Applied Mechanics Commons^™

Experimental And Finite Element Studies Of Shock Transmission, Eldon Jerry Goddard

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Composite materials are more widely used today in engineering products than ever before. Shock transmission in jointed composite sections needs to be investigated to understand the affect of composite materials on the dynamic response of the system. There exists limited published work on transient shock propagation through composite sections. The aim of this study is to analyze the transient behavior of joints in composite materials subjected to low impact loads and to develop a computational model that provides an improved physics based shock model. The jointed connection will be investigated experimentally and using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The bolted joint …

Modeling Of A Novel Solar Down Beam Test Facility Utilizing Newtonian Optics, Ryan J. Hoffmann

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

As advances in concentrated solar energy progress there will inevitably be an increase in the demand of resources for testing new conceptions. Currently, there are limited facilities available for taking concentrated solar energy concepts from the laboratory bench scale to the engineering test scale. A proposed solution is a scientific and developmental facility that provides highly concentrated solar energy at ground level. The design presented is a solar down beam test facility utilizing a Newtonian optics approach with a flat rectangular down beam mirror to reflect and concentrate the sun's rays at ground level.

Literature review suggests a hyperbolic reflector …

Optimal Design Of Vehicle With Internal Space Frame Structure Subjected To High Impact Load, Jagadeep Thota

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Armored military vehicles are heavily used in modern warfare. These vehicles are subjected to lethal attacks from projectiles and land mines. The shocks from these attacks may risk the safety of the occupants and damage the electronic instruments within the vehicle. Extensive research on the analysis and reduction of shocks on civilian vehicles has been performed. Fewer researchers addressed these problems in the case of military vehicles. Space frames are usually used to enhance structural strength of the vehicle while reducing its overall weight. These frames comprise of beams connected together at joints. Recently, space frames were incorporated in military …

An On-Sun Parametric Study Of Solar Hydrogen Production Using Wo3 Photoanodes, Christopher K. Halford

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The solar production of hydrogen using photoactive electrodes is a topic receiving much attention in recent years. The use of thin metal oxide films as photoanodes allows the water splitting reaction to occur at a much lower applied voltage than would be necessary with a straight electrolysis process. Researchers have reported up to 18% solar to hydrogen efficiencies over short periods. The University of Nevada Las Vegas in conjunction with the UK based firm Hydrogen Solar have developed a prototype of this type of cell using a WO3 photoanode. An on-sun test facility has been constructed by the UNLV Center …

Experimental Evaluation And Modeling Of Engine Driven Heat Pump, Isaac Y. Mahderekal

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Recently, the Gas Engine-Driven Heat Pump (GHP) System has become an economic choice and more attractive climate control system than the conventional air conditioner due to its advantage in reducing fossil fuel consumption and environmental pollution. The GHP is a new type of heat pump in which the compressor (the core part) is driven by a gas engine. The GHP typically uses the work produced by the engine to drive a vapor-compression heat pump. At the same time, the waste heat rejected by the engine is used for heating purposes.

To improve the system performance of the GHP, a numerical …