bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimum Driving Control Based on Throttling Mechanism Design
Authors: Jawad Badih A. , Arslan Selin 
Published: October 2013

The performance of a racing engine is most dependent on the control of airflow entering the air intake manifold. In order to improve drivability and throttle response, the throttle angle within the throttle body must be precisely tuned with engine airflow. The actuation motion must be set as a direct function of the accelerator pedal position if this direct relationship is to be achieved.
Many of the current throttling mechanisms are designed with a variable pedal-to-throttle response, meaning simply that a certain distance of pedal displacement does not necessarily result in a defined amount of throttle rotation. This setup, in most cases, is created by design in order to fit the type of vehicle being discussed. Known as brand DNA, this practice would, for instance, prescribe a smaller pedal-to-throttle ratio for a sports car than it would for a luxury car. This setup is acceptable for the common driver; however, in a racing situation a more precise relationship is needed.
The airflow through a standard automotive throttle body is not exactly proportional to the displacement of the accelerator pedal. Therefore, another method is needed to open the butterfly valve in order to ensure that airflow through the throttle body is metered equal to pedal displacement. This paper finds that the implementation of a cam-type pulley is necessary to achieve this prescribed goal.
Thermal Properties of Carbon and Graphite Foams
Authors: Patrick Melanie , Vital Amber , Bridges Darian , Saad Messiha 
Published: October 2013

Thermal properties such as specific heat, thermal diffusivity, and thermal conductivity of carbon and graphite foams are very important in the engineering design process and analysis of aerospace vehicles as well as space systems. These properties are also important in power generation, transportation, and energy storage devices including fuel cells. Thermal conductivity is the property that determines the working temperature levels of the material; it plays a critical role in the performance of materials in high temperature applications and it is an important parameter in problems involving heat transfer and thermal structures.
The objective of this paper is to develop a thermal properties data base for carbon and graphite foams. Carbon foams are commercially produced from urethane, petroleum pitch-based and coal-based processes, and they typically have large pores (> 350 μm) and low density (< 1.0 g/cm3). Petroleum pitch-base and coal-base carbon/graphite foams can be tailored to be thermally conductive or thermally insulating.
The thermophysical properties of carbon and graphite foams have been investigated using experimental methods. The flash method was used to measure the thermal diffusivity of the foams; this method is based on America Society for Testing and Materials standard (ASTM E1461). In addition, the Differential Scanning Calorimeter was used in accordance with the ASTM E1269 standard to measure the specific heat. The measured thermal diffusivity, specific heat, and density data were used to compute the thermal conductivity of the foams.
Experimental Investigation and Finite Element Modeling Analysis of Photostrictive Optical Actuators
Authors: Rahman Mosfequr , Nawaz Masud , Mitra Aniruddha , Bassiri-Gharb Nazanin , Jackson John E. 
Published: October 2013

Photostrictive materials are lanthanum-modified lead zirconatetitanate (Pb, La)(Zr, Ti) O3 ceramics doped with WO3, called PLZT, exhibit large photostriction under uniform illumination of high-energy light. Photostrictive materials are ferrodielectric ceramics that have a photostrictive effect. Photostriction arises from a superposition of the photovoltaic effect, i.e. the generation of large voltage from the irradiation of light, and the converse-piezoelectric effect, i.e. expansion or contraction under the voltage applied. Photostrictive materials offer the potential for actuators with many advantages over traditional transducing electromechanical actuators made of shape memory alloys and electroceramics (piezoelectric and electrostrictive). Drawback of traditional actuators is that they require hard-wired connections to transmit the control signals which introduce electrical noise into the control signals; on the other hand PLZT actuators offer non-contact actuation, remote control, and are immune from electric/magnetic disturbances.
The main goal of the research work is to investigate the feasibility of utilizing photostrictive materials as an optical actuator for Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) applications. In this investigation process both experimental and computational approaches have been implemented. In the experimental part of this research, a test set-up has been designed and developed to measure the photostriction effect of a PLZT thin film on a silicon wafer as smart beams. The experimental set-up includes high pressure short arc xenon lamp with lamp housing, power supply, lamp igniter, hot mirror, band pass filters, optical chopper, and laser sensor with sensor head and controller.1 μm PLZT thin film on the silicon wafer sample has been tested as a cantilever beam with different light intensities, and focusing the light at the different locations on the PLZT cantilever beam. The experiment has been performed for continuous and pulses of lights focusing on the PLZT optical actuator. An optical chopper was used to make pulses of light on the PLZT cantilever beam. Also, a computational finite element method useful for design of systems incorporating thin film photostrictive actuators has already been developed by the authors. The element has been implemented in an in-house finite element code. This derived finite element for continuous illumination of light on the photostrictive thin film has been used to investigate the application of photostrictive actuators for the different structures and various boundary conditions of microbeams with various actuator locations and length intensities. A successful conclusion of these tasks will affirm the potential of the PLZT optical actuator to use in the MEMS devices.
A Fluid Flow Characterization Device for an Educational Desktop Learning Module
Authors: Peterson Kirsten L. , Compere Marc D. , Allam Yosef S. , Van Wie Bernard J. 
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the design and testing of a fluid loss characterization device for use in engineering education as a classroom or laboratory demonstration in a core curriculum fluid dynamics course. The design is specifically tailored for clear demonstration of the abstract concept of fluid loss in a way that supports collaborative, hands-on, active, and problem-based learning.
This stand-alone device is intended as a prototype for a Desktop Learning Module (DLM) cartridge. The DLM module framework was developed by engineering educators at Washington State University as part of a collaborative NSF-sponsored program. The fluid loss characterization device was sponsored by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Honors Program in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The purpose of the experiment is to have students determine the loss coefficients and friction factors of different piping components in a fluid flow system. The experiment involves measuring volumetric flowrate changes in the system due to the introduction of minor and major losses. A pump circulates water at a specified rate tunable by the students to achieve a steady state flow condition. Height sensors report tank heights and a flow meter shows volumetric flow rate which is verifiable with student’s data collection. A graphical computer interface allows students to control pump rate and also reports tank height in real time. The computer and height sensors are not critical to the learning objectives and may be replaced with rulers and a potentiometer for motor control.
The educational goals are for students to gain a better understanding of the transition between Bernoulli’s flow equation and the Energy equation, to study major and minor losses, and experimentally determine volumetric flowrate. Fluid flow loss concepts can be reinforced by experimentally verifying these concepts immediately after presenting them on the whiteboard.
Educational assessments measuring gains with pre- and post-tests and a conceptual test one week later were performed with a control group and experimental group. Results are presented that allow direct comparison between a hands-on activity versus conventional lecture-based instruction alone. The results indicate no statistically significant differences in gains between control and treatment groups; however the trend indicates improved ability to describe abstract concepts on the material 1 week later in the experiment group. The most promising results show that a greater percentage of students who were actively involved with the demonstration increased their scores from post- to conceptual assessment. This agrees with previously published results on CHAPL [1]. The majority of passive observers showed decreased scores. These results warrant more devices be built and tested to engage the entire class in the hands-on collaborative experiment.
Numerical Simulation of Accident Scenario in High Temperature Gas Cooled (Pebble Bed) Nuclear Reactors
Authors: Peter Geoffrey J. 
Published: October 2013

The accident scenario resulting from blockages due to the retention of dust in the coolant gas or from the rupture of one or more fuel particles used in the High Temperature Gas Cooled (Pebble Bed) Nuclear Reactors considered for the next generation of Advanced High Temperature Reactors (AHTR), for nuclear power production, and for high-temperature hydrogen production using nuclear reactors to reduce the carbon footprint is examined in this paper.
Blockages can cause local variations in flow and heat transfer that may lead to hot spots within the bed that could compromise reactor safety. Therefore, it is important to know the void fraction distribution and the interstitial velocity field in the packed bed. The blockage for this numerical study simulated a region with significantly lower void than that in the rest of the bed. Finite difference technique solved the simplified continuity, momentum, and energy equations.
Any meaningful outcome of the solution depended largely upon the validity of the boundary conditions. Among them, the inlet and outlet velocity profiles required special attention. Thus, a close approximation to these profiles obtained from an experimental set-up established the boundary conditions.
This paper presents the development of the elliptic-partial differential equation for a bed of pebbles, and the solution procedure. The paper also discusses velocity and temperature profiles obtained from both numerical and experimental setup, with and without effect of blockage. In addition, the paper compares the results obtained from the experimental set-up with numerical simulation using a commercially available code that uses finite element techniques.
Cultivating Emerging and Black Swan Technologies
Authors: Mahajan Roop L. , Mueller Rolf , Williams Christopher B. , Reed Jeff , Campbell Thomas A. , Ramakrishnan Naren 
Published: October 2013

Emerging technologies, defined as contemporary cutting-edge developments in various fields of technology, are generally associated with the potential for large impact on society. In a recent op-ed, “The coming Tech-led Boom” (Wall Street Journal, January 30, 2012), Mills and Ottino list three grand technological transformations — big data, smart manufacturing, and the wireless revolution — poised to transform this century as much as telephony and electricity did in the 20th century. This list is by no means comprehensive and most likely misses technologies that are not yet recognized, but may still carry an extreme impact — i.e., the so-called Black Swans, as defined by New York Times best-selling author, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, in his book, The Black Swan. Taleb cites the example of three recently implemented technologies that most impact our world today — the Internet, the computer, and the laser — and notes that all three were unplanned, unpredicted, and unappreciated upon their discovery, and remained unappreciated well after initial use.
In this paper, we will examine several emerging technologies, present a methodology to create a breeding ground for potential Black Swans, and finally discuss the societal and ethical aspects of these technologies.
Resonant Frequency of an MR Compatible Rotating Anode X-Ray Tube
Authors: Shin M. , Lillaney P. , Hinshaw W. , Fahrig R. 
Published: October 2013

Switching between X-ray and MR imaging with the systems in close proximity can facilitate accurate image-guided interventional procedures using their complementary advantages. Conventional X-ray tubes use induction motors whose functionality fails within MR fringe field environments; thus we developed a novel MR compatible X-ray tube motor.
Vibrations from the structural instability of a motor can lead to mechanical failure, as well as image artifacts due to shaking X-ray focal spot on the anode target; hence it is important for proper X-ray tube motor operation to identify the resonant frequencies that cause large amplitude vibrations. The ability to model rotor dynamics and how they change with the motor design is valuable because it allows us to optimize the motor structure. A finite element model has been developed and validated by experiments measuring the acceleration change and the power spectrum of the motor response.
Development of a System for the Study of Solid Fuel Conversion Under Supercritical Water Conditions
Authors: Kim Bumjick , Mitchell Reginald E. 
Published: October 2013

Due to its low cost and abundance, a large amount of coal and biomass is still being used to generate electricity throughout the world. Given that these solid fuels are here to stay for the foreseeable future, the problem of their environmental impact in terms of their emission of CO2 and harmful gas streams will remain unless solutions to it can be found. Supercritical water (SCW) is an attractive medium for power generation because of its special characteristics. Organic compounds extracted from coal and biomass hydrolyze, and they are completely miscible in SCW. In contrast, sulfur, chlorine and many trace elements in coal are oxidized and form insoluble salts in SCW, which precipitate and can be removed. The coal/biomass-to-electricity scheme takes advantage of these characteristics of SCW in using it as a reaction medium.
A description of the experimental facility to conduct experiments for pulverized coal and biomass conversion under SCW conditions (P>218 atm and T>647 K) is provided. The facility includes high-pressure water pumps, pulse-dampening accumulators, a water preheater, an oxygen booster, a SCW gasification reactor, and a reaction quenching cooler. This work presents the entire coal/biomass conversion system, built and assembled, which permits the acquisition of data needed to determine the rate coefficients for reactions that are suitable for SCW conditions. The focus of the facility is a flow reactor that can be pressurized up to 340 atm at temperatures up to 750 K. The continuous flow reactor is 15 meters long, sufficient for residence times as long as 15 minutes when the total mass flow rate (slurry plus SCW flow rates) is 20 grams/min. The residence time in the reactor is varied by controlling the solids content of the slurry and the flow rate of the water supplied. The feed water is pressurized and preheated to the test conditions before the solids slurry and any oxygen are admitted. Oxygen is added so that the heat release from partial oxidation of the solids can supply energy for autothermal gasification. The facility developed is in operation to collect data sets for the characterization of conversion mechanism.
A Transferable Education Model for Creating Work-Ready College Graduates
Authors: Smith Lorenzo M. , Guessous Laila , Barber Gary C. , Cole Trevor , Keeler Stu 
Published: October 2013

“Work-ready” college graduates, upon their first day at work, are able to make employee contributions which are comparable to those associated with a typical employee who is three years removed from his/her undergraduate graduation. The objective of CLIC-form (Chrysler Learning and Innovation Center for Sheet Metal Forming), a program recently implemented at Oakland University, is to deliver work-ready college graduates to the American sheet metal forming industry. Long-term fulfillment of this objective is expected to increase productivity and job satisfaction in the American work-force, enrich educational experiences for university students, and foster greater funded research opportunities for the university.
CLIC-form is a proven educational model. Now in its second year, it is recruiting a third cohort of Oakland University students, hosting once-per-week educational workshops for both students and local industry professionals, and continuing to generate revenue through direct support from Chrysler Group, LLC and funded research activity from other sources. Presented in this paper is a description of CLIC-form’s structure, operation and financial outlook. A proposed form for extending the CLIC-form template to different fields of study is offered.
Modeling of the Heave and the Cushion Pressure of Air Cushion Landing System (ACLS): Chaotic Dynamics Investigation
Authors: Sowayan Ahmed S. 
Published: October 2013

A theoretical model for the dynamics behavior of an incompressible Air Cushion Landing System (ACLS) is introduced. In this model the incompressible Bernoulli’s equation and the Newton’s second law of motion are used to predict the dynamic behavior of the heave (vertical response) of the ACLS in both time and frequency domains. The mass flow rate inside the air cushion of this model is assumed to be constant. The self excited response for the heave and the cushion pressure of the ACLS are calculated. In this study, the dimensionless mass flow rate and the dimensionless skirt of the ACLS’s skirt are the only parameters which are considered to be investigated to control the steady state behavior of the oscillatory motion of the ACLS.
The equations of motion of the proposed nonlinear model are solved numerically using a code written on the Matlab software which is based on the Runge Kutta numerical integration method. The chaotic behavior of the heave motion and cushion pressure dynamics are investigated with the aid of the Fourier analysis and the Poincaré map. Periodic behavior is noticed in the vertical motion; on the other hand a chaotic behavior is manifest in the pressure inside the cushion volume of the ACLS. This model will help designers of the ACLS to understand the dynamics behavior of this system in order to redesign such system so that the violent oscillatory self excited motion can be reduced or eliminated.
Use of Satellite Images for Observational and Quantitative Analysis of Urban Heat Islands Around the World
Authors: Wong Kaufui V. , Chaudhry Sarmad 
Published: October 2013

Urban Heat Island Intensity (UHII) is calculated as the spatially-averaged temperature difference between an urban and its surrounding rural area. This concept, however, provides an umbrella for a range of diversified ideas that include the temperature difference between the densely developed urban area and least developed area or between two different built-up areas. There are also averages for the season, for the year, for multiple years, etc. and UHII quoted for the day and another for the night.
The objective of this work is to examine the urban heat island effect for cities around the world, using readily available data. The innovation is in using data from the Landsat satellites for different cities previously not studied. Thermal images of the Earth were obtained and analyzed to produce surface temperature maps. These maps showed that the temperature in the urban environments were significantly higher than the temperature in the surrounding countryside, a defining characteristic of urban heat island.
Furthermore, the urban and rural areas in the images were separated and analyzed individually to quantitatively measure the temperature difference. It was found that the UHII could be 0.3–5.1°C for the eleven cities investigated. Miami and Shenzen are two cities which seem to have been missed in previous studies because they were limited in their scope and responsibilities, and their methods required much more resources for the longer term studies.
It is not the claim here that a UHI is definitively established by the analysis presented of the Landsat satellite data. The present work demonstrates the use of a possible planning tool in terms of understanding where urban areas may be subjected to additional heat. Our use of the method shows that a UHI is probably taking place at the time of observation, and precautionary notices should be sent out to the community to take preventative measures to ensure their health and wellbeing. The minimal resources required is the demonstration shown by our work of the usefulness of this method.
The use of computed radiography plates to determine light and radiation field coincidence
Authors: Kerns James R. , Anand Aman 
Published: October 2013

Purpose:Photo‐stimulable phosphor computed radiography (CR) has characteristics that allow the output to be manipulated by both radiation and optical light. The authors have developed a method that uses these characteristics to carry out radiation field and light field coincidence quality assurance on linear accelerators.Methods:CR detectors from Kodak were used outside their cassettes to measure both radiation and light field edges from a Varian linear accelerator. The CR detector was first exposed to a radiation field and then to a slightly smaller light field. The light impinged on the detectorˈs latent image, removing to an extent the portion exposed to the light field. The detector was then digitally scanned. AMATLAB‐based algorithm was developed to automatically analyze the images and determine the edges of the light and radiation fields, the vector between the field centers, and the crosshair center. Radiographic film was also used as a control to confirm the radiation field size.Results:Analysis showed a high degree of repeatability with the proposed method. Results between the proposed method and radiographic film showed excellent agreement of the radiation field. The effect of varying monitor units and light exposure time was tested and found to be very small. Radiation and light field sizes were determined with an uncertainty of less than 1 mm, and light and crosshair centers were determined within 0.1 mm.Conclusions:A new method was developed to digitally determine the radiation and light field size using CR photo‐stimulable phosphor plates. The method is quick and reproducible, allowing for the streamlined and robust assessment of light and radiation field coincidence, with no observer interpretation needed.