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Title: A study of the effects of nanoparticle modification on the thermal, mechanical and hygrothermal performance of carbon/vinyl ester compounds.
Creator: Powell, Felicia M., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Enhancement of mechanical, thermal and hygrothermal properties of carbon fiber/vinyl ester (CFVE) composites through nanoparticle reinforcement has been investigated. CFVE composites are becoming more and more attractive for marine applications due to two reasons : high specific strength and modulus of carbon fiber and low vulnerability of vinyl ester resin to sea water. However, the problem with this composite system is that the fiber matrix (F/M) interface is inherently weak. This leads to...
Show moreEnhancement of mechanical, thermal and hygrothermal properties of carbon fiber/vinyl ester (CFVE) composites through nanoparticle reinforcement has been investigated. CFVE composites are becoming more and more attractive for marine applications due to two reasons : high specific strength and modulus of carbon fiber and low vulnerability of vinyl ester resin to sea water. However, the problem with this composite system is that the fiber matrix (F/M) interface is inherently weak. This leads to poor mechanical properties and fast ingress of water at the interface further deteriorating the properties. This investigation attempts to address these deficiencies by inclusion of nanoparticles in CFVE composites. Three routes of nanoparticle reinforcement have been considered : nanoparticle coating of the carbon fiber, dispersion of nanoparticles in the vinyl ester matrix, and nanoparticle modification of both the fiber and the matrix. Flexural, short beam shear and tensile testing was conducted after exposure to dry and wet environments. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis were conducted as well. Mechanical and thermal tests show that single inclusion of nanoparticles on the fiber or in the matrix increases carbon/vinyl ester composite properties by 11-35%. However, when both fiber and matrix were modified with nanoparticles, there was a loss of properties.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352286
Subject Headings: Composite materials, Mechanical properties, Nanostructured materials, Testing, Carbon compounds, Testing, Fibrous composites, Testing, Surface chemistry
Format: Document (PDF)

$Interlaminar mode III fracture ECT method - testing and analysis$

Title: Interlaminar mode III fracture ECT method - testing and analysis.
Creator: Browning, Grant., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: In an effort to obtain an improved mode III fracture toughness test suitable for a testing standard, mechanics analysis, experimental testing, and finite element analysis (FEA) have been conducted. Of particular concern are the merits of one-point and two-point edge crack torsion (ECT) test methods, the influence of specimen geometry that overhangs beyond load/support points, and the influence of crack length on the compliance and energy release rate. Shear stress distributions at the crack...
Show moreIn an effort to obtain an improved mode III fracture toughness test suitable for a testing standard, mechanics analysis, experimental testing, and finite element analysis (FEA) have been conducted. Of particular concern are the merits of one-point and two-point edge crack torsion (ECT) test methods, the influence of specimen geometry that overhangs beyond load/support points, and the influence of crack length on the compliance and energy release rate. Shear stress distributions at the crack front are determined to examine the uniformity of mode III loading and mode II influence. The shear stress distributions in the one-point and two-point tests are virtually identical, indicating that either of the two tests could be used interchangeably. Based on the uniformity of the mode III shear stress distribution along the crack front, it was found that the ECT specimen should have minimum overhang. Longer crack lengths tend to produce nonuniform shear stress distributions. A modified two-point ECT test fixture was developed to allow testing of specimens with a range of dimensions. This development enabled experimental verification of the results from the FEA overhang series. The specimens with a minimum overhang produced consistant mode III toughness data. The most reliable way to reduce data is through the original compliance calibration method. A modified ECT specimen was developed with a staggered crack front to produce uniform mode III crack growth. Finite element analysis of the modified ECT specimen shows a uniform mode III stress distribution along the crack front with little mode II interaction.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/187206
Subject Headings: Laminated materials, Testing, Fracture mechanics, Strength of materials, Testing, Composite materials, Testing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Internal waves on a continental shelf.
Creator: Jagannathan, Arjun., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: In this thesis, a 2D CHebyshev spectral domain decomposition method is developed for simulating the generation and propagation of internal waves over a topography. While the problem of stratified flow over topography is by no means a new one, many aspects of internal wave generation and breaking are still poorly understood. This thesis aims to reproduce certain observed features of internal waves by using a Chebyshev collation method in both spatial directions. The numerical model solves the...
Show moreIn this thesis, a 2D CHebyshev spectral domain decomposition method is developed for simulating the generation and propagation of internal waves over a topography. While the problem of stratified flow over topography is by no means a new one, many aspects of internal wave generation and breaking are still poorly understood. This thesis aims to reproduce certain observed features of internal waves by using a Chebyshev collation method in both spatial directions. The numerical model solves the inviscid, incomprehensible, fully non-linear, non-hydrostatic Boussinesq equations in the vorticity-streamfunction formulation. A number of important features of internal waves over topography are captured with the present model, including the onset of wave-breaking at sub-critical Froude numbers, up to the point of overturning of the pycnoclines. Density contours and wave spectra are presented for different combinations of Froude numbers, stratifications and topographic slope.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358549
Subject Headings: Engineering geology, Mathematical models, Chebyshev polynomials, Fluid dynamics, Continuum mechanics, Spectral theory (Mathematics)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Initiation and propagation of corrosion in dry-cast reinforced concrete pipes.
Creator: Balasubramanian, Hariharan, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This study investigates corrosion initiation and propagation in instrumented specimens obtained from segments of dry-cast reinforced concrete pipes. Potential, LPR and EIS measurements were carried out. During the propagation stage in different exposures, reinforcement eventually reached negative potentials values, which suggest mass transfer limitations. So far these specimens show no visual signs of corrosion such as cracks or corrosion products with one exception; where corrosion products...
Show moreThis study investigates corrosion initiation and propagation in instrumented specimens obtained from segments of dry-cast reinforced concrete pipes. Potential, LPR and EIS measurements were carried out. During the propagation stage in different exposures, reinforcement eventually reached negative potentials values, which suggest mass transfer limitations. So far these specimens show no visual signs of corrosion such as cracks or corrosion products with one exception; where corrosion products have reached the surface. Moreover, the apparent corrosion rate values obtained suggest high corrosion rate. No crack appearance so far, could be explained by the high porosity of the specimens; the corrosion products are filling these pores. It is speculated that although, there might be mass transfer limitations present, the current demanded by the anode is being balanced by a larger cathode area due to macrocell effects, since the high moisture conditions likely reduced the concrete resistivity and increased the throwing power.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362341
Subject Headings: Concrete, Deterioration, Tubular steel structures, Deterioration, Pipelines, Design and construction, Concrete construction, Corrosion and anti-corrosives
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Investigation of nanoscale reinforcement into textile polymers.
Creator: Khan, Mujibur Rahman., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: A dual inclusion strategy for textile polymers has been investigated to increase elastic energy storage capacity of fibers used in high velocity impact applications. Commercial fibers such as Spectra and Dyneema are made from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Dynamic elastic energy of these fibers is still low therefore limiting their wholesale application without a secondary metallic or ceramic component. The idea in this investigation is to develop methodologies so that the...
Show moreA dual inclusion strategy for textile polymers has been investigated to increase elastic energy storage capacity of fibers used in high velocity impact applications. Commercial fibers such as Spectra and Dyneema are made from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Dynamic elastic energy of these fibers is still low therefore limiting their wholesale application without a secondary metallic or ceramic component. The idea in this investigation is to develop methodologies so that the elastic energy of polyethylene based fibers can be increased by several folds. This would allow manufacturing of an all-fabric system for high impact applications. The dual inclusion consists of a polymer phase and a nanoscale inorganic phase to polyethylene. The polymer phase was nylon-6 and the inorganic phase was carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Nylon-6 was blended as a minor phase into UHMWPE and was chosen because of its large fracture strain - almost one order higher than that of UHMWPE. On the other hand, CNTs with their very high strength, modulus, and aspect ratio, contributed to sharing of load and sliding of polymer interfaces as they aligned during extrusion and strain hardening processes. A solution spinning process was developed to produce UHMWPE filaments reinforced with CNTs and nylon-6. The procedure involved dispersing of CNTs into paraffin oil through sonication followed by dissolving polymers into paraffin-CNT solution using a homogenizer. The admixture was fed into a single screw extruder for melt mixing and extrusion through an orifice. The extrudate was rinsed via a hexane bath, stabilized through a heater, and then drawn into a filament winder with controlled stretching. In the next step, the as produced filaments were strain-hardened through repeated loading unloading cycles under tension., Neat and reinforced filaments were characterized through DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), Raman Spectroscopy, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), and mechanical tests. Phenomenal improvement in properties was found; modulus, strength, fracture strain, and elastic energy increased by 219%, 100%, 107% and 88%, respectively before strain hardening. Once strain hardened the strength, modulus and elastic energy increased by almost one order of magnitude. Source of these improvements were traced to increase in crystallinity and rate of crystallization, formation of microdroplets as a minor phase, sliding between minor and major phases, coating of nanotubes with polymer and alignment of nanotubes.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2976443
Subject Headings: Nanostructured materials, Composite materials, Textile fibers, Synthetic, Polymers, Electric properties
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Investigation of trapped vortex combustion using hydrogen-rich fuels.
Creator: Zbeeb, Khaled., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The combustion process of a fuel is a challenging subject when it comes to analyze its performance and resultant emissions. The main task of this study is to optimize the selection of a hydrogen-rich fuel based on its performance and emissions. Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis is performed to test the combustion performance and emissions from the vortex trapped combustor when natural gas fuel (methane) is replaced with renewable and alternative fuels such as hydrogen and synthesis gas....
Show moreThe combustion process of a fuel is a challenging subject when it comes to analyze its performance and resultant emissions. The main task of this study is to optimize the selection of a hydrogen-rich fuel based on its performance and emissions. Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis is performed to test the combustion performance and emissions from the vortex trapped combustor when natural gas fuel (methane) is replaced with renewable and alternative fuels such as hydrogen and synthesis gas. Correlation graphs for the trapped vortex combustor performance and NOx, CO, and CO2 emissions for various types of fuels with different compositions and heat of combustion values were established. Methane, Hydrogen and 10 different syngas fuels were analyzed in this study using computational fluid dynamics numerical method. The trapped vortex combustor that represents an efficient and compact combustor for flame stability was investigated. The TVC consists of a fore body and two after body disks . These components are all encircled with a Pyrex tube. The purpose of the after body disks is to create the vortex wakes that will enhance the combustion process and minimize the NOx emissions. The TVC CFD model was validated by comparing the CFD model results using propane fuel with existing experimental results that were established in Rome, Italy. The static temperature distribution and NOx, CO emissions, combustor efficiency and total pressure drop results of the three dimensional CFD model were similar to the experimental data. Effects of H2/CO and H2/CH4 ratios and the mass fraction of each constituent of syngas fuels and Hydrogen-Methane fuel mixture on the TVC performance and emissions were investigated., Moreover, the fuel injector Reynolds number and Lower heating values for Methane, Hydrogen and 10 syngas fuels on the TVC performance and emissions were also investigated. Correlation plots for the NOx, CO and CO2 emissions versus the fuel injector Reynolds number and low heating value were established. These correlation curves can be used as a fair design diagram to optimize the fuel selection process for aerospace and electrical power plant applications.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3334096
Subject Headings: Hydrogen as fuel, Research, Combustion chambers, Vortex-motion, Fluid dynamics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Simulation and modeling of flow field around a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) using RANS method.
Creator: Sargsyan, Armen., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The principal objective of the proposed CFD analysis is to investigate the flow field around a horizontal axis wind turbine rotor and calculate the turbine's power. A full three dimensional computational fluid dynamics method based on Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes approach was used in this study. The wind turbine has three blades and a rotor diameter of six meters. One third of the wind turbine rotor was modeled by means of 120o periodicity in a moving reference frame system. The power...
Show moreThe principal objective of the proposed CFD analysis is to investigate the flow field around a horizontal axis wind turbine rotor and calculate the turbine's power. A full three dimensional computational fluid dynamics method based on Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes approach was used in this study. The wind turbine has three blades and a rotor diameter of six meters. One third of the wind turbine rotor was modeled by means of 120o periodicity in a moving reference frame system. The power coefficient curve obtained from the CFD results is compared with experimental data obtained by NREL Phase VI rotor experiment. The numerical result for the power coefficient curve shows close agreement with the experimental data. The simulation results include the velocity distribution, pressure distribution along the flow direction, turbulent wake behind the wind turbine, and the turbine's power. The discussion will also include the effect of wind speed on turbine's power.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2979383
Subject Headings: Wind turbines, Aerodynamics, Computer simulation, Fluid dynamics, Computational methods, Vibration (Aerodynamics)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Simulating the dynamic interaction of an AUV and towed magnetometer.
Creator: Miller, Lea Gabrielle., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: A magnetometer with a sensitivity of 0.01nT will be towed through the thermocline by a 2.87 meter long, 0.533 meter diameter autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to measure the magnetic fluctuations generated by oceanic internal waves. At this point, no research has been found that suggests towed magnetometer measurements have been done using an AUV. Simulations of the AUV, tow cable, and towfish are performed to provide an understanding of the effects of changing different input parameters,...
Show moreA magnetometer with a sensitivity of 0.01nT will be towed through the thermocline by a 2.87 meter long, 0.533 meter diameter autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to measure the magnetic fluctuations generated by oceanic internal waves. At this point, no research has been found that suggests towed magnetometer measurements have been done using an AUV. Simulations of the AUV, tow cable, and towfish are performed to provide an understanding of the effects of changing different input parameters, such as towing speed (0.5-2m/s), cable length (5-15m), vehicle trajectory (circle and vertical zig zag maneuvers), and current (0.25-1.25m/s). The AUV-cabletowfish system and equations of motion needed for the simulations are described herein. Results show that a 5m tow cable provides better towfish maneuvering than the longer cable lengths. High towfish pitch angle is decreased by decreasing the distance between CG and CB. Surface currents speed of 0.25m/s change the AUV and towfish circle maneuver to a spiral trajectory, while 1.25m/s current speed cause a zig zag trajectory.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3318670
Subject Headings: Automatic control, Mathematical models, Electromagnetic measurements, Fluctuations (Physics), Oceanographic submersibles, Computer simulation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Seakeeping response of a Surface Effect Ship in near-shore transforming seas.
Creator: Kindel, Michael., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Scale model tests are conducted of a Surface Effect Ship in a near-shore developing sea. A beach is built and installed in a wave tank, and a wavemaker is built and installed in the same wave tank. This arrangement is used to simulate developing sea conditions and a 1:30 scale model SES is used for a series of experiments. Pitch and heave measurements are used to investigate the seakeaping response of the vessel in developing seas. The air-cushion pressure and the vessel speed are varied, and...
Show moreScale model tests are conducted of a Surface Effect Ship in a near-shore developing sea. A beach is built and installed in a wave tank, and a wavemaker is built and installed in the same wave tank. This arrangement is used to simulate developing sea conditions and a 1:30 scale model SES is used for a series of experiments. Pitch and heave measurements are used to investigate the seakeaping response of the vessel in developing seas. The air-cushion pressure and the vessel speed are varied, and the seakeeping results are compared as functions of these two parameters. The experiment results show a distinct correlation between the air-cushion pressure and the response amplitude of both pitch and heave. The results of these experiments are compared against results of a computer model of a Surface Effect Ship (SES).
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355563
Subject Headings: Naval architecture, Fluid dynamics, Wave motion, Theory of, Ships, Hydrodynamics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Study of high temperature PEM fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) waste heat recovery through ejector based refrigeration.
Creator: Fuchs, Michel., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The incorporation of an ejector refrigeration cycle with a high temperature PEM fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) presents a novel approach to combined heat and power (CHP) applications. An ejector refrigeration system (ERS) can enhance the flexibility of a CHP system by providing an additional means of utilizing the fuel cell waste heat besides domestic hot water (DHW) heating. This study looks into the performance gains that can be attained by incorporating ejector refrigeration with HT-PEMFC micro-CHP ...
Show moreThe incorporation of an ejector refrigeration cycle with a high temperature PEM fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) presents a novel approach to combined heat and power (CHP) applications. An ejector refrigeration system (ERS) can enhance the flexibility of a CHP system by providing an additional means of utilizing the fuel cell waste heat besides domestic hot water (DHW) heating. This study looks into the performance gains that can be attained by incorporating ejector refrigeration with HT-PEMFC micro-CHP (mCHP) systems (1 to 5kWe). The effectiveness of the ERS in utilizing fuel cell waste heat is studied as is the relulting enhancement to overall system efficiency. A test rig specially constructed to evaluate an ERS under simulated HT-PEMFC conditions is used to test the concept and verify modeling predictions. In addition, two separate analytical models were constructed to simulate the ERS test rig and a HT-PEMFC/ERS mCHP system. The ERS test rig was simulated using a Matlab based model, while two residential sized HT-PEMFC/ERS mCHP systems were simulated using a Simulink model. Using U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) air conditioning and DHW load profiles, as well as data collected from a large residential monitoring study in Florida, the Simulink model provides the results in system efficiency gain associated with supporting residential space cooling and water heating loads. It was found that incorporation of an ERS increased the efficiency of a HT-PEMFC mCHP system by 8 t0 10 percentage points over just using the fuel cell waste heat for DHW. In addition, results from the Matlab ERS test rig model were shown to match well with experimental results.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355557
Subject Headings: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, Fuel cells, Mathematical models, Heat exchangers, Design and construction, Renewable energy sources
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Study of pulsing flow of reactants in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC).
Creator: Perez, Aquiles., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Pulsing the flow of reactants in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is a new frontier in the area of fuel cell research. Although power performance losses resulting from water accumulation also referred to as flooding, and power performance recovery resulting from water removal or purging, have been studied and monitored, the nexus between pulsing of reactants and power performance has yet to be established. This study introduces pulsing of reactants as a method of improving power...
Show morePulsing the flow of reactants in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is a new frontier in the area of fuel cell research. Although power performance losses resulting from water accumulation also referred to as flooding, and power performance recovery resulting from water removal or purging, have been studied and monitored, the nexus between pulsing of reactants and power performance has yet to be established. This study introduces pulsing of reactants as a method of improving power performance. This study investigates how under continuous supply of reactants, pressure increase due to water accumulation, and power performance decay in PEMFCs. Furthermore, this study shows that power performance can be optimized through pulsing of reactants, and it investigates several variables affecting the power production under these conditions. Specifically, changes in frequency, duty cycle, and shifting of reactants as they affect performance are monitored and analyzed. Advanced data acquisition and control software allow multi-input monitoring of thermo-fluid and electrical data, while analog and digital controllers make it possible to implement optimization techniques for both discrete and continuous modes.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/367764
Subject Headings: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, Reliability, Fuel cells, Reliability, Renewable energy sources
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Surface pressure fluctuations due to an impinging underexpanded supersonic jet.
Creator: Pundir, Binu., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The impingement of supersonic jets on surfaces is of interest because of its important application to jet blast deflectors (JBD), and short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft (STOVL) during hover. Typically, on an aircraft carrier deck, the impingement of the jet blast on the deflector generates impingement tones, and structural vibrations, not only on the JBD but also on the ship deck. Therefore, apart from direct transmission of jet noise to the gallery level, there is a component of...
Show moreThe impingement of supersonic jets on surfaces is of interest because of its important application to jet blast deflectors (JBD), and short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft (STOVL) during hover. Typically, on an aircraft carrier deck, the impingement of the jet blast on the deflector generates impingement tones, and structural vibrations, not only on the JBD but also on the ship deck. Therefore, apart from direct transmission of jet noise to the gallery level, there is a component of noise transmitted due to the impingement of the jet on the JBD. The objectives of this work are to study the pressure spectra (i) on a flat plate, and separately on a cone due to axisymmetric impingement of a supersonic underexpanded cold jet issuing from a convergent-divergent nozzle and (ii) on a plane jet impinging on a finite plate and an adjoining ground plane due to the impingement of a planar jet on the plate. The characteristics of the surface pressure fluctuations are numerically investiga ted using WIND-US 2.0. The time-dependent, compressible Euler equations for perfect gas are employed for the present computations. The impingement distance between the jet nozzle and the deflector plate, and the plate inclination with respect to the incident jet are varied. The impingement zone stagnation bubble and a high-speed radial jet with several embedded structures (shocklets) were identified on the perpendicular plate. Flows involving cones reveal the presence of detached cone shocks, enclosing a recirculation zone. The location and magnitude of the peak pressure on the cone surface are a strong function of the cone apex angle. For the two-dimensional jet impingement on angled plate the peak value of pressure occurs at normal jet impingement. The pressure at the intersection point of the plate and the ground plane is sometimes higher than the peak pressure on the plate. Beyond this point there is a sharp decrease in pressure. As the flow accelerates, an oblique shock is, Beyond this point there is a sharp decrease in pressure. As the flow accelerates, an oblique shock is sometimes formed in this grazing flow region. A recirculation region at the lower lip of the nozzle was observed for all the separation distances and plate inclinations.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3333308
Subject Headings: Systems engineering, Jet nozzles, Design and construction, Jets, Fluid dynamics, Heat, Transmission
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Studies of composite multihull ship structures using fluid structure interaction.
Creator: Ma, Siyuan, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Studies of composite multihull structure under wave loads, extreme loads, and blast loads have been conducted using finite element and computational fluid dynamics (CPF) tools. A comprehensive finite element tool for structural analysis of composite multi-hull structures is developed. Two-way fluid structure interaction (FSI) is implemented by coupling finite element analysis (FEA) and CFD. FEA models have been developed using sandwich construction having composite face sheets and a foam core...
Show moreStudies of composite multihull structure under wave loads, extreme loads, and blast loads have been conducted using finite element and computational fluid dynamics (CPF) tools. A comprehensive finite element tool for structural analysis of composite multi-hull structures is developed. Two-way fluid structure interaction (FSI) is implemented by coupling finite element analysis (FEA) and CFD. FEA models have been developed using sandwich construction having composite face sheets and a foam core. Fluid domain was modeled using the CFD code, CFX and a wave motion was simulated based on Sea State 5... In addition to hydrodynamic loads, the simulation of composite ship under extreme loads is performed. Stress analysis was performed and dynamic response of the hull was determined in time domain. In the final analysis, an underwater explosion model was developed to study the composite hull resistance to blast load.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355625
Subject Headings: Computational fluid dynamics, Numerical analysis, Engineering mathematics, Naval architecture, Structural analysis (Engineering)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Reinforcement of syntactic foam with SiC nanoparticles.
Creator: Das, Debdutta., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: In this investigation, polymer precursor of syntactic foam has been reinforced with SiC nanoparticles to enhance mechanical and fracture properties. Derakane 8084 vinyl ester resin was first dispersed with 1.0 wt% of SiC particles using a sonic cavitation technique. In the next step, 30.0 wt% of microspheres (3M hollow glass borosilicate, S-series) were mechanically mixed with the nanophased vinyl ester resin, and cast into rectangular molds. A small amount of styrene was used as dilutant to...
Show moreIn this investigation, polymer precursor of syntactic foam has been reinforced with SiC nanoparticles to enhance mechanical and fracture properties. Derakane 8084 vinyl ester resin was first dispersed with 1.0 wt% of SiC particles using a sonic cavitation technique. In the next step, 30.0 wt% of microspheres (3M hollow glass borosilicate, S-series) were mechanically mixed with the nanophased vinyl ester resin, and cast into rectangular molds. A small amount of styrene was used as dilutant to facilitate mixing of microspheres. The size of microspheres and SiC nanoparticles were 20-30 um and 30-50 nm, respectively. Tension, compression, and flexure tests were conducted following ASTM standards and a consistent improvement in strength and modulus within 20-35% range was observed. Fracture toughness parameters such as KIC and GIC were also determined using ASTM E-399. An improvement of about 11-15% was observed. Samples were also subjected to various environmental conditions and degradation in material properties is reported.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/359923
Subject Headings: Composite materials, Design, Polyurethanes, Mechanical properties, Epoxy resins, Nanostructured materials
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Proud elastic target discrimination using low-frequency sonar signatures.
Creator: Mallen, Brenton., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis presents a comparative analysis of various low-frequency sonar signature representations and their ability to discriminate between proud targets of varying physical parameters. The signature representations used include: synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) beamformed images, acoustic color plot images, and bispectral images. A relative Mean-Square Error (rMSE) performance metric and an effective Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNReff) performance metric have been developed and implemented to...
Show moreThis thesis presents a comparative analysis of various low-frequency sonar signature representations and their ability to discriminate between proud targets of varying physical parameters. The signature representations used include: synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) beamformed images, acoustic color plot images, and bispectral images. A relative Mean-Square Error (rMSE) performance metric and an effective Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNReff) performance metric have been developed and implemented to quantify the target differentiation. The analysis is performed on a subset of the synthetic sonar stave data provided by the Naval Surface Warfare Center - Panama City Division (NSWC-PCD). The subset is limited to aluminum and stainless steel, thin-shell, spherical targets in contact with the seafloor (proud). It is determined that the SAS signature representation provides the best, least ambiguous, target differentiation with a minimum mismatch difference of 14.5802 dB. The acoustic color plot and bispectrum representations resulted in a minimum difference of 9.1139 dB and 1.8829 dB, respectively
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342210
Subject Headings: Pattern recognition systems, Frequency response (Dynamics), Signal theory (Telecommunication), Random noise theory
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Open water testing of a surface piercing propeller with varying submergence, yaw angle and inclination angle.
Creator: Lorio, Justin M., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The use of surface piercing propellers (SPPs) shows promise for high speed operation by virtually eliminating appendage drag, which can be as much as 30 percent of the total drag on a vehicle at high speeds. The scarcity of available systematic test data has made reliable performance prediction difficult. The primary objective of this research is to obtain experimental performance prediction data that can be used in SPP design. In a series of open water tests in a non-pressurized towing tank...
Show moreThe use of surface piercing propellers (SPPs) shows promise for high speed operation by virtually eliminating appendage drag, which can be as much as 30 percent of the total drag on a vehicle at high speeds. The scarcity of available systematic test data has made reliable performance prediction difficult. The primary objective of this research is to obtain experimental performance prediction data that can be used in SPP design. In a series of open water tests in a non-pressurized towing tank facility, force transducer measurements were taken at tip immersion ratios from 0.5 to .33, yaw angles from 0° to 30° and inclination angles from 0° to 15° over a range of advance ratios from 0.8 to 1.8. Force transducer measurements were taken for thrust, torque, side forces and moments. These results will help develop a baseline for the verification of SPP performance prediction.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1930498
Subject Headings: Ships, Hydrodynamics, Ship propulsion, Propellers
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Hydrodynamic functions of the wing-shaped heads of hammerhead sharks.
Creator: Barousse, Julien., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The hydrodynamics of three different shark heads: Eusphyra blochii (Winghead shark), Carcharhinus acronotus (Blacknose shark) and Sphyrna tiburo (Bonnethead shark) were investigated. Force transducer measurement was used to explore how the cephalofoil (wing-shaped head) affects maneuverability and efficiency. As the dynamic behavior of maneuvering wings differs from that of the steady state motion, experiments have been conducted to simulate: 1) steady-state (no yaw motion) constant velocity...
Show moreThe hydrodynamics of three different shark heads: Eusphyra blochii (Winghead shark), Carcharhinus acronotus (Blacknose shark) and Sphyrna tiburo (Bonnethead shark) were investigated. Force transducer measurement was used to explore how the cephalofoil (wing-shaped head) affects maneuverability and efficiency. As the dynamic behavior of maneuvering wings differs from that of the steady state motion, experiments have been conducted to simulate: 1) steady-state (no yaw motion) constant velocity swimming, 2) constant forward velocity with yawing motion of the head and 3) turning maneuvers. Different range of velocities, angle of attack, yaw frequency and yaw amplitude were tested. Drag and lift coefficients were calculated and compared. The lift coefficient of Winghead shark is much higher compared to the other sharks. The lift-to-drag ratio showed that the Winghead shark has a hydrodynamic advantage compared to Blacknose shark and Bonnethead shark.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2795459
Subject Headings: Aquatic animals (Physiology), Adaptation (Biology), Sharks, Locomotion, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Hydrodynamic analysis of ocean current turbines using vortex lattice method.
Creator: Goly, Aneesh, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The main objective of the thesis is to carry out a rigorous hydrodynamic analysis of ocean current turbines and determine power for a range of flow and geometric parameters. For the purpose, a computational tool based on the vortex lattice method (VLM) is developed. Velocity of the flow on the turbine blades, in relation to the freestream velocity, is determined through induction factors. The geometry of trailing vortices is taken to be helicoidal. The VLM code is validated by comparing its...
Show moreThe main objective of the thesis is to carry out a rigorous hydrodynamic analysis of ocean current turbines and determine power for a range of flow and geometric parameters. For the purpose, a computational tool based on the vortex lattice method (VLM) is developed. Velocity of the flow on the turbine blades, in relation to the freestream velocity, is determined through induction factors. The geometry of trailing vortices is taken to be helicoidal. The VLM code is validated by comparing its results with other theoretical and experimental data corresponding to flows about finite-aspect ratio foils, swept wings and a marine current turbine. The validated code is then used to study the performance of the prototype gulfstream turbine for a range of parameters. Power and thrust coefficients are calculated for a range of tip speed ratios and pitch angles. Of all the cases studied, the one corresponding to tip speed ratio of 8 and uniform pitch angle 20 produced the maximum power of 41.3 [kW] in a current of 1.73 [m/s]. The corresponding power coefficient is 0.45 which is slightly less than the Betz limit power coefficient of 0.5926. The VLM computational tool developed for the research is found to be quite efficient in that it takes only a fraction of a minute on a regular laptop PC to complete a run. The tool can therefore be efficiently used or integrated into software for design optimization.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2683131
Subject Headings: Marine turbines, Mathematical models, Water currents, Forecasting, Mathematical models, Aerodynamics, Mathematics, Finite element method
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Helicopter stability during aggressive maneuvers.
Creator: Mohan, Ranjith., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The dissertation investigates helicopter trim and stability during level bank-angle and diving bank-angle turns. The level turn is moderate in that sufficient power is available to maintain level maneuver, and the diving turn is severe where the power deficit is overcome by the kinetic energy of descent. The investigation basically represents design conditions where the peak loading goes well beyond the steady thrust limit and the rotor experiences appreciable stall. The major objectives are:...
Show moreThe dissertation investigates helicopter trim and stability during level bank-angle and diving bank-angle turns. The level turn is moderate in that sufficient power is available to maintain level maneuver, and the diving turn is severe where the power deficit is overcome by the kinetic energy of descent. The investigation basically represents design conditions where the peak loading goes well beyond the steady thrust limit and the rotor experiences appreciable stall. The major objectives are: 1) to assess the sensitivity of the trim and stability predictions to the approximations in modeling stall, 2) to correlate the trim predictions with the UH-60A flight test data, and 3) to demonstrate the feasibility of routinely using the exact fast-Floquet periodic eigenvector method for mode identification in the stability analysis. The UH-60A modeling and analysis are performed using the comprehensive code RCAS (Army's Rotorcraft Comprehensive Analysis System). The trim and damping predictions are based on quasisteady stall, ONERA-Edlin vi (Equations Differentielles Lineaires) and Leishman-Beddoes dynamic stall models. From the correlation with the test data, the strengths and weaknesses of the trim predictions are presented.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342237
Subject Headings: Helicopters, Aerodynamics, Helicopters, Control systems, Rotors (Helicopters), Aerodynamics, Stability of helicopters, Vibration (Aeronautics), Damping
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Methodology for fault detection and diagnostics in an ocean turbine using vibration analysis and modeling.
Creator: Mjit, Mustapha., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis describes a methodology for mechanical fault detection and diagnostics in an ocean turbine using vibration analysis and modeling. This methodology relies on the use of advanced methods for machine vibration analysis and health monitoring. Because of some issues encountered with traditional methods such as Fourier analysis for non stationary rotating machines, the use of more advanced methods such as Time-Frequency Analysis is required. The thesis also includes the development of...
Show moreThis thesis describes a methodology for mechanical fault detection and diagnostics in an ocean turbine using vibration analysis and modeling. This methodology relies on the use of advanced methods for machine vibration analysis and health monitoring. Because of some issues encountered with traditional methods such as Fourier analysis for non stationary rotating machines, the use of more advanced methods such as Time-Frequency Analysis is required. The thesis also includes the development of two LabVIEW models. The first model combines the advanced methods for on-line condition monitoring. The second model performs the modal analysis to find the resonance frequencies of the subsystems of the turbine. The dynamic modeling of the turbine using Finite Element Analysis is used to estimate the baseline of vibration signals in sensors locations under normal operating conditions of the turbine. All this information is necessary to perform the vibration condition monitoring of the turbine.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/369198
Subject Headings: Marine turbines, Mathematical models, Fluid dynamics, Structural dynamics, Composite materials, Mathematical models, Elastic analysis (Engineering)
Format: Document (PDF)

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