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Title: Concrete surface resistivity profiles along the splash zone on bridge piles exposed to sea water.
Creator: Suarez-Solano, Andres M., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Prevention of the corrosion of steel reinforcement embedded in concrete is a constant challenge in engineering. A study of concrete surface resistivity versus elevation of partially immersed reinforced concrete structures in a marine splash zone has been developed and correlations made between concrete quality and chloride diffusion, i.e., aggressive ion permeability. A conditioning procedure was developed in which the concrete moisture content is increased by direct contact with fresh water...
Show morePrevention of the corrosion of steel reinforcement embedded in concrete is a constant challenge in engineering. A study of concrete surface resistivity versus elevation of partially immersed reinforced concrete structures in a marine splash zone has been developed and correlations made between concrete quality and chloride diffusion, i.e., aggressive ion permeability. A conditioning procedure was developed in which the concrete moisture content is increased by direct contact with fresh water for several days. The electrical resistivity of concrete is known to be primarily a function of the degree of water saturation. Correlations between field obtained concrete surface resistivity values versus chloride diffusivity, and between normalized resistivity measured on cores obtained from the field versus chloride diffusivity has been established. The resistivity values were measured on structures with different concrete mixes and various ages.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/369390
Subject Headings: Reinforced concrete, Corrosion, Testing, Reinforcing bars, Properties, Concrete, Permeability, Concrete, Fluid dynamics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Complete thermal design and modeling for the pressure vessel of an ocean turbine -: a numerical simulation and optimization approach.
Creator: Kaiser, Khaled., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis is an approach of numerical optimization of thermal design of the ocean turbine developed by the Centre of Ocean Energy and Technology (COET). The technique used here is the integrated method of finite element analysis (FEA) of heat transfer, artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) for optimization purposes.
Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/369194
Subject Headings: Thermal analysis, Computer programs, Heat exchangers, Design and construction, Marine turbines, Testing, Mathematical models, Fluid dynamics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Fire performance of high strength concrete materials and structural concrete.
Creator: Liu, Lixian., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: In recent years, high strength concrete (HSC) is becoming an attractive alternative to traditional normal strength concrete (NSC), and is used in a wide range of applications. With the increased use of HSC, concern has developed regarding the behavior of such concrete in fire. Until now, the fire performance of HSC is not fully understood and more research is needed. Full-scale fire testing is time consuming and expensive, and the real fire scenario is different from the standard fire....
Show moreIn recent years, high strength concrete (HSC) is becoming an attractive alternative to traditional normal strength concrete (NSC), and is used in a wide range of applications. With the increased use of HSC, concern has developed regarding the behavior of such concrete in fire. Until now, the fire performance of HSC is not fully understood and more research is needed. Full-scale fire testing is time consuming and expensive, and the real fire scenario is different from the standard fire. Performance-based assessment methods, including numerical analysis and simplified method, are being accepted in an increasing number of countries. In this dissertation, the fire testing results both of HSC and NSC are presented, performance-based numerical models are developed to study the fire performance of reinforced concrete (RC) members, and simplified calculation methods are proposed to estimate the load capacity of fire-damaged RC columns/beams. A detailed and comprehensive literature review is presented that provides background information on the high temperature behavior of concrete materials and RC members, as well as information on fire performance assessment procedures and objectives. The fire testing results of seven batches of HSC and NSC are presented and discussed. The test results indicated that the post-fire re-curing results in substantial strength and durability recovery, and its extent depends upon the types of concrete, temperature level, and re-curing age. The fire tests also showed that violent explosive reduced the risk of HSC explosive spalling. The surface crack widths were also reduced during the re-curing process, and in most cases, they were found within the maximum limits specified by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) building code., Numerical models are developed herein to investigate the behavior in fire of RC columns and beams. The models have been validated against fire test data available in literature, and used to conduct parametric studies, which focused on the size effect on fire resistance of RC columns, and the effect of concrete cover thickness on fire endurance of RC beams. Simplified calculation methods have been developed to predict the load capacity of fire damaged RC columns/beams. This method is validated by five case studies, including thirty-five RC columns tested by other investigators. The predicted results are compared with the experimental results, and the good agreement indicates the adequacy of the simplified method for practical engineering applications.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/369189
Subject Headings: Reinforced concrete, Thermodynamics, Concrete, Effect of temperature on, Heat engineering, High strength concrete, Mechanical properties, Concrete, Permeability, Testing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Coating selection process for Gulf Stream hydroturbines.
Creator: Bak, Andrew Spicer., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The study addresses the coating selection for a proposed placement of a hydroturbine into the Gulf Stream. The turbine will generate energy in a similar manner to a wind turbine. The effects of biofouling and corrosion in the current project are assessed. A review of different types of traditional paint coatings is given, as well as the option for a copper-nickel alloy. Testing that should be undertaken for the coating selection is described in detail. Coating considerations are offered and...
Show moreThe study addresses the coating selection for a proposed placement of a hydroturbine into the Gulf Stream. The turbine will generate energy in a similar manner to a wind turbine. The effects of biofouling and corrosion in the current project are assessed. A review of different types of traditional paint coatings is given, as well as the option for a copper-nickel alloy. Testing that should be undertaken for the coating selection is described in detail. Coating considerations are offered and discussed. Design considerations and modifications are also offered.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/368607
Subject Headings: Hydraulic turbines, Materials, Testing, Coatings, Thermal properties, Protective coatings
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Design and analysis of an ocean current turbine performance assessment system.
Creator: Young, Matthew T., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis proposes a sensor approach for quantifying the hydrodynamic performance of Ocean Current Turbines (OCT), and investigates the influence of sensor-specific noise and sampling rates on calculated turbine performance. Numerical models of the selected sensors are developed, and then utilized to add stochastic measurement error to numerically-generated, non-stochastic OCT data. Numerically-generated current velocity and turbine performance measurements are used to quantify the relative...
Show moreThis thesis proposes a sensor approach for quantifying the hydrodynamic performance of Ocean Current Turbines (OCT), and investigates the influence of sensor-specific noise and sampling rates on calculated turbine performance. Numerical models of the selected sensors are developed, and then utilized to add stochastic measurement error to numerically-generated, non-stochastic OCT data. Numerically-generated current velocity and turbine performance measurements are used to quantify the relative influence of sensor-specific error and sampling limitations on sensor measurements and calculated OCT performance results. The study shows that the addition of sensor error alters the variance and mean of OCT performance metric data by roughly 7.1% and 0.24%, respectively, for four evaluated operating conditions. It is shown that sensor error results in a mean, maximum and minimum performance metric to Signal to Noise Ration (SNR) of 48.6% and 6.2%, respectively.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359164
Subject Headings: Marine turbines, Mathematical models, Fluid dynamics, Structural dynamics, Stochastic processes, Rotors, Design and construction, Testing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Accelerated curing of concrete with high volume pozzolans - resistivity, diffusivity and compressive strength.
Creator: Liu, Yanbo., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This investigation presents results of the temperature effect on durability properties (resistivity and diffusivity) and compressive strength of concrete with pozzolans, and the effect of pozzolanic admixtures on microstructure and chemical compositions of concrete pore solution. ... Temperature dependence of electrical resistivity and chloride diffusivity was studied by dynamic temperature tests. Accelerated curing regimes involving curing concrete specimens in 35À C lime water with...
Show moreThis investigation presents results of the temperature effect on durability properties (resistivity and diffusivity) and compressive strength of concrete with pozzolans, and the effect of pozzolanic admixtures on microstructure and chemical compositions of concrete pore solution. ... Temperature dependence of electrical resistivity and chloride diffusivity was studied by dynamic temperature tests. Accelerated curing regimes involving curing concrete specimens in 35À C lime water with different durations were tested. Compressive strength test, resisivity measurement and rapid chloride migration (RCM) tests were performed. A leaching method was used to measure pH and conductivity of concrete pore solution. ... The accelerated curing regimes were found to increase the compressive strength and resistance to chloride ion penetration at short-term and long-term. With the developed correlation between resistivity and migration coefficients, it is possible to employ the resistivity measurement as an alternative or replacement of the RCM test to evaluate resistance of chloride ion penetration of concrete. Pozzolanic admixtures were found to decrease both pH and conductivity of concrete pore solution as the replacement ratio increased. Moreover, the migration coefficients were found to be greatly correlated to the microstructure properties of concrete, such as porosity, formation factor and tortuosity.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358603
Subject Headings: Pavements, Concrete, Additives, Quality control, Waste products as road materials, Reinforced concrete, Corrosion, Testing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Concrete diffusivity and its correlation with chloride deposition rate on concrete exposed to marine environments.
Creator: Echevarria, Victor Anthony., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the diffusion of chloride ions into concrete samples that were exposed in scenarios that simulate the splash, tidal, atmospheric, and immersed portions of a marine structure. To study the atmospheric deposition, the project also investigated the relationship between chloride ion deposition on the wet candle and its accumulation into concrete samples. Results from the wet candle experiment indicated that between 2% and 45% of the chlorides deposited per...
Show moreThe aim of this study was to investigate the diffusion of chloride ions into concrete samples that were exposed in scenarios that simulate the splash, tidal, atmospheric, and immersed portions of a marine structure. To study the atmospheric deposition, the project also investigated the relationship between chloride ion deposition on the wet candle and its accumulation into concrete samples. Results from the wet candle experiment indicated that between 2% and 45% of the chlorides deposited per square meter of exposed area could be found within the concrete samples. After 6 months, slag G1a blocks showed the most resistance to chloride penetration in the tidal and splash simulations. After 10 months of exposure, fly ash samples had the slowest rates of diffusion in the tidal simulation while the fly ash + silica fume samples and the slag samples measured similar rates of diffusion within the tidal zone. After 90 days of curing, cylinders composed of 20% fly ash & 8% silica fume measured the highest average resistivity values and were found to be less vulnerable to chloride ion penetration than the 20% fly ash and the 50% slag concrete through rapid migration tests.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358557
Subject Headings: Reinforced concrete, Construction, Corrosion, Composite reinforced concrete, Corrosion, Testing, Concrete, Fluid dynamics, Concrete, Chemical resistance, Chlorides, Diffusion rate
Format: Document (PDF)

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)

Title: Some corrosion problems associated with underwater turbines.
Creator: Miglis, Yohann., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis deals with corrosion problems of underwater turbines in marine environment. The effect of a tensile stress on the uniform corrosion rate of a metal bar is studied, and an analytical model predicting the time of service of a bar under a tensile load in a corrosive environment is proposed. Stress corrosion relationships are provided for different type of alloys, and different types of relationships. Dolinskii's and Gutman's models are studied and extended to a general order...
Show moreThis thesis deals with corrosion problems of underwater turbines in marine environment. The effect of a tensile stress on the uniform corrosion rate of a metal bar is studied, and an analytical model predicting the time of service of a bar under a tensile load in a corrosive environment is proposed. Stress corrosion relationships are provided for different type of alloys, and different types of relationships. Dolinskii's and Gutman's models are studied and extended to a general order polynomial, along with a Least Square and Spline Interpolation of the experimental data. In a second part, the effect of the passive film, delaying the initiation of the corrosion process, is studied. Finally, an algorithm predicting the time of service of a cracked bar is provided, using the stress corrosion assumption, along with a validation using experimental data.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3342238
Subject Headings: Turbines, Stress corrosion, Testing, Computational fluid dynamics, Stress corrosion, Fracture mechanics, Measurement, Alloys, Stress corrosion, Testing, Alloys, Corrosion fatigue, Testing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Pitting potential of high performance duplex stainless steels reinforcements.
Creator: Sanchez, Erika Maria., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: A cyclic polarization procedure was designed to evaluate the pitting potentials of high performance stainless steels in synthetic concrete pore water at different chloride concentrations. Cyclic polarization scans were performed on high performance stainless steel reinforcements, S32201, S32305 and S32205. Pitting initiation was observed below the oxygen evolution potential for high chloride concentrations. S32201 and S32304 showed the presence of metastable pitting before reaching its...
Show moreA cyclic polarization procedure was designed to evaluate the pitting potentials of high performance stainless steels in synthetic concrete pore water at different chloride concentrations. Cyclic polarization scans were performed on high performance stainless steel reinforcements, S32201, S32305 and S32205. Pitting initiation was observed below the oxygen evolution potential for high chloride concentrations. S32201 and S32304 showed the presence of metastable pitting before reaching its pitting potential. Pitting resistance performance, based on cyclic polarization, was consistent with each material's respective Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) value. For S32201 and S32304, pitting potential decreased as the chloride concentration increased, whereas S32205 did not pit at the chloride concentrations tested.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3334100
Subject Headings: Reinforced concrete construction, Steel, Structural, Testing, Corrosion and anti-corrosives
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Estimates of water turbine noise levels.
Creator: Guerra, Julian., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This work seeks to understand water turbine noise generation and to make preliminary estimations of the noise levels. Any structure attached to a turbine upstream its blades will generate unsteady fluctuating loads on the blade's surface, which are proportional to the radiated acoustic pressure. The noise levels of a simplified turbine based on existing designs surpass the ambient noise levels of the ocean at low frequencies ( 30 Hz).
Show moreThis work seeks to understand water turbine noise generation and to make preliminary estimations of the noise levels. Any structure attached to a turbine upstream its blades will generate unsteady fluctuating loads on the blade's surface, which are proportional to the radiated acoustic pressure. The noise levels of a simplified turbine based on existing designs surpass the ambient noise levels of the ocean at low frequencies (< 20 Hz) by approximately 50 dB ref 1 μPa and stay under the ambient noise levels at higher frequencies for a blade-passing frequency of 0.83 Hz and point of observation (100 m, 45 degrees, 45 degrees) from the hub. Streamlining the cross-section of the upstream structure as well as reducing its width decrease the noise levels by approximately 40 dB ref 1 μPa, at low frequencies and moderately increase them at higher frequencies. Increasing the structure-rotor distance decreases the noise levels with increasing frequencies (> 30 Hz).
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3170958
Subject Headings: Turbines, Vibration, Testing, Underwater acoustics, Fluid dynamics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Model analysis of a mooring system for an ocean current turbine testing platform.
Creator: Cribbs, Allison Rose., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: In response to Florida's growing energy needs and drive to develop renewable power, Florida Atlantic Universitys Center for Ocean Energy Technology (COET) plans to moor a 20 kW test turbine in the Florida Current. No permanent mooring systems for deepwater hydrokinetic turbines have been constructed and deployed, therefore little if anything is known about the performance of these moorings. To investigate this proposed mooring system, a numeric model is developed and then used to predict the...
Show moreIn response to Florida's growing energy needs and drive to develop renewable power, Florida Atlantic Universitys Center for Ocean Energy Technology (COET) plans to moor a 20 kW test turbine in the Florida Current. No permanent mooring systems for deepwater hydrokinetic turbines have been constructed and deployed, therefore little if anything is known about the performance of these moorings. To investigate this proposed mooring system, a numeric model is developed and then used to predict the static and dynamic behavior of the mooring system and attachments. The model has been created in OrcaFlex and includes two surface buoys and an operating turbine. Anchor chain at the end of the mooring line develops a catenary, providing compliance. Wind, wave, and current models are used to represent the environmental conditions the system is expected to experience and model the dynamic effects on the system. The model is then used to analyze various components of the system. The results identify that a mooring attachment point 1.25 m forward of the center of gravity on the mooring buoy is ideal, and that the OCDP and turbine tether lengths should be no shorter than 25 and 44 m, respectively. Analysis performed for the full system identify that the addition of the floats decreases the tension at the MTB attachment location by 26.5 to 29.5% for minimum current, and 0.10 to 0.31% for maximum current conditions.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2974432
Subject Headings: Marine turbines, Mathematical models, Structural dynamics, Rotors, Design and construction, Offshore structures, Testing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Numerical performance prediction for FAU's first generation ocean current turbine.
Creator: Vanrietvelde, Nicolas., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis presents the analytically predicted position, motion, attitude, power output and forces on Florida Atlantic University's (FAU) first generation ocean current turbine for a wide range of operating conditions. These values are calculated using a 7- DOF dynamics simulation of the turbine and the cable that attaches it to the mooring system. The numerical simulation modifications and upgrades completed in this work include developing a wave model including the effects of waves into...
Show moreThis thesis presents the analytically predicted position, motion, attitude, power output and forces on Florida Atlantic University's (FAU) first generation ocean current turbine for a wide range of operating conditions. These values are calculated using a 7- DOF dynamics simulation of the turbine and the cable that attaches it to the mooring system. The numerical simulation modifications and upgrades completed in this work include developing a wave model including the effects of waves into the simulation, upgrading the rotor model to specify the number of blades and upgrading the cable model to specify the number of cable elements. This enhanced simulation is used to quantify the turbine's performance in a wide range of currents, wave fields and when stopping and starting the rotor. For a uniform steady current this simulation predicts that when the rotor is fixed in 1.5 m/s current the drag on the turbine is 3.0 kN, the torque on the rotor is 384 N-m, the turbine roll and pitch are 2.4º and -1.2º . When the rotor is allowed to spin up to the rotational velocity where the turbine produces maximum power, the turbine drag increases to 7.3 kN, the torque increases to 1482 N-m, the shaft power is 5.8 kW, the turbine roll increases to 9º and the turbine pitch stays constant. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis is done to evaluate changes in turbine performance caused by changes in turbine design and operation. This analysis show, among other things, that a non-axial flow on the turbine of up to 10º has a minimal effect on net power output and that the vertical stable position of the turbine varies linearly with the weight/buoyancy of the turbine with a maximum variation of 1.77 m for each increase or decrease of 1 kg at a current speed of 0.5 m/s.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2182033
Subject Headings: Marine turbines, Mathematical models, Structural dynamics, Rotors, Design and construction, Testing, Fluid dynamics
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: Enhancement of spike and stab resistance of flexible armor using nanoparticles and a cross-linking fixative.
Creator: Lambert, Vincent., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: A novel approach has been introduced in making flexible armor composites. Armor composites are usually made by reinforcing Kevlar fabric into the mixture of a polymer and nanoscale particles. The current procedure deviates from the traditional shear thickening fluid (STF) route and instead uses silane (amino-propyl-trimethoxy silane) as the base polymer. In addition, a cross-linking fixative such as Glutaraldehyde (Gluta) is added to the polymer to create bridges between distant pairs of...
Show moreA novel approach has been introduced in making flexible armor composites. Armor composites are usually made by reinforcing Kevlar fabric into the mixture of a polymer and nanoscale particles. The current procedure deviates from the traditional shear thickening fluid (STF) route and instead uses silane (amino-propyl-trimethoxy silane) as the base polymer. In addition, a cross-linking fixative such as Glutaraldehyde (Gluta) is added to the polymer to create bridges between distant pairs of amine groups present in Kevlar and silated nanoparticles. Water, silane, nanoparticles and Gluta are mixed using a homogenizer and an ultra-sonochemical technique. Subsequently, the admixture is impregnated with Kevlar - bypassing the heating and evaporating processes involved with STF. The resulting composites have shown remarkable improvement in spike resistance; at least one order higher than that of STF/Kevlar composites. The source of improvement has been traced to the formation of secondary amine C-N stretch due to the presence of Gluta.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186769
Subject Headings: Armor, Design and construction, Composite materials, Testing, Nanoparticles, Testing, Viscoelasticity
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Transport and dispersion of fire extinguishing agents downstream from clutter elements of aircraft engine nacelles.
Creator: Zbeeb, Khaled., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The combination of highly turbulent airflow, flammable fluids, and numerous ignition sources makes aircraft engine nacelles a difficult fire zone to protect. Better understanding of nacelle air flow and how it influences the spread of fires and fire extinguishing agents is needed to improve the efficiency of fire suppression. The first objective was to establish a CFD model for a flow field test section to analyze the transport and dispersion of fire extinguishing agents in the presence of...
Show moreThe combination of highly turbulent airflow, flammable fluids, and numerous ignition sources makes aircraft engine nacelles a difficult fire zone to protect. Better understanding of nacelle air flow and how it influences the spread of fires and fire extinguishing agents is needed to improve the efficiency of fire suppression. The first objective was to establish a CFD model for a flow field test section to analyze the transport and dispersion of fire extinguishing agents in the presence of various clutter elements. To validate the use of the CFD model, the simulation results of the CFD model were compared to the experimental data and they show an agreement with the experimental data. The second objective was to present parametric studies to show the effects of the coflow speed, turbulence intensity and agent droplet size on the transport and dispersion of the agent particles downstream from the clutter elements.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186687
Subject Headings: Airplanes, Nacelles, Safety measures, Airplanes, Fires and fire prevention, Fire extinguishing agents, Testing, Airplanes, Fluid dynamics, Mathematical models
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of nitric acid and silane surface treatments on carbon fibers and carbon/vinyl ester composites before and after seawater exposure.
Creator: Langston, Tye A., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This research focuses on carbon fiber treatment by nitric acid and 3- (trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate silane, and how this affects carbon/vinyl ester composites. These composites offer great benefits, but it is difficult to bond the fiber and matrix together, and without a strong interfacial bond, composites fall short of their potential. Silanes work well with glass fiber, but do not bond directly to carbon fiber because its surface is not reactive to liquid silanes. Oxidizing surface...
Show moreThis research focuses on carbon fiber treatment by nitric acid and 3- (trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate silane, and how this affects carbon/vinyl ester composites. These composites offer great benefits, but it is difficult to bond the fiber and matrix together, and without a strong interfacial bond, composites fall short of their potential. Silanes work well with glass fiber, but do not bond directly to carbon fiber because its surface is not reactive to liquid silanes. Oxidizing surface treatments are often prescribed for improved wetting and bonding to carbon, but good results are not always achieved. Furthermore, there is the unanswered question of environmental durability. This research aimed to form a better understanding of oxidizing carbon fiber treatments, determine if silanes can be bonded to oxidized surfaces, and how these treatments affect composite strength and durability before and after seawater exposure. Nitric acid treatments on carbon fibers were found to improve their tensile strength to a constant level by smoothing surface defects and chemically modifying their surfaces by increasing carbonyl and carboxylic acid concentrations. Increasing these surface group concentrations raises fiber polar energy and causes them to cohere. This impedes wetting, resulting in poor quality, high void content composites, even though there appeared to be improved adhesion between the fibers and matrix. Silane was found to bond to the oxidized carbon fiber surfaces, as evidenced by changes in both fiber and composite properties. The fibers exhibited low polarity and cohesion, while the composites displayed excellent resin wetting, low void content, and low seawater weight gain and swelling. On the contrary, the oxidized fibers that were not treated with silane exhibited high polarity and fiber cohesion., Their composites displayed poor wetting, high void content, high seawater weight gain, and low swelling. Both fiber treatment types resulted in great improvements in dry transverse tensile strength over the untreated fibers, but the oxidized fiber composites lost strength as the acid treatment time was extended, due to poor wetting. The acid/silane treated composites lost some transverse tensile strength after seawater exposure, but the nitric acid oxidized fiber composites appeared to be more seawater durable.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/172669
Subject Headings: Silane compounds, Testing, Surface chemistry, Composite materials, Biodegradation, Carbon compounds, Testing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Design & performance of a wind and solar-powered autonomous surface vehicle.
Creator: Rynne, Patrick Forde., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The primary objective of this research is the development a wind and solar-powered autonomous surface vehicle (WASP) for oceanographic measurements. This thesis presents the general design scheme, detailed aerodynamic and hydrodynamic aspects, sailing performance theory, and dynamic performance validation measurements obtained from a series of experiments. The WASP consists of a 4.2 meter long sailboat hull, a low-Reynolds number composite wing, a 2000 Watt-hour battery reservoir, a system of...
Show moreThe primary objective of this research is the development a wind and solar-powered autonomous surface vehicle (WASP) for oceanographic measurements. This thesis presents the general design scheme, detailed aerodynamic and hydrodynamic aspects, sailing performance theory, and dynamic performance validation measurements obtained from a series of experiments. The WASP consists of a 4.2 meter long sailboat hull, a low-Reynolds number composite wing, a 2000 Watt-hour battery reservoir, a system of control actuators, a control system running on an embedded microprocessor, a suite of oceanographic sensors, and power regeneration from solar energy. The vehicle has a maximum speed of five knots and weighs approximately 350 kilograms. Results from four oceanographic missions that were conducted in the Port Everglades Intracoastal Waterway in Dania Beach [sic] Florida are presented. Water temperature, salinity and oxidation-reduction measurements recorded during these missions are also discussed. The combination of a mono-hull and solid wing in an autonomous system is a viable design for a long-range ocean observation platform. The results of four near-shore ocean observation missions illustrate the initial capabilities of the design. Future work aimed to further reduce both the mass of the wing design and the power requirements of the system will increase performance in all operating conditions and should be considered. Furthermore, the progression of the legal framework related to ocean vehicles must be pursued with respect to unmanned autonomous systems.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/166455
Subject Headings: Hydrographic surveying, Instruments, Evaluation, Aids to navigation, Equipment and supplies, Testing, Sailboats, Design and construction, Robots, Control systems, Oceanographic instruments, Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Experiments and modeling on resistivity of multi-layer concrete with and without embedded rebar.
Creator: Liu, Yanbo., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Factors such as water to cement ratio, moisture, mixture, presence and depth of rebar, and dimension of specimens, all of which affect apparent resistivity of concrete, were analyzed by experimental and modeling methods. Cylinder and rectangular prism concrete specimens were used in the experiments exposed in a high moisture room, laboratory room temperature, high humidity and outdoor weather environments. Single rebar and four rebar specimens were used to study the rebar effect on the...
Show moreFactors such as water to cement ratio, moisture, mixture, presence and depth of rebar, and dimension of specimens, all of which affect apparent resistivity of concrete, were analyzed by experimental and modeling methods. Cylinder and rectangular prism concrete specimens were used in the experiments exposed in a high moisture room, laboratory room temperature, high humidity and outdoor weather environments. Single rebar and four rebar specimens were used to study the rebar effect on the apparent resistivity. Modeling analysis was employed to verify and explain the experimental results. Based on the results, concrete with fly ash showed higher resistivity than concrete with just ordinary Portland cement. Rebar presence had a significant effect on the measured apparent resistivity at some of the locations. The results could be used as a guide for field apparent resistivity measurements and provide a quick, more precise and easy way to estimate the concrete quality.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/166452
Subject Headings: Reinforced concrete, Corrosion, Testing, Reinforcing bars, Properties, Concrete, Quality control
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of bio-diesel fuel blends on the performance and emissions of diesel engine.
Creator: Bastiani, Sergio., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This study presents an experimental investigation into the effects of running biodiesel fuel blends on conventional diesel engines. Bio fuels provide a way to produce fuels without redesigning any of the engine technology present today, yet allowing for green house emissions to decrease. Bio-diesel is one of these types of emerging bio-fuels, which has an immediate alternative fuel aspect to it, while providing a decrease in green house emissions, as well as a solution to recycling used Waste...
Show moreThis study presents an experimental investigation into the effects of running biodiesel fuel blends on conventional diesel engines. Bio fuels provide a way to produce fuels without redesigning any of the engine technology present today, yet allowing for green house emissions to decrease. Bio-diesel is one of these types of emerging bio-fuels, which has an immediate alternative fuel aspect to it, while providing a decrease in green house emissions, as well as a solution to recycling used Waste Vegetable Oils which are other wise disposed. This study shows how by blending bio-diesel with petroleum diesel at intervals of B5, B10, B15, and B20 decrease green house emissions can significantly while maintaining similar performance output and efficiency with respect to 100% petroleum diesel.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/166446
Subject Headings: Biodiesel fuels, Research, Biodiesel fuels, Environmental aspects, Diesel motor, Alternative fuels, Testing, Greenhouse effect, Atmospheric
Format: Document (PDF)

Fluid dynamics (7)	+ -
Design and construction (6)	+ -
Mathematical models (5)	+ -
Reinforced concrete (5)	+ -
Composite materials (4)	+ -

Concrete (4)	+ -
Corrosion (4)	+ -
Marine turbines (4)	+ -
Rotors (3)	+ -
Structural dynamics (3)	+ -
Carbon compounds (2)	+ -
Fracture mechanics (2)	+ -
Mechanical properties (2)	+ -
Permeability (2)	+ -
Properties (2)	+ -
Quality control (2)	+ -
Reinforcing bars (2)	+ -
Surface chemistry (2)	+ -
Turbines (2)	+ -
Additives (1)	+ -
Aids to navigation (1)	+ -
Airplanes (1)	+ -
Alloys (1)	+ -
Alternative fuels (1)	+ -
Armor (1)	+ -
Biodegradation (1)	+ -
Biodiesel fuels (1)	+ -
Chemical resistance (1)	+ -
Chlorides (1)	+ -

College of Engineering and Computer Science (20)	+ -
Liu, Yanbo. (2)	+ -
Bak, Andrew Spicer. (1)	+ -
Bastiani, Sergio. (1)	+ -
Browning, Grant. (1)	+ -

Cribbs, Allison Rose. (1)	+ -
Echevarria, Victor Anthony. (1)	+ -
Guerra, Julian. (1)	+ -
Kaiser, Khaled. (1)	+ -
Lambert, Vincent. (1)	+ -
Langston, Tye A. (1)	+ -
Liu, Lixian. (1)	+ -
Miglis, Yohann. (1)	+ -
Powell, Felicia M. (1)	+ -
Rynne, Patrick Forde. (1)	+ -
Sanchez, Erika Maria. (1)	+ -
Suarez-Solano, Andres M. (1)	+ -
Vanrietvelde, Nicolas. (1)	+ -
Young, Matthew T. (1)	+ -
Zbeeb, Khaled. (1)	+ -

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