In this thesis, we expand the scope of a previously introduced Artificial Neural Network (ANN) method to solve the slab-geometry discrete ordinates (S$_N$) neutron transport equations. Specifically, we extend the method to energy-dependent (multi-group) fixed source problems involving heterogeneous media and more general boundary conditions - vacuum and incident flux...
This paper describes the design and implementation of
COLAN V, a High Performance Local Area Network for
Communications and Control utilizing a Communications Coprocessor.
The main objective of this thesis is to improve upon
the performance of previous COLANs in speed, switching
techniques and error detection techniques. This was
possible...
Deburring of machined parts is a crucial task in the aerospace and automotive industry. This process is still performed manually to a large extent due to the unpredictability of burr formation as well as the complex interactions between the human arm and the workpiece. Poor ergonomics, repetitive stress and strain...
As technologies like 3D printing increase in prevalence and capabilities, having a robot hand specifically designed for a given manipulation task also becomes more feasible. Leading to the question of how to design a robot hand for a specific manipulation task. To answer this question, I propose we need three...
In this dissertation, time-based signal processing techniques and their applications in oversampling and noise-shaping data converters are examined. These techniques demonstrate the ability to shift the burden of high performance analog circuits from the compressed voltage-domain to the augmented time-domain. First, the potential of high order noise-shaping and phase-domain feedback...
The development of methods to increase sintered density and improve dimensional tolerances is
a crucial issue in powder metallurgy and ceramic processing. Increasing the packing density of
starting powders is one effective route to achieve high sintered density and dimensional
precision. The current paper presents an in-depth study on the...
We present a novel analysis technique to understand the dynamics of a recently described locomotion mode called legless locomotion. Legless locomotion is a locomotion mode available to a legged robot when it becomes high-centered, that is, when its legs do not touch the ground. Under these conditions, the robot may...
Advances in process technologies have led to the development of low-power high speed digital signal processing blocks that occupy small areas. These advances are critical in the development of portable electronic devices with small feature size and long battery life. However, the design of analog and mixed-signal
building blocks, especially...
As robots are becoming more relevant to our lives, they are still having hard time accomplishing simple tasks such as picking and lifting. Problems that include environmental constraints, pose uncertainties and hardware noises restrain robots for grasping an object successfully from a perceivable environment. Many have looked into finding best...