustrate the level of corrosion rate of typical carbon steel i.e. API 5L X-52 occurred in natural gas pipelines due to the effect of dissolved CO2. From the experiments obtained …


Concurrent Engineering Of Tolerance Synthesis And Process Selection For Products With Multiple Quality Characteristcs Considering Process Capability, Mohamad Imron Mustajib Apr 2012

Concurrent Engineering Of Tolerance Synthesis And Process Selection For Products With Multiple Quality Characteristcs Considering Process Capability, Mohamad Imron Mustajib

Makara Journal of Technology

The existences of variances that are very difficult to be removed from manufacturing processes provide significance of tolerance to the product quality characteristics target of customer functional requirement. Furthermore, quality loss incurred due to deviation of quality characteristics of the target with a specified tolerance. This article discusses the development of concurrent engineering optimization model of tolerance design and manufacturing process selection on product with multiple quality characteristics by minimizing total costs in the system, namely total manufacturing cost and quality loss cost as functions of tolerance, also rework and scrap costs. The considered multiple quality characteristics have interrelated tolerance …


Modification Of Flow Structure Over A Van Model By Suction Flow Control To Reduce Aerodynamics Drag, Harinaldi Harinaldi, Budiarso Budiarso, Warjito Warjito, Engkos Achmad Kosasih, Rustan Tarakka, Sabar Pangihutan Simanungkalit, I Gusti Made Fredy Lay Teryanto Apr 2012

Modification Of Flow Structure Over A Van Model By Suction Flow Control To Reduce Aerodynamics Drag, Harinaldi Harinaldi, Budiarso Budiarso, Warjito Warjito, Engkos Achmad Kosasih, Rustan Tarakka, Sabar Pangihutan Simanungkalit, I Gusti Made Fredy Lay Teryanto

Makara Journal of Technology

Automobile aerodynamic studies are typically undertaken to improve safety and increase fuel efficiency as well as to find new innovation in automobile technology to deal with the problem of energy crisis and global warming. Some car companies have the objective to develop control solutions that enable to reduce the aerodynamic drag of vehicle and significant modification progress is still possible by reducing the mass, rolling friction or aerodynamic drag. Some flow control method provides the possibility to modify the flow separation to reduce the development of the swirling structures around the vehicle. In this study, a family van is modeled …


Optimizing Fermentation Medium To Produce Cyclosporin A Using Response Surface Methodology, Rofiq Sunaryanto Apr 2012

Optimizing Fermentation Medium To Produce Cyclosporin A Using Response Surface Methodology, Rofiq Sunaryanto

Makara Journal of Technology

Response surface methodology (RSM) is a three factorial model which illustrates the relationship between one or more independent variables. RSM can be used to optimize the fermentation medium for the production of Cyclosporin A from the isolate Tolypocladium inflatum. The optimal point of the response surface area is predicted by using a seconddegree polynomial model and applying the statistic model obtained from the central composite design (CCD). The results of optimizing the fermentation medium for Cyclopsorin using the three independent variables of glucose, casein, and KH2PO4 show that all three of the independent variables affect the production of Cyclosporin A. …


Engineering Innovation And Design For Stem Teachers And The Stem Quality Framework, James Rowley, Sandi Preiss, Margaret Pinnell, Suzanne Franco Apr 2012

Engineering Innovation And Design For Stem Teachers And The Stem Quality Framework, James Rowley, Sandi Preiss, Margaret Pinnell, Suzanne Franco

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

The backbone of economic growth in the United States relies on engineering innovation. However, engineering innovation cannot occur without engineers and scientists. Unfortunately however, many K-12 students do not have a good understanding of the engineering design process or the vast field of engineering. As a result, many students lose interest in math and science and do not pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. This paper will describe a unique partnership among the Teacher Education Program and School of Engineering at the University of Dayton (UD) and the Dayton Regional STEM Center (DRSC). This partnership initiated with the …


Molecular Dynamics Studies On Nanoscale Gas Transport, Murat Barisik Apr 2012

Molecular Dynamics Studies On Nanoscale Gas Transport, Murat Barisik

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Three-dimensional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of nanoscale gas flows are studied to reveal surface effects. A smart wall model that drastically reduces the memory requirements of MD simulations for gas flows is introduced. The smart wall molecular dynamics (SWMD) represents three-dimensional FCC walls using only 74 wall Molecules. This structure is kept in the memory and utilized for each gas molecule surface collision. Using SWMD, fluid behavior within nano-scale confinements is studied for argon in dilute gas, dense gas, and liquid states. Equilibrium MD method is employed to resolve the density and stress variations within the static fluid. Normal stress …


A Unified Enterprise-Wide Cost Modeling Framework For Engineering Applications Based On Systems Engineering Principles, Yousuf S. Mohammed Apr 2012

A Unified Enterprise-Wide Cost Modeling Framework For Engineering Applications Based On Systems Engineering Principles, Yousuf S. Mohammed

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

In the present research the problem of enterprise-wide cost modeling is approached from a systems engineering standpoint. What this does is to use each stage of product life cycle to obtain useful information that helps in estimating the cost of the system. Once a generic framework is developed for estimating the core cost, layers of other factors that affect the cost are applied to the core cost, such as risk and uncertainty, maintainability, supply-chain and socioeconomic conditions. The cost model is expanded to accommodate a product domain ranging from a simple object to a system in the following hierarchy: System, …


Age, Gender, And Muscle Strength: A Study Based On Indonesian Samples, Henny Henny, Hardianto Iridiastadi, Iftikar Zahedi Sutalaksana Apr 2012

Age, Gender, And Muscle Strength: A Study Based On Indonesian Samples, Henny Henny, Hardianto Iridiastadi, Iftikar Zahedi Sutalaksana

Makara Journal of Technology

Age and gender have been commonly used as a main criterion in accepting a job aplicant, but it is usually not clear how these affect job performance. While a number of recent studies have been done that describe the relationships between age, gender, and participants capacity (e.g., muscle strength), the results have been inconclusive. In Indonesia, in particular, such issues have been rarely investigated, and it is still important to study the issue since the relationships between these factors are population-specific. This study aimed at describing the relationships between age and muscle strength among workers for both genders. Ninety-six male …


Circularly Polarized Microstrip Array Antenna For Ground Segment In Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, Fitri Yuli Zulkifli, Eko Tjipto Rahardjo Apr 2012

Circularly Polarized Microstrip Array Antenna For Ground Segment In Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, Fitri Yuli Zulkifli, Eko Tjipto Rahardjo

Makara Journal of Technology

In satellite communication system, antenna plays an important role. Therefore, the antenna must meet some requirements, such as high gain, circular polarization, and good directivity. In this paper, a four element linear array triangular patch microstrip antenna with cross slot is designed to be used for Quasi-Zenith satellite system. A simulation study as well as experimental study was carried out. The simulation showed that the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of 87 MHz (2.569-2.656 GHz) is achieved while the measured results showed 96 MHz (2.556-2.652 GHz). The linear array of 4 element antenna has a gain of 13.73 dB and …


Tolerance Limit For Trucks With Excess Load In Transport Regulation In Indonesia, Sigit Pranowo Hadiwardoyo, Raden Jachrizal Sumabrata, Mohammed Ali Berawi Apr 2012

Tolerance Limit For Trucks With Excess Load In Transport Regulation In Indonesia, Sigit Pranowo Hadiwardoyo, Raden Jachrizal Sumabrata, Mohammed Ali Berawi

Makara Journal of Technology

Reliability of a road is mandatory since damaged will impede the traffic. Destruction is caused by various factors; one of the most important factors is excess load. Overload may give the load of each axle of a vehicle exceeds the determined standard. This condition occurs in trucks exceeding the load limit. In designing the structure of a road based on the method of Directorate General of Highways Ministry of Public Works of the Republic of Indonesia, axle load calculated in equivalent-number, or known as equivalent axle load (EAL), of 8.16 tons of standard axle. Total equivalent-number over the service life …


Earthquake Damage Intensity Relationship For Residential Houses In West Sumatra, Febrin Anas Ismail, Abdul Hakam, Fauzan Fauzan Apr 2012

Earthquake Damage Intensity Relationship For Residential Houses In West Sumatra, Febrin Anas Ismail, Abdul Hakam, Fauzan Fauzan

Makara Journal of Technology

The Sumatra 30 September 2009 earthquake has damaged hundred thousand buildings in West Sumatra Province. The earthquake is located in 100 km offshore of Padang City, the Capital City of the province. Survey has been conducted to assess the damage of the building in few days after the earthquake. In this survey, the damage of buildings are categorised into 3 level that are heavily, moderate and slightly damages. This paper explores the level damage of building and then the intensity of the shaking in the affected area. Then based on the coordinate of every building location, the buildings are scattered …


Evaluation Of Universitas Indonesia’S Recharge Pond Performance And Potential Utilization For Raw Water Source, Nyoman Suwartha, Resky Agaslian Pramadin Apr 2012

Evaluation Of Universitas Indonesia’S Recharge Pond Performance And Potential Utilization For Raw Water Source, Nyoman Suwartha, Resky Agaslian Pramadin

Makara Journal of Technology

Evaluasi Kinerja Waduk Resapan UI dan Potensi Pemanfaatannya sebagai Sumber Air Baku. Waduk resapan Universitas Indonesia (UI) telah dibangun sejak 5 tahun yang lalu. Namun kegiatan monitoring dan evaluasinya sangat minim dilakukan. Tujuan dari studi ini adalah untuk mengetahui laju resapan, dan untuk mengevaluasi kondisi kuantitas dan kualitas air waduk resapan selama musim kemarau dan penghujan. Pengukuran kedalaman muka air, intensitas curah hujan dan penguapan dilakukan untuk menentukan ketersediaan air, laju resapan, dan imbangan air waduk. Sejumlah air permukaan diambil dari waduk resapan dan sungai di tiga titik sampling untuk mengetahui kondisi kualitas air eksisting. Hasil studi menunjukkan tidak ada …


Effect Of Methanol Induction And Incubation Time On Expression Of Human Erythropoietin In Methylotropic Yeast Pichia Pastoris, Adi Santoso, Neng Herawati, Yana Rubiana Apr 2012

Effect Of Methanol Induction And Incubation Time On Expression Of Human Erythropoietin In Methylotropic Yeast Pichia Pastoris, Adi Santoso, Neng Herawati, Yana Rubiana

Makara Journal of Technology

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone consists of 165 amino acids and has molecular mass of 30,400 Daltons. The large quantities of these hormone required to satisfy clinical demand are currently met by recombinant expression in mammalian cell, namely chinese hamster ovary (CHO). Pichia pastoris has become popular yeast based protein production systems to substitute mammalian expression systems. P. pastoris is capable to use methanol as sole carbon and energy source. In this study, recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) protein obtained by expressing the hEPO gene in methylotropic yeast P. pastoris, strain X33. The present work was carried out to study …


Fuel Saving Strategy In Spark Ignition Engine Using Fuzzy Logic Engine Torque Control, Aris Triwiyatno, Sumardi Sumardi Apr 2012

Fuel Saving Strategy In Spark Ignition Engine Using Fuzzy Logic Engine Torque Control, Aris Triwiyatno, Sumardi Sumardi

Makara Journal of Technology

In the case of injection gasoline engine, or better known as spark ignition engines, an effort to improve engine performance as well as to reduce fuel consumption is a fairly complex problem. Generally, engine performance improvement efforts will lead to increase in fuel consumption. However, this problem can be solved by implementing engine torque control based on intelligent regulation such as the fuzzy logic inference system. In this study, fuzzy logic engine torque regulation is used to control the throttle position entered by the driver to achieve optimal engine torque. An engine torque vs. throttle position and engine speed mapping …


An Agri-Food Supply Chain Model To Enhance The Business Skills Of Small-Scale Farmers Using Corporate Social Responsibility, Wahyudi Sutopo, Muh. Hisjam, Yuniaristanto Yuniaristanto Apr 2012

An Agri-Food Supply Chain Model To Enhance The Business Skills Of Small-Scale Farmers Using Corporate Social Responsibility, Wahyudi Sutopo, Muh. Hisjam, Yuniaristanto Yuniaristanto

Makara Journal of Technology

In general, small-scale vegetable farmers experience problems in improving the safety and quality of vegetables for supplying high-class consumers in modern retailers. Farmer Group and/or Cooperative (FGC) should be able to assist its members to meet the relevant provisions of modern retail on product specifications, delivery terms, and internal business requirements. This study proposed an agri-food supply chain (ASC) model that involves the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to enhance the business skills of the FGC as supplier of modern retailer. Multi-objective optimization programming is developed to determine the amount and timing of supply, level of farmers training skills, quality …


Pineapple Liquid Waste As Nata De Pina Raw Material, Agus Sutanto Apr 2012

Pineapple Liquid Waste As Nata De Pina Raw Material, Agus Sutanto

Makara Journal of Technology

This research aims to study the quantity, quality, ecological and economic feasibility of nata de pina production (NP) from pineapple liquid waste (PLW). The design of the study employs complete random design (CRD) with three treatments: PLW without nutrients addition (A), PLW nutrients addition (B), and PLW stored for six months with nutrients addition (C). The nata de pina’s production factors measured were weight, thickness, fiber content, color, brightness, and residual waste. The highest weight was reached in treatment B (899 grams), followed by treatment A (616.4 grams), and C (477.8 grams). The thickness of NP of the height and …


Modeling Of A New Structure Of Precision Air Conditioning System Using Secondary Condenser For Rh Regulation, Aries Subiantoro, Nasruddin Nasruddin, Feri Yusivar, Muhammad Idrus Al-Hamid, Bagio Budiardjo Apr 2012

Modeling Of A New Structure Of Precision Air Conditioning System Using Secondary Condenser For Rh Regulation, Aries Subiantoro, Nasruddin Nasruddin, Feri Yusivar, Muhammad Idrus Al-Hamid, Bagio Budiardjo

Makara Journal of Technology

A dynamic mathematical model for a new structure of precision air conditioning (PAC) has been developed. The proposed PAC uses an additional secondary condenser for relative humidity regulation compared to a basic refrigeration system. The work mechanism for this system and a vapour-compression cycle process of the system are illustrated using psychrometric chart and pressure-enthalpy diagram. A non-linear system model is derived based on the conservation of mass and energy balance principles and then linearized at steady state operating point for developing a 8th-order state space model suited for multivariable controller design. The quality of linearized model is analyzed in …


Water Main Break Rates In The Usa And Canada: A Comprehensive Study, April 2012, Steven Folkman Apr 2012

Water Main Break Rates In The Usa And Canada: A Comprehensive Study, April 2012, Steven Folkman

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Modern societies base their economic prosperity on a standard of living which includes a complex network of infrastructure, both above and below ground. Quality drinking water brought to the tap through elaborate underground distribution systems is a critical component to our public health and economic well-being. In the USA and Canada, it has been the hallmark of our industry and cooperation.

EVIDENCE OF DECLINE

Our water infrastructure is now in decline after decades of service. The signs of distress surface daily as water mains break, creating floods and sink holes. The loss of water service is more than an inconvenience, …


Facility Implementation, Production, And Use Of Biodiesel On A University Campus, Michelle Erin Rodio Apr 2012

Facility Implementation, Production, And Use Of Biodiesel On A University Campus, Michelle Erin Rodio

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

During the last two years, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has been in the process of having a fully-functional biodiesel processing facility on campus. Within this time, it was shown that biodiesel was a great alternative to diesel fuel based on emissions, performance, and cost, allowing for a grant of $10,000 being awarded to fund the project. Upon properly producing biodiesel, the fuel was tested in a John Deere 2653A tractor to see what differences, if any, existed when using a biodiesel blend over diesel fuel. In doing this, carbon buildup and fuel economy were compared, and a cost analysis conducted. It …


Microstructure Selection Of Sm–Co–Al Alloys To Increase Magnetization, Brian Dick Apr 2012

Microstructure Selection Of Sm–Co–Al Alloys To Increase Magnetization, Brian Dick

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

An ever increasing demand for higher performing magnets drives the need for new and innovative methods to achieve this goal. Sm-Co rare earth permanent magnets have a unique eutectic microstructure that, through refinement, could become a two-phase magnet which would significantly increase their energy product. The eutectic structure of Sm8Co92 is comprised of αCo rods embedded within a Sm2Co17 matrix. If the rods are small enough to encourage exchange coupling and the matrix is smaller than the single domain limit, then an efficient two-phase magnet is created.

Refining the Co rods and matrix size …