# Mechanical Engineering Commons™

## All Articles in Mechanical Engineering

20,863 full-text articles. Page 1 of 587.

2020 Louisiana Tech University

#### Effects On Strength And Corrosive Characteristics Of Hardened Cement Paste Using Rice Husk And Sugarcane Bagasse, Travis D. Garrett

##### Master's Theses

Cement is one of the most used building materials in the world. The production of ordinary Portland cement contributes to the release of harmful greenhouse gasses. In an effort to reduce these emissions, different materials are being evaluated for their use as partial replacements for ordinary Portland cement. Rice husk and sugarcane bagasse are agricultural waste products and large amounts of these are currently landfilled, making them inexpensive and available. When combusted at high temperatures they form rice husk ash and sugarcane bagasse ash that have pozzolanic characteristics. The high silicon dioxide in these products makes them good options to ...

Electrathon Vehicle: Front Suspension, 2020 Central Washington University

#### Electrathon Vehicle: Front Suspension, Christopher Clark

Central Washington University does not currently have a competition field-able Electrathon America electric vehicle with adequate front suspension. The aim of this project was to provide the vehicle with handling that supports sound ground contact throughout the competition environment. Handling that supports sound ground contact is important for vehicles so they can go around corners without a loss of traction or flipping over. The solution to this engineering problem was designed and tested through various requirements. The requirements at hand were that the suspension components weigh less than 50 pounds, that there be no more than 3 inches of suspension ...

Electrathon Vehicle: Steering, 2020 Central Washington University

#### Electrathon Vehicle: Steering, Lathan Halaapiapi

The Electrathon Vehicle project is an ongoing project that dates back to 2012. The Electrathon Vehicle began as a frame and three wheels when given to the EV club. In past projects the vehicle has had frame and suspension work. The current design is only partially assembled and does not allow for any steering in the vehicle. A steering system needed to be developed in order for the vehicle to be controlled while a person is sitting in the seat. A steering system was designed that could withstand the force of maneuvering the vehicle in excess of 30 mph. This ...

Prosthetic Hand: Structure, 2020 Central Washington University

#### Prosthetic Hand: Structure, Riley Smith, Riley Smith

The objective of this project was to design the structure of a prosthetic hand that has articulating fingers and thumb in order to grip various objects. A design was developed that can add to the available options of prosthetics on the market.

In order to create a base hand for the project, the hand was modeled off of rough human hand dimensions. Analyses determined the feasible size of components. Once a base size was found the movement system in both grip and return form were developed and refined. With the parts being modeled in Solidworks and 3D printed, iterations of ...

2019 Utah State University

#### Calibration Of Hot-Film X-Probes For High Accuracy Angle Alignment In Wind Tunnels, Dallin L. Jackson

##### All Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the use of hot-film thermal anemometers to align a plate on a wind tunnel at Hill Air Force Base that is used to calibrate Angle of Attack Transmitters on F-16s. A reoccuring problem with this wind tunnel is that no two instruments can verify an angle reading of the the mounting plate for the Angle of Attack Transmitters to the air stream in the wind tunnel. Multiple thermal anemometer calibration methods, such as Jorgensen’s equation and a look-up table are implemented to attemp to achieve consistent measurements between multiple probes. The results show that it is ...

2019 Utah State University

#### Isentropic Efficiency And Theoretical Analysis Of The Planetary Rotor Expander, Joseph L. James

##### All Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Expanders allow pressurized fluids to undergo a pressure decrease in a controlled environment via volumetric growth to extract fluid energy. There are many types of expanders, and the objective of this thesis is to model the efficiencies of the planetary rotor expander (PRE), a century-old design undeveloped due to insufficient manufacturing capabilities (until recently). Geometric relationships are derived and mathematical models are generated to determine the efficiency of the PRE as a function of design variables. Two industrially relevant case studies show that, to maximize isentropic efficiency, the planetary rotor expander (PRE) rotational frequency is maximized and rotor geometry optimized.

Immersogeometric Analysis Of Moving Objects In Incompressible Flows, 2019 Iowa State University

#### Immersogeometric Analysis Of Moving Objects In Incompressible Flows, Songzhe Xu, Fei Xu, Aditya Kommajosula, Ming-Chen Hsu, Baskar Ganapathysubramanian

##### Mechanical Engineering Publications

We deploy the immersogeometric approach for tracking moving objects. The method immerses objects into non-boundary-fitted meshes and weakly enforces Dirichlet boundary conditions on the object boundaries. The object motion is driven by the integrated surface force and external body forces. A residual-based variational multiscale method is employed to stabilize the finite element formulation for incompressible flows. Adaptively refined quadrature rules are used to better capture the geometry of the immersed boundaries by accurately integrating the intersected background elements. Treatment for the freshly-cleared nodes (i.e. background mesh nodes that are inside the object at one time step, but are in ...

Encoding Invariances In Deep Generative Models, 2019 Iowa State University

#### Encoding Invariances In Deep Generative Models, Viraj Shah, Ameya Joshi, Sambuddha Ghosal, Balaji Pokuri, Soumik Sarkar, Baskar Ganapathysubramanian, Chinmay Hegde

Reliable training of generative adversarial networks (GANs) typically require massive datasets in order to model complicated distributions. However, in several applications, training samples obey invariances that are \textit{a priori} known; for example, in complex physics simulations, the training data obey universal laws encoded as well-defined mathematical equations. In this paper, we propose a new generative modeling approach, InvNet, that can efficiently model data spaces with known invariances. We devise an adversarial training algorithm to encode them into data distribution. We validate our framework in three experimental settings: generating images with fixed motifs; solving nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs); and ...

A Method For Generating Random Vibration Using Acceleration Kurtosis And Velocity Kurtosis, 2019 Sankyu Inc.

#### A Method For Generating Random Vibration Using Acceleration Kurtosis And Velocity Kurtosis, Daichi Nakai, Katsuhiko Saito

##### Journal of Applied Packaging Research

Random vibration tests for packaging are conducted to confirm safety during shipping by truck. However, there is a difference between the traditional random vibration tests and the real vibrations on the truck bed. One reason for this difference is the shock caused by road roughness. Hence, many studies have been conducted to improve random vibration testing. In these studies, the root mean square, power spectral density, kurtosis, and probability density of acceleration are considered. In this study, we show that the kurtosis and probability density of velocity are also important factors for such tests and propose a new method for ...

Investigation Of Nondestructive Testing Methods For Friction Stir Welding, 2019 Georgia Southern University

#### Investigation Of Nondestructive Testing Methods For Friction Stir Welding, Hossein Taheri, Margaret Kilpatrick, Matthew Norvalls, Warren Harper, Lucas Koester, Timothy Bigelow, Leonard J. Bond

##### Timothy A. Bigelow

Friction stir welding is a method of materials processing that enables the joining of similar and dissimilar materials. The process, as originally designed by The Welding Institute (TWI), provides a unique approach to manufacturing—where materials can be joined in many designs and still retain mechanical properties that are similar to, or greater than, other forms of welding. This process is not free of defects that can alter, limit, and occasionally render the resulting weld unusable. Most common amongst these defects are kissing bonds, wormholes and cracks that are often hidden from visual inspection. To identify these defects, various nondestructive ...

Encoding Invariances In Deep Generative Models, 2019 Iowa State University

#### Encoding Invariances In Deep Generative Models, Viraj Shah, Ameya Joshi, Sambuddha Ghosal, Balaji Pokuri, Soumik Sarkar, Baskar Ganapathysubramanian, Chinmay Hegde

##### Mechanical Engineering Publications

Reliable training of generative adversarial networks (GANs) typically require massive datasets in order to model complicated distributions. However, in several applications, training samples obey invariances that are \textit{a priori} known; for example, in complex physics simulations, the training data obey universal laws encoded as well-defined mathematical equations. In this paper, we propose a new generative modeling approach, InvNet, that can efficiently model data spaces with known invariances. We devise an adversarial training algorithm to encode them into data distribution. We validate our framework in three experimental settings: generating images with fixed motifs; solving nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs); and ...

A Low-Cost Experimental Testbed For Multi-Agent System Coordination Control, 2019 Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College

#### A Low-Cost Experimental Testbed For Multi-Agent System Coordination Control, Victor Fernandez-Kim

##### LSU Master's Theses

A multi-agent system can be defined as a coordinated network of mobile, physical agents that execute complex tasks beyond their individual capabilities. Observations of biological multi-agent systems in nature reveal that these super-organisms” accomplish large scale tasks by leveraging the inherent advantages of a coordinated group. With this in mind, such systems have the potential to positively impact a wide variety of engineering applications (e.g. surveillance, self-driving cars, and mobile sensor networks). The current state of research in the area of multi-agent systems is quickly evolving from the theoretical development of coordination control algorithms and their computer simulations to ...

Heat: Hydraulic And Electric Animation Team, 2019 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

#### Heat: Hydraulic And Electric Animation Team, Tyler J. Couvrette, Michael J. Cain, Sara T. Novell, Dexter K. Yanagisawa

##### Mechanical Engineering

Each New Years’ Day, the Cal Poly Rose Float presents a flower-covered float to the world at the Tournament of Roses parade. This floral display, paired with moving mechanical animations, shows off Cal Poly to the world. This project strove to keep Cal Poly on the cutting edge of technology both in parade floats, and in engineering, by creating a completely electric-powered animation system.

To accomplish this, a group of students set out to make the fully electric animation system that can power both the hydraulic and electric mechanisms on the Float. This was accomplished through months of planning and ...

Binary 2d Morphologies Of Polymer Phase Separation: Dataset And Python Toolbox, 2019 Iowa State University

#### Binary 2d Morphologies Of Polymer Phase Separation: Dataset And Python Toolbox, Viraj Shah, Ameya Joshi, Balaji Sesha Sarath Pokuri, Sambuddha Ghosal, Soumik Sarkar, Baskar Ganapathysubramanian, Chinmay Hegde

Study of the intricate connection between the design of material distributions (also called morphology or microstructure) and the final properties of the material system has been an attractive research theme for material science community. Such analysis provides ability to synthesize the microstructures exhibiting desired properties. This theme encompasses several material systems including porous materials [26], steels and welds [2], composites [14], powder metallurgy [28], 3D printing [22], energy storage devices as batteries [10], and energy converting devices like bulk hetero-junction solar cells [20]. Microstructure-sensitive design has been used to tailor a wide variety of properties including strengths, heat and mass ...

Investigation Of Nondestructive Testing Methods For Friction Stir Welding, 2019 Georgia Southern University

#### Investigation Of Nondestructive Testing Methods For Friction Stir Welding, Hossein Taheri, Margaret Kilpatrick, Matthew Norvalls, Warren Harper, Lucas Koester, Timothy Bigelow, Leonard J. Bond

##### Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

Friction stir welding is a method of materials processing that enables the joining of similar and dissimilar materials. The process, as originally designed by The Welding Institute (TWI), provides a unique approach to manufacturing—where materials can be joined in many designs and still retain mechanical properties that are similar to, or greater than, other forms of welding. This process is not free of defects that can alter, limit, and occasionally render the resulting weld unusable. Most common amongst these defects are kissing bonds, wormholes and cracks that are often hidden from visual inspection. To identify these defects, various nondestructive ...

Developing A Workflow To Integrate Tree Inventory Data Into Urban Energy Models, 2019 Iowa State University

#### Developing A Workflow To Integrate Tree Inventory Data Into Urban Energy Models, Farzad Hashemi, Breanna L. Marmur, Ulrike Passe, Janette R. Thompson

##### Janette R. Thompson

Building energy simulation is of considerable interest and benefit for architects, engineers, and urban planners. Only recently has it become possible to develop integrated energy models for clusters of buildings in urban areas. Simulating energy consumption of the built environment on a relatively large scale (e.g., such as a neighborhood) will be necessary to obtain more reliable results, since building energy parameters are influenced by characteristics of the nearby environment. Therefore, the construction of a 3-D model of urban built areas with detail of the near-building environment should enhance simulation approaches and provide more accurate results. This paper describes ...

2019 Louisiana Tech University

#### Surface Engineering Solutions For Immersion Phase Change Cooling Of Electronics, Brendon M. Doran

##### Master's Theses

Micro- and nano-scale surface modifications have been a subject of great interest for enhancing the pool boiling heat transfer performance of immersion cooling systems due to their ability to augment surface area, improve wickability, and increase nucleation site density. However, many of the surface modification technologies that have been previously demonstrated show a lack of evidence concerning scalability for use at an industrial level. In this work, the pool boiling heat transfer performance of nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) films, copper oxide (CuO) nanostructure coatings, and 1D roll-molded microfin arrays has been studied. Each of these technologies possess scalability in ...

2019 University of New Orleans

#### Modeling The Effect Of A Compartment Fire On Spaces Adjacent To A Bulkhead With And Without Attachments, Carl E. Hendrickson Ii

##### University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Structural fire protection is an integral component of shipboard fire safety. There are national and international regulations that delineate requirements for the insulation placed throughout ships. The attachments that penetrate the insulation for hanging wires and pipes can disrupt the integrity of the division, and cause a failure to adhere to the regulations. This problem will be analyzed by using a simplified lumped capacitance model and ANSYS FLUENT CFD. A standard time-temperature fire curve is applied to the fire side of the enclosure. The thermal conductivity of the insulation and steel are made to be temperature dependent. The density of ...

2019 Washington University in St. Louis

#### Fracture Toughness Improvement Of 𝐀𝐥𝟐𝐎𝟑 Ceramics By Grain Size Control And Ductile Phase Reinforcement, Kesong Wang

##### Engineering and Applied Science Theses & Dissertations

This study used grain size control and ductile phase reinforcement to improve fracture toughness of 𝐀𝐥𝟐𝐎𝟑 ceramics. Alpha alumina particles of 100 nm, 0.5-1 micrometers, and 10 micrometers were coated with 1-5 nm nickel by electroless nickel plating (ENP). The coated powders were consolidated at 1200℃-1500℃ by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The sintered samples were annealed at 1100 oC for 1.5 hours and 10 hours to determine the effect of post sintering annealing on hardness and fracture toughness. Density of the samples were measured by the standard Archimedes method using a 5 mL pycnometer. Hardness values were ...

Using Complex Orthogonal Decomposition To Extract Dispersion Relationships For Mass Chain, 2019 Merrimack College

#### Using Complex Orthogonal Decomposition To Extract Dispersion Relationships For Mass Chain, Nicholas A. Valente, Rickey A. Caldwell

##### Across the Bridge: The Merrimack Undergraduate Research Journal

Complex orthogonal decomposition (COD) was used to determine the extracted dispersion relationship of a traveling wave in a mass chain. When COD extracts a wavenumber it will produce M values for each wavenumber, γi, and N values for each frequency, ωi; where M is the number of masses and N is the number of time samples. In this work, least squares and a simple mean of the M-γi’s and N-ωi’s extracted values were used to determine each γi and ωi, respectively. An analytical dispersion relationship for the mass-chain is derived in addition to an approximate dispersion relationship. The ...