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- Title
- Deterministic, stochastic and convex analyses of one- and two-dimensional periodic structures.
- Creator
- Zhu, Liping., Florida Atlantic University, Lin, Y. K., Elishakoff, Isaac, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
The periodic structures considered in the dissertation are one-dimensional periodic multi-span beams, and two-dimensional periodic grillages with elastic interior supports. The following specific topics are included: (1) Deterministic Vibration--Exact solutions are obtained for free vibrations of both multi-span beams and grillages, by utilizing the wave propagation concept. The wave motions at the periodic supports/nodes are investigated and the dispersion equations are derived from which...
Show moreThe periodic structures considered in the dissertation are one-dimensional periodic multi-span beams, and two-dimensional periodic grillages with elastic interior supports. The following specific topics are included: (1) Deterministic Vibration--Exact solutions are obtained for free vibrations of both multi-span beams and grillages, by utilizing the wave propagation concept. The wave motions at the periodic supports/nodes are investigated and the dispersion equations are derived from which the natural frequencies of the periodic structures are determined. The emphasis is placed on the calculation of mode shapes of both types of periodic structures. The general expressions for mode shapes with various boundary conditions are obtained. These mode shapes are used to evaluate the exact dynamic response to a convected harmonic loading. (2) Stochastic Vibration--A multi-span beam under stochastic acoustic loading is considered. The exact analytical expressions for the spectral densities are derived for both displacement and bending moment by using the normal mode approach. Nonlinear vibration of a multi-span beam with axial restraint and initial imperfection are also investigated. In the latter case, the external excitation is idealized as a Gaussian white nose. An expression for the joint probability density function in the generalized coordinates is obtained and used to evaluate the mean square response of a multi-span beam system. (3) Convex Modeling of Uncertain Excitation Field--It is assumed that the parameters of the stochastic excitation field are uncertain and belong to a multi-dimensional convex set. A new approach is developed to determine the multi-dimensional ellipsoidal convex set with a minimum volume. The most and least favorable responses of a multi-span beam are then determined for such a convex set, corresponding to a stochastic acoustic field. The procedure is illustrated in several examples.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1994
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12366
- Subject Headings
- Grillages (Structural engineering), Girders--Vibration, Wave-motion, Theory of, Vibration
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Neural network system for operations management.
- Creator
- Ezziane, Zoheir Hocine., Florida Atlantic University, Mazouz, Abdel Kader, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
Distribution centers and warehouses are becoming more and more dependent on advanced computer technologies to establish and maintain competitiveness in a global economy. Neural network represent a new technology with a wide scope of potential warehouses applications, ranging from planning and forecasting to overall performance. In this dissertation, numerous results are showing increases in warehouse performance, when using neural network technology. The neural network system is used as a...
Show moreDistribution centers and warehouses are becoming more and more dependent on advanced computer technologies to establish and maintain competitiveness in a global economy. Neural network represent a new technology with a wide scope of potential warehouses applications, ranging from planning and forecasting to overall performance. In this dissertation, numerous results are showing increases in warehouse performance, when using neural network technology. The neural network system is used as a forecasting tool. It is then compared to time series forecasting analysis. The comparison process is designed to increase the warehouse performance understudy. At the end of this process, the results are forecasting variables needed to eventually increase warehouse performance and efficiency. Initially, neural networks along with time series are used to make the forecast on inventory control. Then the following step is to let different neural network modules perform the forecasting analysis on other management operations like inventory adjustments, accuracy and turnover, customer complaints and labor productivity for any distribution center or warehouse. The concept of benchmarking is also used, in order to provide tools which will help warehouse management determining performance levels for each subcomponent of the warehouse operations, and consequently the overall performance of the warehouse or distributor center taken into consideration after feeding in the appropriate data to the system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1994
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12369
- Subject Headings
- Operations research, Warehouses, Neural networks (Computer science)--Industrial applications
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- An intelligent approach to system identification.
- Creator
- Saravanan, Natarajan, Florida Atlantic University, Duyar, Ahmet, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
System identification methods are frequently used to obtain appropriate models for the purpose of control, fault detection, pattern recognition, prediction, adaptive filtering and other purposes. A number of techniques exist for the identification of linear systems. However, real-world and complex systems are often nonlinear and there exists no generic methodology for the identification of nonlinear systems with unknown structure. A recent approach makes use of highly interconnected networks...
Show moreSystem identification methods are frequently used to obtain appropriate models for the purpose of control, fault detection, pattern recognition, prediction, adaptive filtering and other purposes. A number of techniques exist for the identification of linear systems. However, real-world and complex systems are often nonlinear and there exists no generic methodology for the identification of nonlinear systems with unknown structure. A recent approach makes use of highly interconnected networks of simple processing elements, which can be programmed to approximate nonlinear functions to identify nonlinear dynamic systems. This thesis takes a detailed look at identification of nonlinear systems with neural networks. Important questions in the application of neural networks for nonlinear systems are identified; concerning the excitation properties of input signals, selection of an appropriate neural network structure, estimation of the neural network weights, and the validation of the identified model. These questions are subsequently answered. This investigation leads to a systematic procedure for identification using neural networks and this procedure is clearly illustrated by modeling a complex nonlinear system; the components of the space shuttle main engine. Additionally, the neural network weights are determined by using a general purpose optimization technique known as evolutionary programming which is based on the concept of simulated evolution. The evolutionary programming algorithm is modified to include self-adapting step sizes. The effectiveness of the evolutionary programming algorithm as a general purpose optimization algorithm is illustrated on a test suite of problems including function optimization, neural network weight optimization, optimal control system synthesis and reinforcement learning control.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1994
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12371
- Subject Headings
- Neural networks (Computer science), System identification, Nonlinear theories, System analysis, Space shuttles--Electronic equipment, Algorithms--Computer programs
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Computed tomographic measurements of void fraction and modeling of the flow in bubble columns.
- Creator
- Kumar, Sailesh B., Florida Atlantic University, Moslemian, Davood, Dudukovic, M. P., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
A complete understanding of the gas-liquid two phase flow in bubble columns is required for the development of reliable models for scale-up of these multiphase reactors. Although several models have been proposed to describe the hydrodynamics. lack of adequate experimental data has hindered meaningful evaluation of model parameters and model predictions. The Computer Automated Radioactive Particle Tracking ( CARPT) facility that was implemented earlier has provided interesting results on the...
Show moreA complete understanding of the gas-liquid two phase flow in bubble columns is required for the development of reliable models for scale-up of these multiphase reactors. Although several models have been proposed to describe the hydrodynamics. lack of adequate experimental data has hindered meaningful evaluation of model parameters and model predictions. The Computer Automated Radioactive Particle Tracking ( CARPT) facility that was implemented earlier has provided interesting results on the recirculation patterns of the liquid phase. The technique has provided quantitative information on liquid velocities and turbulence parameters as well. In addition to these hydrodynamic parameters the measurement of void fraction is also important. To complement the capabilities of CARPT a scanner for ;-ray Computed Tomography (CT) was implemented to quantify the local void fraction and its distribution in two phase flow systems. The automated scanner is capable of imaging flows in test sections between 0.02.5 m and 0..15 m in diameter at different elevations above the distributor. The scanner makes use of the same detectors used in the CARPT facility and with the use of a specially designed moving collimator provides a spatial resolution of about 5 mm. A non-conventional algorithm based on maximum likelihood principles called the E-M algorithm was used for imagw reconstruction. Long scanning times are required leading to time averaged density profiles. Although the system is only capable of providing time averaged void fraction distributions. it can provide unique information concerning the structure of two phase flow. The system performance was evaluated by identifying the sources of errors in measurement and their bounds. The capabilities of the scanner for imaging void fraction distribution was demonstrated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Fse of existing radiation detectors and the associated signal processing and data acquisition system helped in reducing the cost of the system. The scanner was utilized to quantify the local void fraction and its distribution in bubble columns of five diameters (0.10. 0.14, 0.19, 0.26. 0.30 m internal diameter) and at four superficial gas velocities. The effect of various operating parameters such as column diameter, superficial gas velocity. the type of distributor. the static liquid height and some changes in the physical properties of the liquid phase were studied. For the first time a comprehensive characterization of the void fraction in an air water bubble column using a non-invasive technique was achieved. The experimental data obtained using CARPT and CT under identical operating conditions was used for developing a methodology for scale-up of bubble columns using a one dimensional model for liquid recirculation. Successful scale-up of liquid hydrodynamics using a one dimensional model requires an adequate closure scheme for the Reynolds shear stress. The existing correlations for the prescription of the eddy viscosity or the mixing length scale are demonstrated to be applicable only for a limited range of conditions. and consequently cannot be used for scale-up predictions. A method for estimating the mixing length scale has been explored and an attempt at unifying a wide range of data available in the literature within the pun·iew of the method has been made. The futility of such an attempt is attributed to the non-reproducibility of the flow in different laboratories and the conasequent lack of data obtained under identical conditions. It is demonstrated, however, that scale-up based on the mixing length distribution is possible when it is obtained from a consistent set of data for liquid velocity and gas void fraction profiles. Using the present method for prescribing the mixing length scale. model predictions for scale-up compare satisfactorily for the data that was obtained as part of this research. The achievement was that the turbulence length scale estimated in one column diameter was successfully used in predicting the liquid velocities in larger diameter columns.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1994
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12384
- Subject Headings
- Two-phase flow, Hydrodynamics, Bubble chambers, Tomography, Emission
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A unified theory of coordination for robotic mechanisms with general parallel or hybrid structures.
- Creator
- Ling, Shou-Hung., Florida Atlantic University, Huang, Ming Z., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
A well designed robot manipulator should have adequate workspace and good static-dynamic performance. It is well known that serial manipulators, while compared to similar size parallel ones, have larger workspace. However, due to their cantilever-like structure, the serial manipulators suffer from the disadvantage of having relatively poor static-dynamic performance. Contrarily, for fully parallel manipulators the good static-dynamic performance comes from the sacrifice of the workspace....
Show moreA well designed robot manipulator should have adequate workspace and good static-dynamic performance. It is well known that serial manipulators, while compared to similar size parallel ones, have larger workspace. However, due to their cantilever-like structure, the serial manipulators suffer from the disadvantage of having relatively poor static-dynamic performance. Contrarily, for fully parallel manipulators the good static-dynamic performance comes from the sacrifice of the workspace. Therefore, manipulators with more general geometries, in particular those with both the serial and the parallel modules, namely the hybrid manipulators, have attracted much of the research attention in robotics recently. While it can be asserted that kinematic theories and techniques are well established for fully serial-chain manipulators, the same assertion cannot be made when they are considered in the above general context. The research described in this dissertation is an undertaking toward the establishment of a general theory of coordination for robotic mechanisms with general parallel or hybrid structures. The scope of this research is concentrated in the kinematics aspect of the aforementioned class of robot manipulators with the main emphasis on the velocity (instantaneous) kinematics. A kinestatic approach, which is based on screw system theory, is adopted in this dissertation. This kinestatic approach leads to the establishment of a fundamental theorem, dubbed as the Parallel Manipulator Coordination Theorem, which integrates the idea of parallel and serial manipulators. Furthermore, the theorem enables us to develop an analysis strategy for systematic formulation and characterization of robotic mechanisms with general parallel (non-redundant) and hybrid geometries. The analysis strategy entails constraints, statics, velocity, and singularity considerations. One distinct advantage of using the screw system theory as the analysis tool is that it facilitates the analysis in a fashion that physical meanings are preserved through out the derivation. The very aspect of preserving the physical meaning distinguishes this method from other algebraically-based and numerically-based methods. An intelligent fault-tolerant system has been studied at the end. The technique and conclusions from the study of parallel manipulator modules have been used to analyze the proposed design.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1994
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12385
- Subject Headings
- Manipulators (Mechanism), Robotics, Kinematics, Screws, Theory of
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Study of corrosion-induced failure mechanisms of epoxy-coated reinforcing steel.
- Creator
- Lee, Seung-Kyoung, Florida Atlantic University, Hartt, William H., McIntyre, Jack F., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
A study of the corrosion protection afforded by epoxy coatings on reinforcing steel was performed. To accomplish this bars were acquired from ten sources and coatings were characterized in terms of defects, thickness, solvent extraction weight loss and hardness. Testing involved exposure in various aqueous solutions at both ambient temperature and 80$\sp\circ$C and in chloride-contaminated concrete slabs under outdoor exposure. Direct pull-off adhesion testing was performed on tested and...
Show moreA study of the corrosion protection afforded by epoxy coatings on reinforcing steel was performed. To accomplish this bars were acquired from ten sources and coatings were characterized in terms of defects, thickness, solvent extraction weight loss and hardness. Testing involved exposure in various aqueous solutions at both ambient temperature and 80$\sp\circ$C and in chloride-contaminated concrete slabs under outdoor exposure. Direct pull-off adhesion testing was performed on tested and virgin epoxy coated reinforcing steels (ECRs). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) scans were made periodically, and a curve fitting technique was employed to analyze coating parameters. Conventional electrochemical measurements were also made, and corrosion morphology of ECR specimens was examined. It was found that the density and size of coating defects was the primary factor affecting ECR performance. The circuit analysis indicated that poorly performing defect-free coatings absorbed water and oxygen; and these species reached the coating/substrate interface and electrochemical reactions at the interface caused coating degradation. By way of contrast, the impedance response for well-performing ECR specimens showed no signs of active degradation at the interface although diffusional processes similar to those noted for poorly performing bars occurred here also. Experimental results indicated a relationship between corrosion behavior and bar source. Weight loss upon solvent extraction correlated with impedance reduction from hot water exposure. Coating defects developed during most of the tests, especially in high pH solutions containing chloride ions. ECRs with excessive coating defects, either initially present or ones which developed in service, performed poorly in every test category regardless of source. Forms of coating failure were extensive rusting at defects, blistering, wet adhesion loss, cathodic delamination, underfilm corrosion and coating cracks. These occurred sequentially or concurrently, depending on the condition of the ECR and nature of the environment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1994
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12389
- Subject Headings
- Corrosion and anti-corrosives, Epoxy coatings, Steel--Corrosion, Concrete--Corrosion
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Experimental and theoretical characterization of near-threshold fatigue crack growth for high strength steels in seawater.
- Creator
- Yang, Jingjun., Florida Atlantic University, Hartt, William H., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
Near-threshold fatigue crack growth rate data were generated for six high strength steels at stress ratios of 0.5 and 0.8 under different environmental conditions, which included air, freely corroding in seawater, and cathodically polarized in seawater to -0.80v, -0.95v and -1.10v (vs SCE). The influence of stress ratio, loading frequency, magnitude of cathodic polarization and initial DeltaK on fatigue crack growth behavior for these high strength steels was experimentally characterized. The...
Show moreNear-threshold fatigue crack growth rate data were generated for six high strength steels at stress ratios of 0.5 and 0.8 under different environmental conditions, which included air, freely corroding in seawater, and cathodically polarized in seawater to -0.80v, -0.95v and -1.10v (vs SCE). The influence of stress ratio, loading frequency, magnitude of cathodic polarization and initial DeltaK on fatigue crack growth behavior for these high strength steels was experimentally characterized. The results disclosed general trends of fatigue crack growth under conditions relevant to offshore structure applications and circumscribed variables that are primarily influential with regard to service performance. The rate controlling processes and cracking mechanisms of near-threshold fatigue crack growth, particularly under cathodic polarization in seawater, were also studied in conjunction with crack mouth opening displacement measurements, fractographic observation and crack profile examination. The data and observations suggest that calcareous deposit induced closure was the rate-controlling factor for near-threshold fatigue crack growth under cathodic polarization in seawater although the cracking involved a brittle failure mechanism as a result of hydrogen embrittlement. With different FCGR determining procedures which included natural K-decreasing, enhanced K-decreasing, natural K-increasing and constant DeltaK, the FCGR under cathodic polarization in seawater was found to be time-dependent and, as such, was not a unique function of DeltaK but depended upon K-history or experimental procedures. These observations were consistent with results of a theoretical analysis which involved kinetics modeling of the interaction between fatigue crack growth and calcareous deposit thickening. The model also predicted the existence of an upper limit transition DeltaK, DeltaK Upp/T, between the Paris and threshold regions and it was found that the predicted DeltaK Upp/T was in agreement with the experimental one. The basis for applying this critical parameter (DeltaK Upp/T) to offshore structure designs was addressed in conjunction with experimental results.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1995
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12410
- Subject Headings
- Seawater corrosion, Steel--Fatigue, Steel--Fracture, Corrosion and anti-corrosives
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Static, fatigue and ultimate load behavior of bridges prestressed with advanced composite materials.
- Creator
- Sandepudi, Krishna Srinivasa., Florida Atlantic University, Arockiasamy, Madasamy, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
One of the major problems the construction industry faces today is low corrosion resistance of reinforcing and prestressing steel, which significantly affects the durability of concrete structures. Theoretically Advanced Composite Materials (ACM) can successfully be used in concrete structures, in lieu of steel, as reinforcing and/or prestressing elements, owing to high tensile strength, immunity towards corrosion, low Young's modulus, light weight and high fatigue resistance. Very little...
Show moreOne of the major problems the construction industry faces today is low corrosion resistance of reinforcing and prestressing steel, which significantly affects the durability of concrete structures. Theoretically Advanced Composite Materials (ACM) can successfully be used in concrete structures, in lieu of steel, as reinforcing and/or prestressing elements, owing to high tensile strength, immunity towards corrosion, low Young's modulus, light weight and high fatigue resistance. Very little experimental and performance data are available on the properties of ACM and their application in concrete structures. Thus, to ensure safety of the structures, accurate assessment and continuous performance monitoring of the ACM together with the structure have to be made with an option of active and/or passive structural control. This investigation is aimed to establish the feasibility of using Aramid Fiber Reinforced Plastic (AFRP) cables as reinforcing/prestressing elements in concrete bridge structures. Besides investigating the durability of the AFRP cables in adverse environments (alkali and seawater), static and ultimate load tests were performed on a Double-Tee beam and three rectangular beams together with static, fatigue and ultimate load tests on a half scale model Double-Tee bridge system prestressed with AFRP. The AFRP specimens exposed to alkali and seawater for 900 hours retained 88% of the average failure strength of control specimens. Large deformations at ultimate conditions and good fatigue resistance were observed in the experimental studies. A computer code, FRPFLEX, was developed to perform flexural analysis of beams prestressed/reinforced with the ACM. An incremental, stiffness augmented non-linear analysis was performed using grillage analogy to assess static flexural behavior of Double-Tee bridge system. Analytical results showed good correlation with experimental findings. An active deformation/vibration control model is suggested, which can be incorporated in prototype bridges for safety and performance data evaluation. Feasibility of the use of the AFRP cables in bridge structures is assessed based on the experimental and analytical parameters such as deflections, strains, crack distributions, crack widths and energy considerations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1995
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12414
- Subject Headings
- Prestressed concrete construction, Steel--Fatigue, Bridges--Fatigue, Fiber reinforced plastics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Response analysis of structures including effects of soil-structure interaction.
- Creator
- Yu, Jun., Florida Atlantic University, Yong, Yan, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
The objective of the study is to determine the structural response to external force and earthquake excitations with consideration of soil-structure interaction. The physical model concerned herein is an N-story building on a rigid or flexible foundation embedded in a layered soil medium. In this substructure approach, the soil medium and the structure are treated as one-dimensional waveguides and their motions are characterized as wave scattering. To include effects of soil-structure...
Show moreThe objective of the study is to determine the structural response to external force and earthquake excitations with consideration of soil-structure interaction. The physical model concerned herein is an N-story building on a rigid or flexible foundation embedded in a layered soil medium. In this substructure approach, the soil medium and the structure are treated as one-dimensional waveguides and their motions are characterized as wave scattering. To include effects of soil-structure interaction, the foundation response is expressed as a summation of influence functions, which are defined as the response to a simple stress distribution over the contact surface between the soil and foundation. The analysis, therefore, is carried out without solving integral equations. The coupling effect is recovered by using equilibrium, compatibility and reciprocal conditions. As a result, the structural response solution is expressed in terms of parameters of a seismic source and external excitations, and can be used in a statistical analysis if uncertainties of these parameters are taken into account.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1995
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12425
- Subject Headings
- Soil-structure interaction, Earthquake engineering, Structural dynamics, Foundations
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Dynamic stall and three-dimensional wake effects on trim, stability and loads of hingeless rotors with fast Floquet theory.
- Creator
- Chunduru, Srinivas Jaya., Florida Atlantic University, Gaonkar, Gopal H., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
This dissertation investigates the effects of dynamic stall and three-dimensional wake on isolated-rotor trim, stability and loads. Trim analysis of predicting the pilot's control inputs and the corresponding periodic responses is based on periodic shooting with the fast Floquet theory and damped Newton iteration. Stability analysis, also based on the fast Floquet theory, predicts damping levels and frequencies. Loads analysis uses a force-integration approach to predict the rotating-blade...
Show moreThis dissertation investigates the effects of dynamic stall and three-dimensional wake on isolated-rotor trim, stability and loads. Trim analysis of predicting the pilot's control inputs and the corresponding periodic responses is based on periodic shooting with the fast Floquet theory and damped Newton iteration. Stability analysis, also based on the fast Floquet theory, predicts damping levels and frequencies. Loads analysis uses a force-integration approach to predict the rotating-blade root shears and moments as well as the hub forces and moments. The blades have flap bending, lag bending and torsion degrees of freedom. Dynamic stall is represented by the ONERA stall models of lift, drag and pitching moment, and the unsteady, nonuniform downwash is represented by a three-dimensional, finite-state wake model. Throughout, full blade-stall-wake dynamics is used in that all states are included from trim to stability to loads predictions. Moreover, these predictions are based on four aerodynamic theories--quasisteady linear theory, quasisteady stall theory, dynamic stall theory and dynamic stall and wake theory--and cover a broad range of system parameters such as thrust level, advance ratio, number of blades and blade torsional frequency. The investigation is conducted in three phases. In phase one, the elastic flap-lag-torsion equations are coupled with a finite-state wake model and with linear quasisteady airfoil aerodynamics. The investigation presents convergence characteristics of trim and stability with respect to the number of spatial azimuthal harmonics and radial shape functions in the wake representation. It includes a comprehensive parametric study over a broad range of system parameters. The investigation also includes correlation with the measured lag-damping data of a three-bladed isolated rotor operated untrimmed. In the correlation, three structural models of the root-flexure-blade assembly are used to demonstrate the strengths and the weaknesses of lag-damping predictions. Phase two includes dynamic stall in addition to three-dimensional wake to generate trim and stability results over a comprehensive range of system parameters. It addresses the degree of sophistication necessary in blade discretization and wake representation under dynamically stalled conditions. The convergence and parametric studies isolate the effects of wake, quasisteady stall and dynamic stall on trim and stability. Finally, phase three predicts the rotating blade loads and nonrotating hub loads; the predictions are based on the blade, wake and stall models used in the preceding trim and stability investigations. Although an accurate evaluation of loads requires a more refined blade description, the results isolate and demonstrate the principal dynamic stall and wake effects on the loads.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1995
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12426
- Subject Headings
- Floquet theory, Helicopters, Rotors (Helicopters), Vibration (Aeronautics)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Investigation of carbon dioxide transport in life support helmets.
- Creator
- Camperman, John Michael., Florida Atlantic University, Tennant, Jeffrey S., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
This research explores carbon dioxide transport in life support helmet annular space using new theoretical and experimental techniques. Increased transport from next generation helmets is necessary to allow reduction of fresh gas flow and associated noise. Conventional helmet noise interferes with communications and some underwater helmets even approach hearing threshold shift levels. Helmet flow is three dimensional, unsteady, and turbulent; this research is the first known effort to...
Show moreThis research explores carbon dioxide transport in life support helmet annular space using new theoretical and experimental techniques. Increased transport from next generation helmets is necessary to allow reduction of fresh gas flow and associated noise. Conventional helmet noise interferes with communications and some underwater helmets even approach hearing threshold shift levels. Helmet flow is three dimensional, unsteady, and turbulent; this research is the first known effort to identify the fundamental mechanisms of CO2 transport. An analytical model is developed which predicts average inhaled CO2 concentration for generic helmet geometry using a mixing volume approach. The model includes sensitivity to supply flow, breath rate, metabolic CO2 production, inhalation and exhalation mixing volumes, and breathing symmetry. Numerical sensitivity analysis using the model indicates optimum design paths. Nominal head-helmet-lung geometry is identified. An experimental nominal model was developed which supports inhaled concentration measurements with air-CO2 or water-dye as working fluids. Water modeling provides flow visualization which is used to identify complex convective and turbulent CO2 transport mechanisms. Correlation of water-dye and air-CO2 results indicates conditions when molecular diffusion of CO2 is significant. The research was directed primarily toward diving helmets but is applicable to spacesuit and firefighter helmets, as well as any situation involving mass transport in a periodic mixing chamber. New analytical and experimental models are substantially more accurate than the conventional steady state helmet mixing model, and provide direction for improved helmet design.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1995
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12432
- Subject Headings
- Deep diving--Equipment and supplies, Deep diving--Physiological aspects, Carbon dioxide, Underwater physiology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Buckling of composite cylindrical shells with geometric, thickness and material imperfections.
- Creator
- Li, Yiwei., Florida Atlantic University, Elishakoff, Isaac, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
This dissertation deals with the determination of buckling loads of composite cylindrical shell structures which involve uncertainty either in geometry, namely thickness variation, or in material properties. Systematic research has been carried out, which evolves from the simple isotropic cases to anisotropic cases. Since the initial geometric imperfection has a dominant role in the reduction of those imperfection-sensitive structures such as cylindrical shells, the combined effect of...
Show moreThis dissertation deals with the determination of buckling loads of composite cylindrical shell structures which involve uncertainty either in geometry, namely thickness variation, or in material properties. Systematic research has been carried out, which evolves from the simple isotropic cases to anisotropic cases. Since the initial geometric imperfection has a dominant role in the reduction of those imperfection-sensitive structures such as cylindrical shells, the combined effect of thickness variation and initial imperfection is also investigated in depth. Both analytic and numerical methods are used to derive the solutions to the problems and asymptotic formulas relating the buckling load to the geometric (thickness variation and/or initial imperfection) parameter are established. It is shown that the axisymmetric thickness variation has the most detrimental effect on the buckling load when the modal number of thickness variation is twice as much as that of the classical buckling mode. For the composite shells with uncertainty in material properties, the convex modelling is employed to evaluate the variability of buckling load. Based on the experimental data for the elastic moduli of the composite laminates, the upper and lower bounds of the buckling load are derived, which are numerically substantiated by the results from nonlinear programming. These bounds will be useful in practice and can provide engineers with a better view of the real load-carrying capacity of the composite structure. Finally, the elastic modulus is modeled as a function of coordinates to complete the study on variability of material property so that the result can be obtained to account for the situation where the elastic modulus is different from one place to another in the structure.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12444
- Subject Headings
- Composite materials, Buckling (Mechanics), Shells (Engineering), Structural dynamics
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- High performance and robust control.
- Creator
- Xu, Min., Florida Atlantic University, Smith, Samuel M., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
It is desirable to have robust high performance nonlinear control with a model-free design approach for the real time automatic control of practical industrial processes. The field has seen the application of Sliding Mode Controllers (SMCs). SMCs are nonlinear robust controllers, however most design approaches related to SMCs are model-based approaches. PID controllers and some Fuzzy Logic Controllers (FLCs) are model-free controllers, however their robustness is not integrated into their...
Show moreIt is desirable to have robust high performance nonlinear control with a model-free design approach for the real time automatic control of practical industrial processes. The field has seen the application of Sliding Mode Controllers (SMCs). SMCs are nonlinear robust controllers, however most design approaches related to SMCs are model-based approaches. PID controllers and some Fuzzy Logic Controllers (FLCs) are model-free controllers, however their robustness is not integrated into their design parameters directly. This dissertation presents two new types of robust high performance nonlinear controllers with model-free design approaches. One introduces fuzzy logic to a model-free SMC which is a simple saturation function incorporating three design parameters. Due to the interpolative nature of fuzzy control, a TSK type FLC with the model-free SMCs as its rule's consequents will produce a controller with a nonlinear sliding curve and a nonlinear boundary layer. We call this controller a Fuzzy Sliding Controller (FSC). The other uses a new type of Variable Structure Controller (VSC), which intentionally switches from one controller to another controller during a step response. In conventional approaches to VSC, the control surface does not change its shape during a step response. The new type of VSC intentionally changes the shape of the control surface during the step response. This technique is analogous to that technique employed in image processing called "morphing" where a given image gradually changes over time to the image of a different entity. In order to avoid confusion with the conventional approach to a VSC, we use the term "Morphological" Controller (MC) for the VSC of the new type. The performance and robustness with respect to parameter variations, disturbances and slow sample rates of the proposed controllers are studied in detail with a DC motor and an Inverted Pendulum System. As a means to verify the proposed controllers in practical cases, we design the model-free SMC, the FSC and the MC for the highly nonlinear and uncertain dynamics of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Ocean Voyager II. It is shown that the proposed controllers are high performance and high robustness controllers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12446
- Subject Headings
- Nonlinear control theory, Automatic control, Feedback control systems, Feedforward control systems
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Experimental and theoretical studies of cryogenic sealing.
- Creator
- Jia, Lin X., Florida Atlantic University, Chow, Wen L., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
Funded by NASA Kennedy Space Center, this research project was to solve the liquid hydrogen leakage problem in the cryogenic system of Columbia space shuttle. A contracting-expanding self-sealing (CESSC) device was developed by making use of the thermal contraction ratio of dissimilar metals. A research cryostat providing with a high pressure and variable temperature test chamber was built to leak check the cryogenic fittings. A cryogenic research laboratory for the project was established in...
Show moreFunded by NASA Kennedy Space Center, this research project was to solve the liquid hydrogen leakage problem in the cryogenic system of Columbia space shuttle. A contracting-expanding self-sealing (CESSC) device was developed by making use of the thermal contraction ratio of dissimilar metals. A research cryostat providing with a high pressure and variable temperature test chamber was built to leak check the cryogenic fittings. A cryogenic research laboratory for the project was established in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University. Both NASA KC126 fitting and the CESSC fitting were tested in the cryogenic testing system. A theoretical approach was also attempted to study the cryogenic leaking phenomenon. A finite element code was developed to simulate the thermal contraction for different CESSC designs. The ANSYS code was also used for the same purpose. The CESSC fittings were successfully used in the space program as well as in the superconducting projects. The principle of the CESSC seal has been extended to solve a variety of problems in cryogenic field.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12448
- Subject Headings
- Sealing (Technology), Low temperature research
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Steel cathodic polarization and calcareous deposit characteristics in deep seawater.
- Creator
- Chen, Shaowei., Florida Atlantic University, Hartt, William H., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
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Field and laboratory ambient and simulated deep seawater sacrificial anode cathodic protection experiments were performed by coupling steel specimens to Al-Zn-Hg anode through an appropriately sized external resistor and thereby permitting a particular level of cathodic protection from freely corroding to overprotection to be simulated. The effects of sea current velocity, surface preparation, initial current density, temperature and hydrostatic pressure upon cathodic polarization and...
Show moreField and laboratory ambient and simulated deep seawater sacrificial anode cathodic protection experiments were performed by coupling steel specimens to Al-Zn-Hg anode through an appropriately sized external resistor and thereby permitting a particular level of cathodic protection from freely corroding to overprotection to be simulated. The effects of sea current velocity, surface preparation, initial current density, temperature and hydrostatic pressure upon cathodic polarization and characteristics of calcareous deposits were investigated in the context of slope parameter and steady-state potential and current density trend. The results revealed that a linear relationship between cathode potential and current density is applicable for design of sacrificial anode cathodic protection systems and analysis of cathodic protection survey data from existing structures both in shallow and deep waters. It was also found that for cathodically polarized steel specimens in ambient (shallow) seawater steady-state cathode potential and current density varied according to a sigmoidal trend that indicates the importance of calcareous deposits in such exposures and demonstrated the utility of rapid polarization. On the other hand, no sigmoidal trend was apparent for field and simulated deep water tests; but instead steady-state current density was constant for potential range between -0.80 and -1.05 v (Ag/AgCl). This disclosed that no particular benefit could be derived from employing rapid polarization in cold water exposures. SEM, EDX and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the calcareous deposits formed upon specimens exposed at 5C and ambient pressure or 8.96 MPa laboratory experiments exhibited two layer structures--an outer layer of CaCO3 as aragonite and inner layer of Mg(OH)2 as brucite. The morphology and coverage of the deposits depended on the design slope parameter (initial current density). Field testing results indicated that deposits were also composed of CaCO3 and Mg(OH)2 where the former was calcite. Because of the poor coverage of the deposits formed in the deep water condition, limited current density reduction was noted. These results suggest that a different cp design approach and strategy should be considered for deep, cold seawater compared to that commonly used in shallow water environments.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12457
- Subject Headings
- Seawater corrosion, Cathodic protection, Steel--Corrosion
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Dynamic stall and three-dimensional wake effects on isolated rotor trim and stability with experimental correlation and parallel fast-Floquet analysis.
- Creator
- Subramanian, Shanmugasundaram., Florida Atlantic University, Gaonkar, Gopal H., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
Hingeless rotors are susceptible to instabilities of the lead-lag or lag modes, which are at best weakly damped. The lag mode derives its damping primarily from the complex rotor flow field that is driven by interdependent dynamics of airfoil stall and rotor downwash or wake. Therefore, lag-damping prediction requires an aerodynamic representation that adequately accounts for quasisteady stall, dynamic stall and three-dimensional dynamic wake. Accordingly, this dissertation investigates these...
Show moreHingeless rotors are susceptible to instabilities of the lead-lag or lag modes, which are at best weakly damped. The lag mode derives its damping primarily from the complex rotor flow field that is driven by interdependent dynamics of airfoil stall and rotor downwash or wake. Therefore, lag-damping prediction requires an aerodynamic representation that adequately accounts for quasisteady stall, dynamic stall and three-dimensional dynamic wake. Accordingly, this dissertation investigates these stall and wake effects on lag damping and demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of the aerodynamic representation with a comprehensive experimental correlation. The database refers to a three-bladed rotor operated untrimmed and to a fourbladed rotor operated trimmed; for both rotors, the blade collective pitch and shaft tilt angles are set prior to each test run. The untrimmed rotor is tested with advance-ratios as high as 0.55 and shaft angles as high as 20°, and it has intentionally builtin structural simplicity: torsionally stiff blades and no swash plate. The trimmed rotor has torsionally soft blades; it is trimmed in the sense that the longitudinal and lateral cyclic pitch controls are adjusted through a swash plate to minimize l/rev root flap moment. Therefore, for the untrimmed rotor, the database refers to lagdamping levels, and for the trimmed rotor, it refers to lag-damping levels as well as to trim results of lateral and longitudinal cyclic pitch controls and steady root flap moments. The dynamic stall representation is based on the ONERA models of lift, drag and pitching moment, and the unsteady wake is described by a finite-state three-dimensional wake model. The root-flexure-blade assembly of the untrimmed rotor is represented by a root-restrained rigid flap-lag model as well as by an elastic flap-lag-torsion model. Similarly, the trimmed rotor is represented by an elastic flaplag- torsion model. The predictions are from three aerodynamic theories ranging from a quasisteady stall theory to a fairly comprehensive dynamic stall and wake theory. This dissertation also addresses the computational aspects of lag-damping predictions by parallel F!oquct analysis based on classical and fast Floquet theories. In a typical trimmed flight, the Floquet analysis comprises (i) trim or equilibrium analysis, (ii) generation of the Floquet transition matrix (FTM) about the trim position, and (iii) eigenanalysis of the FTM. The trim analysis involves the computations of the unknown control inputs that satisfy flight conditions of required thrust and force-moment equilibrium as well as the initial conditions that guarantee periodic forced response. The shooting method is increasingly used for the trim analysis since it generates the FTM as a byproduct and is not sensitive to damping levels. The QR method is used almost exclusively for the FTM eigenanalysis. Presently, the Floquet analysis with shooting and QR methods is widely used for small-order systems (number of states or order M < 100). However, it has been found to be practical neither for design nor for comprehensive-analysis models that lead to large systems (A11 > 100); the run time on a conventional sequential computer is simply prohibitive. Nevertheless, all three parts of Floquet analysis can be algorithmically structured such that they lend themselves well to parallelism or concurrent computations. Furthermore, the conventional Floquet analysis requires integrations of equations of motion through one complete period T; and the bulk of the run time is for repeated integrations over one period. However, for rotors with Q identical blades, it is computationally advantageous to use the fast Floquet analysis, which requires integration through a period T/Q. Accordingly, this dissertation develops parallel algorithms for classical Floquet analysis with classical shooting and for the fast Floquet analysis with fast shooting; in each case the FTM eigenanalysis is baseJ on a parallel QR tibrary routine. The computational reliability· of the sequential anJ parallel Floquet analyses is quantified by (i) the condition number of the converged Jacobian matrix in Newton iteration of trim analysis, (ii) the condition numbers of the FTM eigenvalues of interest, and (iii) the corresponding residual errors of the eigenpairs (eigenvalue and the corresponding eigenYector). These algorithms are applied to study (i) linear flap stability with dynamic wake, (ii) nonlinear flaplag stability with dynamic wake under propulsive- or flight-trim conditions. and (iii) noniinear fiap-iag stabiiity with dynamic staii and wake under flight trim conditions. The parallel and sequential algorithms are compared with respect to computational reliability, saving in run time and growth of run time with increasing system order. Other parallel performance metrics such as speedup, efficiency, and sequential and parallel fractions are included as well. The computational reliability figures of the four algorithms - classical and fast-Floquet analyses each in sequential and parallel modes - are comparable. The fast-Floquet analysis brings in nearly Q-fold reduction in run time in both the sequential and parallel modes; that is, its advantages apply equally to both the modes. 'While the run times for the classical- and fast-Floquet analyses in sequential mode grow in between quadratically and cubically with the system order, the corresponding run times in parallel mode are far shorter and more importantly remain nearly constant. These results offer considerable promise in making large-scale Floquet analysis practical for rotorcrafts with identical as well as with dissimilar blades.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12462
- Subject Headings
- Rotors (Helicopters), Stalling (Aerodynamics), Drag (Aerodynamics), Wakes (Aerodynamics), Floquet theory
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Feasibility of using carbon fiber reinforced plastic tendons in prestressed concrete Double-Tee bridge system.
- Creator
- Zhuang, Ming., Florida Atlantic University, Arockiasamy, Madasamy, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
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One of the major problems the construction industry faces today is corrosion of reinforcing and prestressing steel, which significantly affects the durability of concrete structures. Fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) are highly regarded as prospective replacement for steel in prestressed concrete structures under corrosive environment. This investigation was conducted to establish the feasibility of using Carbon Fiber Composite (CFC) cables as reinforcing/prestressing elements in concrete...
Show moreOne of the major problems the construction industry faces today is corrosion of reinforcing and prestressing steel, which significantly affects the durability of concrete structures. Fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) are highly regarded as prospective replacement for steel in prestressed concrete structures under corrosive environment. This investigation was conducted to establish the feasibility of using Carbon Fiber Composite (CFC) cables as reinforcing/prestressing elements in concrete bridge structures. Besides investigating durability of CFC cables and pretensioned concrete beams with CFC cables in adverse environments (alkali and seawater), flexure and shear tests were performed on single Double-Tee beams, together with service load behavior, fatigue strength and ultimate load capacity tests on a half scale model Double-Tee girder bridge system prestressed with CFC cables. Exposure to seawater and alkali environments has no adverse effect on the strength of the CFRP tendons as well as the pretensioned beams with CFRP. Based on the flexural strength tests on Double-Tee beams, the bond between CFRP tendons and concrete is satisfactory. The Double-Tee bridge system exhibited good fatigue resistance and adequate ductility under ultimate load conditions. The ultimate load capacity of the bridge is approximately three times the service load corresponding to two HS20-44 trucks and equals 2.4 times the first crack load. Finite element analyses were carried out to predict elastic deformations and collapse load of the Double-Tee bridge prestressed with CFC cables. Feasibility of using CFC cables in bridge structures is assessed based on the experimental and analytical parameters such as deflections, strains, crack distributions and crack widths.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12465
- Subject Headings
- Carbon fibers, Composite construction, Fiber reinforced plastics, Bridges, Iron and steel, Reinforced concrete construction, Prestressed concrete construction
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Convex identification and nonlinear random vibration analysis of elastic and viscoelastic structures.
- Creator
- Fang, Jianjie, Florida Atlantic University, Elishakoff, Isaac, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
This dissertation deals with the identification of boundary conditions of elastic structures, and nonlinear random vibration analysis of elastic and viscoelastic structures through a new energy-based equivalent linearization technique. In the part of convex identification, convex models are utilized to represent the degree of uncertainty in the boundary condition modification. This means that the identification is actually the identification of the convex model to which the actual boundary...
Show moreThis dissertation deals with the identification of boundary conditions of elastic structures, and nonlinear random vibration analysis of elastic and viscoelastic structures through a new energy-based equivalent linearization technique. In the part of convex identification, convex models are utilized to represent the degree of uncertainty in the boundary condition modification. This means that the identification is actually the identification of the convex model to which the actual boundary stiffness profile belongs. Two examples are presented to illustrate the application of the method. For the beam example the finite element analysis is performed to evaluate the frequencies of a beam with any specific boundary conditions. For the plate example, the Bolotin's dynamic edge effect method, generalized by Elishakoff, is employed to determine the approximate natural frequencies and normal modes of elastically supported isotropic, uniform rectangular plates. In the part of nonlinear random analysis, first a systematic finite element analysis procedure, based on the element's energy formulation, through conventional stochastic linearization technique, is proposed. The procedure is applicable to a wide range of nonlinear random vibration problem as long as element's energy formulations are presented. Secondly, the new energy-based stochastic linearization method in finite element analysis setting is developed to improve the conventional stochastic linearization technique. The entire formulation is produced in detail for the first time. The theory is applied to beam problem subjected to space-wise and time-wise white noise excitations. Finally, the new energy-based stochastic linearization technique is applied to treat nonlinear vibration problems of viscoelastic beams.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12467
- Subject Headings
- Elasticity, Viscoelasticity, Structural dynamics--Mathematical models, Vibration--Mathematical models
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Wave attenuation by rigid and flexible-membrane submerged breakwaters.
- Creator
- Harris, Lee Errol., Florida Atlantic University, Reddy, Dronnadula V., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
-
This research investigates the use of rigid and flexible-membrane submerged breakwaters for wave energy attenuation. A comprehensive review of breakwater design criteria and previous research on submerged breakwaters is included. Physical model laboratory studies conducted by the author and other researchers are investigated as a means for obtaining formulations for wave transmission coefficients. The mechanisms by which waves are attenuated and break are analyzed using video photography of...
Show moreThis research investigates the use of rigid and flexible-membrane submerged breakwaters for wave energy attenuation. A comprehensive review of breakwater design criteria and previous research on submerged breakwaters is included. Physical model laboratory studies conducted by the author and other researchers are investigated as a means for obtaining formulations for wave transmission coefficients. The mechanisms by which waves are attenuated and break are analyzed using video photography of the wave tank tests. The primary objective of this doctoral research was to determine and compare the wave attenuation of non-conventional rigid and flexible-membrane type submerged breakwaters. Physical model tests were performed using the wave tank facilities at Florida Institute of Technology located in Melbourne, Florida. Six different breakwater cross-sections used were: (1) rectangular, (2) triangular, (3) P.E.P.-$Reef\sp{TM}$, (4) single sand-filled container, (5) three stacked sand-filled containers, and (6) one single water-filled container. The first three breakwater units were rigid (or monolithic), and the last three units are flexible-membrane breakwater units. All six units tested had the same height, length (longshore), and base width (cross-shore), with different cross-sections and shapes, and were composed of different materials. A new classification scheme was developed for breakwaters and artificial reefs, based on water depth, structure height, and wave heights. The wave-structure interaction resulting in the wave breaking on the submerged breakwaters was documented, and the observations were analyzed. Wave transmission coefficients were computed for the six different breakwater models tested, and comparisons between the different models were made. Conclusions regarding the primary factors affecting the effectiveness of rigid and flexible-membrane submerged breakwaters were developed, as were recommendations for further research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12468
- Subject Headings
- Breakwaters, Water waves
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Lithium intercalation into PAN-based carbon fiber materials.
- Creator
- Nechev, Kamen S., Florida Atlantic University, Lipka, Stephen M., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
- Abstract/Description
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High energy density PAN-based carbon fiber anode materials for lithium-ion type batteries were developed. Commercially available organic precursors were thermally converted to carbons. The effects of precursor material, carbonization temperature, heating ramp rate, soak time and gaseous atmosphere during the thermal treatment on the electrochemical performance of the carbon fibers were studied. In order to evaluate the electrochemical performance of the carbon fibers, test cells were assemble...
Show moreHigh energy density PAN-based carbon fiber anode materials for lithium-ion type batteries were developed. Commercially available organic precursors were thermally converted to carbons. The effects of precursor material, carbonization temperature, heating ramp rate, soak time and gaseous atmosphere during the thermal treatment on the electrochemical performance of the carbon fibers were studied. In order to evaluate the electrochemical performance of the carbon fibers, test cells were assemble using the carbon materials prepared in the laboratory and intercalation/deintercalation experiments were performed. The results indicated that the highest reversible capacity and lowest irreversible capacity loss was obtained for carbon fibers carbonized at 1100C at fast ramp rate of 26C/min. X-ray diffraction experiments revealed a relation between the capacity and the irreversible capacity loss on first cycle, and the size of the crystallites Lc. A phenomenological explanation for this behavior was developed. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy the diffusion coefficient of Li in the tested carbon fibers was calculated. In addition, the influence of electrolyte composition (solvent and salt) on the reversible and irreversible capacities as well as on the intercalation/deintercalation potential profile was investigated. An electrolyte containing 1M LiPF6 in EC:DEC:DMC (40:30:30 v/o) proved to be most suitable for these carbon fiber materials improving significantly their electrochemical performance. Finally, coin cells were assembled containing the carbon fiber material prepared in the laboratory. They were tested for reversible and irreversible capacity. The coin cells proved that the synthesized carbon anode materials possess high energy density and could be used in commercial applications.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12471
- Subject Headings
- Lithium cells, Carbon fibers, Electric batteries
- Format
- Document (PDF)