Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Processing And Characterization Of Innovative Magnesium Alloys For Biodegradable Orthopaedic Implants, Christopher E. Smith

Dissertations

There is a need for innovation in medical implant devices through novel biomaterials that will improve the quality of life. The first step in the creation of a foundation of knowledge and technology to improve these implant devices is through the creation of new alloys with the capabilities of biodegradation and bioabsorption without a toxic effect that will pass through FDA regulatory procedures. In this study, unique heat treatment processing techniques coupled with innovation in elemental alloying produced distinctive magnesium (Mg) based alloy systems. The MgZnCa system was used as the underpinning system where four groups of novel alloys were …

Hand Prosthesis, Tru Nguyen, Aaron Delano, Kyle M. Green, Jorge Maderal, Cody Poland

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

This project deals with engineering students’ prosthetic hand design, submitted to the University of Southern Maine’s engineering department. The primary goal of the prosthetic hand design is to allow an impaired individual to grasp and hold everyday objects ranging from a toothbrush to a jug of milk. The project consists of three teams each designing their respective portion of the prosthetic device. The teams will deal with three specific design areas; computer aided design of the mechanism, electronic integration, and manufacturing implementation. The design team turns notebook doodles into virtual models in SolidWorks. The electronics team will control a battery …

Nuts & Bolts, Volume 2, Issue 2, Lance Todd, Julie Thomson, Louis Leviticus

Friends of the Larsen Tractor Museum

Museum Open House is a Success

The Passing of Museum Volunteer Larry Ehlers

Larsen Museum to Auction Twelve Tractors

Details an Estate Planning and Memorial Designation

Particle Deposition On Superhydrophobic Surfaces By Sessile Droplet Evaporation, Mercy G. Dicuangco

Open Access Theses

Prediction and active control of the spatial distribution of particulate deposits obtained from sessile droplet evaporation is essential in ink-jet printing, nanostructure assembly, biotechnology, and other applications that require localized deposits. In recent years, sessile droplet evaporation on bio-inspired superhydrophobic surfaces has become an attractive method for depositing materials on a site-specific, localized region, but is less explored compared to evaporative deposition on hydrophilic surfaces. It is therefore of interest to understand particle deposition during droplet evaporation on superhydrophobic surfaces to enable accurate prediction and tunable control of localized deposits on such surfaces. The purpose of the present work is …

Dynamic Characteristic Identification Of Seismic-Excited Multi-Story Buildings Through Response-Only Technique, Agung Budipriyanto, Priyo Suprobo

Makara Journal of Technology

Identifying dynamic characteristics of civil engineering structures is still a challenging task. It intends to assess behavior of the structures under time-dependent loads. This paper discusses a methodology suitable for identifying the characteristics of multi-story buildings using only their measured response under earthquake ground excitations. Appropriateness of technique used for structural identification was corroborated through coherence of the structure’s responses. The methodology was applied for identifying the characteristics of 14-story and 20-story office buildings located in a high seismic region. Responses of these two buildings recorded during three different seismic ground motions were investigated. The buildings’ response spectral densities and …

Performance Evaluation Of An Optimized Floating Breakwater In Oblique Waves With A Higher-Order Boundary Element Method, Faisal Mahmuddin, Masashi Kashiwagi

Makara Journal of Technology

In the previous study, the optimal performance of a two-dimensional (2D) floating breakwater shape was obtained. The performance of this shape was also confirmed with a model experiment in a towing tank. Moreover, the shape’s performance in three dimensions (3D) was investigated in a subsequent study. However, to predict the shape’s performance in a real application more accurately, the shape’s characteristics in oblique waves must also be evaluated. In this study, the performance and characteristics of the model (hydrodynamic forces, body motions, wave elevations, and drift forces) are computed using a higher-order boundary element method (HOBEM). The HOBEM, which is …

Development Of Nhtsa’S Side Impact Test Procedure For Child Restraint Systems Using A Deceleration Sled : Part 1, Janet Brelin-Fornari, Sheryl Janca

Mechanical Engineering Grants

This report presents the results of the research and development of the child seat side impact tests performed at Kettering University’s Crash Safety Center for NHTSA. The tests were conducted using a deceleration sled. The objective of this testing was to obtain data for the development of a side impact test procedure for child restraint systems.

Study Of Aluminum Honeycomb Sandwich Composite Structure For Increased Specific Damping, Aditi S. Joshi

Open Access Theses

The aluminum honeycomb sandwich composite structure is commonly used in the aerospace and automotive applications where high strength to weight ratio is desirable. However the poor performance of the aluminum honeycomb sandwich composite structure in terms of the vibration damping and the sound transmission makes their applications limited. Studying the effect of different structural modifications on the damping has become an interesting area of research in past few decades. The present study addresses the effect of adding a mass on the composite beam at various locations on the damping loss factors for the modes of vibration present in the frequency …

Experimental Investigation Of A Forced Response Condition In A Multistage Compressor, William Louis Murray

Open Access Theses

The objective of this research is twofold. Firstly, the design, development, and construction of a test facility for a Honeywell APU-style centrifugal compressor was implemented, as well as the design and construction of an inlet flow experiment. Secondly, the aeromechanical response of an embedded stage in the Purdue 3-Stage axial research compressor was analyzed through a suite of different measurement techniques in the fulfillment of the end of the GUIde IV Consortium contract. ^ The purpose of the first phase of Honeywell work was to comprehensively measure the flow field of an APU-style centrifugal compressor inlet through the use of …

Unsteady Forces On A Spherical Particle Accelerating Or Decelerating In An Initially Stagnant Fluid, Yashas Mudlapur Phaneesh Keshav

Open Access Theses

Flows with particles play an important role in a number of engineering applications. These include trajectories of droplets in sprays in fuel-injected-reciprocating-piston and gas-turbine engines, erosion of materials due to particle impact on a surface, and deposition of materials on surfaces by impinging droplets or particles that could solidify or bond on impact. For these applications, it is important to understand the forces that act on the particles so that their trajectories could be predicted.

Considerable work has been done on understanding the forces acting on spherical particles, where the Reynolds numbers (Rep ) based on the particle …

Probabilistic Fault Detection And Diagnostics For Packaged Air-Conditioner Outdoor-Air Economizers, Andrew L. Hjortland

Open Access Theses

Poor economizer control, economizer damper failure, and excess outdoor-air contribute to these performance degradations. In order to promote optimal rooftop air-conditioner (RTU) performance and reduce operating costs, an automated fault detection and diagnostics (AFDD) tool has been designed for RTUs with integrated economizers. Based on previously proposed methods, the proposed method advances the economizer fault detection and diagnosis components by using statistical classifiers in order to provide more robust, probabilistic fault outputs. A set of air-side virtual sensors has also been added to the method in order to expand the applicable range of conditions fault detection and diagnostics can be …

Quantitative Imaging Of Radiation Intensity From A Turbulent Sooting Flame, Robert Kapaku

Open Access Theses

Quantitative imaging of radiation intensity (QIRI) is a method of investigating temporally and spatially resolved radiation from species and particulates in turbulent flames. The current study reports quantitative images of radiation intensity from a turbulent ethylene flame that matches the Reynolds number (15,200) of a non-sooting flame from the International Workshop on Measurement and Computation of Turbulent Non-premixed Flames. A calibrated high-speed infrared camera with four band-pass filters was used to acquire images of radiation intensity in wavelengths corresponding to carbon dioxide, water vapor, and soot. The luminous flame measurements show thin radiating structures corresponding to soot layers and higher …

An Algorithm For Impacting Soft Structures, Tengfei Long

Open Access Theses

Impact among soft structures is often difficult to model because of the geometrical non-linearity involved. There are a number of previous studies of the contact dynamics of rigid bodies, but few has focused on soft structures so far.

This thesis models impact between soft structures without any restraint on their geometries. The goal is to simulate the dynamics involved among soft structures during an impact process. This has been done through designing and implementing an contact algorithm that uses the finite element method along with a three-dimensional solid element to solve the fundamental time integration problem. Modeling of the contact …

Experimental And Numerical Study Of The Air Distribution In An Airliner Cabin, Wei Liu

Open Access Theses

Nowadays, more people, including those with impaired health or who are otherwise potentially sensitive to the cabin environment, are traveling by air than ever before. The flying public demands a higher comfort level and a cleaner environment because they encounter a combination of environmental factors including low humidity, low air pressure, and sometimes, exposure to air contaminants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, various organic chemicals, and biological agents. Moreover, international air travel has increased the potential risks associated with airborne disease transmission and the release, whether accidentally or intentionally, of noxious substances during flight. Many studies suggest that the risk …

Exhaust Thermal Management Using Cylinder Deactivation And Late Intake Valve Closing, Mark E. Magee

Open Access Theses

Progressively stricter emission regulations have compelled diesel engine manufacturers to develop new technologies that reduce harmful pollutants like NOx and soot. While manufacturers have previously been able to meet these regulations through the use of on engine technology such as exhaust gas recirculation and multiple pulse injections, exhaust after treatment systems such as diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction systems have become necessary to meet recent stricter policies. While these after treatment systems are incredibly effective at reducing harmful emissions, to operate effectively the system needs to be above a certain temperature level typically between 250 and 300°C. Many …

Improving Indoor Air Quality Through Botanical Air Filtration In Energy Efficient Residences, Daniel William Newkirk

Open Access Theses

According to the U.S. EPA, the average American spends 90% of their time indoors where pollutants are two to five times more prevalent than outside. The consequences of these pollutants are estimated to cost the U.S. 125 billion dollars in lost health and productivity. Background literature suggests botanical air filtration may be able to solve this problem by leveraging the natural ability of plants to purify indoor air. By improving indoor air quality, energy consumption can also be reduced by bringing in less outside air to dilute contaminants within the space. A botanical air filter, called the Biowall, was designed …

A Novel Three Degree-Of-Freedoms Oscillation System Of Insect Flapping Wings, Yi Qin

Open Access Theses

We propose an oscillation system to replicate the dynamic behavior of flapping wings, inspired by insect flight muscles. In particular, we study the flight of the fruit fly Drosophila virilis . We model the wing as a rigid body with three degree-of-freedom, described by three Euler angles: the stroke angle, the rotation angle and the deviation angle. Insect flight muscles are separated into two types: power muscles and control muscles. One actuator and one torsional spring at the stroke angle act as the power muscles. Two torsional springs at the rotation angle and the deviation angle mimic the control muscles. …

Characterization Of Thermal And Mechanical Properties Of Porous Material For Electronic Cooling Applications, Ninad Tushar Trifale

Open Access Theses

Metal foams are considered beneficial for several applications because of its significantly large surface area for a given volume. Foams form a high thermal conductive network in a thermal interface for electro cooling applications. The porous structures are relatively compliant and can provide for a better contact and thereby have a lower thermal resistance. Porous heat sinks made of aluminum foam have been well studied in the past. It is not only cost effective due to the unique production process, but also attractive for the theoretical modeling study to determine the performance. A study on the thermal and mechanical characterization …

The Influence Of Gaps On The Frequency Response Of A Beamspring Contact System, Wenbin Zhang

Open Access Theses

Some mechanical systems with gaps such as in disc brakes and Cardan joints exhibit nonlinearity under certain load conditions, which is unpredictable and highly sensitive to initial conditions. Previous studies were mainly focused on either a single-degree-of-freedom (DOF) system or a flexible beam with uniform elastic foundation. The analysis of this thesis is a combination of these two where gaps are first introduced to a flexible beam model. A model of a beam resting on compliant foundation with gaps has been developed and analyzed. The assumed modes method is used to derive the equations of motion (EOM's) for the system. …

Towards A Sustainable Modular Robot System For Planetary Exploration, S. G. M. Hossain

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

This thesis investigates multiple perspectives of developing an unmanned robotic system suited for planetary terrains. In this case, the unmanned system consists of unit-modular robots. This type of robot has potential to be developed and maintained as a sustainable multi-robot system while located far from direct human intervention. Some characteristics that make this possible are: the cooperation, communication and connectivity among the robot modules, flexibility of individual robot modules, capability of self-healing in the case of a failed module and the ability to generate multiple gaits by means of reconfiguration. To demonstrate the effects of high flexibility of an individual …

Team Poly Cup, John Adkins, Scott W. Hart, Elise Kiland

Mechanical Engineering

This project involves the use of mechanical engineering expertise to develop, design, and create a functioning prototype of a collapsible coffee cup. The prototype is to be designed to the specifications given by Jason Blum, the project sponsor. Allowances may be given for design freedom as specified by Jason Blum. The goal of this project is to create a product which may replace the both the disposable coffee cups distributed at coffee shops as well as to create a product which may replace the traditional travel mug due to its increased portability.

Team Poly Cup has worked throughout the year …

Design And Development Of An Affordable Haptic Robot With Force-Feedback And Compliant Actuation To Improve Therapy For Patients With Severe Hemiparesis, Andrew R. Theriault, Mark L. Nagurka, Michelle J. Johnson

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The study describes the design and development of a single degree-of-freedom haptic robot, Haptic Theradrive, for post-stroke arm rehabilitation for in-home and clinical use. The robot overcomes many of the weaknesses of its predecessor, the TheraDrive system, that used a Logitech steering wheel as the haptic interface for rehabilitation. Although the original TheraDrive system showed success in a pilot study, its wheel was not able to withstand the rigors of use. A new haptic robot was developed that functions as a drop-in replacement for the Logitech wheel. The new robot can apply larger forces in interacting with the patient, thereby …

Bi-Harmonic Cantilever Design For Improved Measurement Sensitivity In Tapping-Mode Atomic Force Microscopy, M. Loganathan, Douglas A. Bristow

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

The Derivation Of Euler's Equations Of Motion In Cylindrical Vector Components To Aid In Analyzing Single Axis Rotation, James J. Jennings

Master's Theses (2009 -)

The derivation of Euler's equations of motion in using cylindrical vector components is beneficial in more intuitively describing the parameters relating to the balance of rotating machinery. Using the well established equation for Newton's equations in moment form and changing the position and angular velocity vectors to cylindrical vector components results in a set of equations defined in radius-theta space rather than X-Y space. This easily allows for the graphical representation of the intuitive design parameters effect on the resulting balance force that can be used to examine the robustness of a design. The sensitivity of these parameters and their …

Transit As An Alternative Mode Of Transportation: A Case Study Of Its Usage, Availability, Patterns And Value For Non-Commuter Trips, Sara Hardman

Honors Theses

The mode of transportation a user picks impacts the environment, the social environment, and the user himself/herself. While research on alternative modes of transportation is prevalent in both the engineering and sociology fields, little attention has been given to the choices people make concerning how they run errands and other social trips, focusing instead on commuter trips. This case study examines three different shopping malls and the surrounding bus stops in order to determine the role distance plays in bus usage and the value that shopping centers place on access to local bus routes. Determination of the value and potential …

A Metaevaluation Of Energy Efficiency Evaluations, Brandy Brown

Dissertations

This study systematically reviews the methodological characteristics of energy efficiency evaluations and uses metaevaluation to assess its quality. Metaevaluation is used to systematically assess the quality of evaluation products, confirm that evaluations deliver sound findings and conclusions, are useful to the client, are credible, are ethically conducted, and are done as cost-effective as possible. The results of this study show that the ability to accurately assess evaluation for methodological quality using evaluations reports as a primary data source depends on the presence of detailed descriptions of evaluation methods. Furthermore, the study suggests that methodological variations of energy efficiency evaluations coalesce …

Numerical And Experimental Investigation Of Orthopaedic Fracture Fixation, Bipinchandra Patel

Dissertations

Poor bone fracture fixation leads to malunion, delayed union, non-union, or infection. These malunited fractures affect a bone’s ability to carry loads. Patient outcomes regarding fixation quality can be affected by the healing environment and human factors such as bone quality and surgeons’ perception. Furthermore, the stiffness and strength of the screw-plate construct affect the healing environment. Therefore, this dissertation investigates the stiffness and strength of the non-locking (conventional) and locking (fixed angle) type screw-plate constructs and the factors that contribute to them, such as screw-plate interface, screw design, bone density, cortical bone thickness and load orientation. Additionally, the surgeon’s …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Soy-Based Polyurethane Foam With Utilization Of Ethylene Glycol In Polyol, Flora Elvistia Firdaus

Makara Journal of Technology

The use of vegetable oils on replacing petroleum has attracted attention of many researchers. The chemical structure of vegetable oils are different from petrochemicals, so the structure of soybean oil has to be chemically modified through its unsaturated fatty acid chain in triglyceride. A two step process was conducted for the preparation of soy-polyol in designated temperatures; 50 °C, 60 °C, and 70 °C. Ethylene glycol (EG) as co-reagent was taking part in soy-polyol synthesis, and the soy-polyol was used as a sole polyol for polyurethane synthesis. Referred to the previous study, the existence of EG in polyurethane synthesis can …

Performances Of Free-Space Optical Communication System Over Strong Turbulence, Ucuk Darusalam, Purnomo Sidi Priambodo, Harry Sudibyo, Eko Tjipto Rahardjo

Makara Journal of Technology

We report an experimental of free-space optical communication (FSOC) system that use tube propagation simulator (TPS) as the turbulence medium. The FSOC system use wavelength of 1550 nm at the rate transmission of 1000 Mbps and amplified with EDFA at the output of +23 dBm. Index structure of 10-15–10-13 as the representation of atmosphere index turbulences are used for simulation of intensity distribution model or scintillation. The simulation use gammagamma and K model as well. The beam wave propagation models used in simulation are plane wave, spherical wave and Gaussian wave. Spherical wave achieves highest performance via gamma-gamma in strong …

Simulation Of An Intake Manifold Pre-Heater For Cold Diesel Engine Startup, Patrick K. Kreun

Masters Theses

Ensuring consistent, reliable diesel engine startups in cold temperatures is of utmost importance in a number of applications. Under extreme temperatures, the use of glow plugs is complemented by intake manifold heaters. In these, the energy released from combustion increases the intake air temperature before the air enters the main combustion chamber. Since the process also alters the stoichiometry of the fuel-air mixture at the intake ports, the preheater operation must be optimized in order to guarantee successful and reliable in-cylinder combustion during engine startups. This paper describes the development of an intake manifold model incorporating an air pre-heater for …