A residual flexibility approach for the analysis of systems comprised of multiple components subjected to dynamic loading is presented. In it, the reactive forces at the junctions of the components are computed directly ...

General problems of interest in computational fluid dynamics are investigated by means of optimization. Specifically, in the first part of the dissertation, a method of optimal incremental function approximation is developed ...

Beside our arms, it is our hands that help us to perform tasks. At first glance, we seems to move our arms and use our hands naturally. On closer inspection, however, we find that both our arms and hands are redundant ...

The current study examined the transition region of axisymmetric isothermal and buoyant jets of low Reynolds number, directed vertically upwards into a stagnant, unstratified ambient. These flows were examined experimentally ...

A geometric nonlinear filter (GNF) is designed for application to the problem of tracking a maneuvering aircraft. The aircraft tracking problem is a state estimation problem and a state prediction problem. A nonlinear ...

Bioprocesses often require considerable expertise to insure proper operation and performance. However, they are also rich in both data and factual knowledge. Supervision and control can be improved by utilizing information ...

Nanoindentation is a widely recognized method for characterizing the mechanical properties of thin films and small volumes. This dissertation reports the results of finite element analyses of elastic and elastic-plastic ...

This thesis deals with the optimization of the ascent trajectories for single-stage suborbital (SSSO), single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO), and two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) rocket-powered spacecraft. The maximum payload weight problem ...

A two-dimensional theoretical model for the flow and combustion of pulverized coal by diffusion flames is presented. The model predicts gas flows, species concentrations and temperatures. The conservation equations are ...