The Lyapunov direct method is utilized to determine the
robustness bounds for nonlinear, time-variant uncertainies
p[subscript i]. Determination of the robustness bounds consists of two
principal steps: (i) generation of a Lyapunov function and
(ii) determination of the bounds based on the generated
Lyapunov function. Presently in robustness investigations,
a...
The rapid advance of concrete engineering in the
West has made necessary reliable information as to the
strength qualities of the most important marketable, sands
In the eastern states, theory and practice have advanced
hand in hand, by the investigation of the constituent
materials of concrete. In the West, no...
There are many situations in which contact between two
bodies is at a single point so there can be no tensile
(force). This form of contact only provides a single degree
of restraint, and is defined as a unidirectional point
contact. The analysis of Reuleaux shows that four suitably
placed...
This paper deals with the thermal decompositon of
wood slabs under fire conditions. The partial differential
equation is solved numerically by the use of an implicit
finite difference method. Wood is treated as two
components, Lignin and Hemicellulose on one side, and
Cellulose on the other side. The chemical reactions...
Realizing the vast amount of energy available in ocean waves, an industry has emerged that is progressing towards the deployment of grid–connected wave energy converters. Likely to be deployed in arrays, a challenge to the wave energy industry is maximizing the energy production of such arrays. We have been developing...
This thesis presents a model of legged locomotion in
which position and velocity of body are directly controlled
by positions and velocities of feet. One central
relationship between foot acceleration, leg stroke and body
velocity is developed. Procedures for determining all
parameters of a step sequence including periods of constant...
The expansion of a gas within a piston-cylinder arrangement is studied in order to obtain a better understanding of the heat transfer which occurs during this process. While the situation of heat transfer during the expansion of a gas has received considerable attention, the process is still not very well...