Computing agents require state information to make coherent and useful decisions. A state representation is a numerical translation of the environment and conditions that are pertinent factors in an agent's decision making. Although many representations, when paired with clever learning algorithms, are able to coordinate and capture prey in specific...
Novel fluidic devices that utilize an array of microchannels to achieve their designed purpose are discussed. Examples of devices include: fuel reforming using Microreactors, chip cooling using microchannel heat sinks, and microchannel devices used for biological applications. The devices that have directly contributed to this research include: a microchannel water...
The performance of a combined Stirling-ORC power cycle is evaluated, and an integrated microchannel heat exchanger is designed as an annular cold-side heat rejector for a free piston Stirling engine. Reasonable designs for a combined cycle can increased power output efficiency by 3 - 9% compared to that of a...
Fractal-like branching microchannel flow networks have been found to improve wall temperature uniformity and decrease both pressure drop and flow power compared to arrays of straight microchannels. The present study seeks to maximize the benefits of fractal-like branching channels by means of a gradient-based optimization algorithm. The algorithm identifies the...
Rising energy demands and the continual push to find more energy efficient technologies have been the impetus for the investigation of waste heat recovery techniques. Diesel engine exhaust heat utilization has the potential to significantly reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and reduce the release of greenhouse gases, because diesel...
The performance of a combined vapor-compression cycle/ORC is evaluated using waste-heat from a diesel generator. A flat plate microchannel heat exchanger is employed to provide energy exchange between the diesel exhaust stream and an oil loop, which provides energy to a boiler. This study finds an increased diesel duty corresponds...
Presented is an investigation into the modeling, active control design, and simulation of a generic horizontal pendulum wave energy converter, known as a PWEC. A description is provided of the dominant attributes PWECs have, showcasing their promising potential as wave energy converters. Seeking to further promote this potential, an active...
Development of micro air vehicles has led to a strong interest in the biomechanics of flapping fliers such as bats, birds, and insects, due to their ability to perform extreme unsteady maneuvers and fly in confined spaces. Determining the methods and mechanisms used by these fliers is a valuable source...
Physical testing of composite sandwich panels in three point bending is an increasingly important aspect of qualifying a composite monocoque for Formula SAE competition. Required stiffness and strength values have increased over the past three years, and more of the monocoque's laminates must be tested as well. As a result,...
Excessive environmental vibrations can have deleterious effects in a variety of animals. Despite the potentially detrimental effects vibrations may have on animal health and experimental results, they remain poorly understood in the animal laboratory setting. This study investigates the consequences of excessive train vibrations on the breeding success of laboratory...