Matching Items (3)
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- All Subjects: Materials Science
- All Subjects: Statistics
- All Subjects: Steering Gear Friction
Description
This paper explores the consequences of cleaning rescue ropes with common disinfectants and cleansers in order to assess their usability in cleaning ropes contaminated with blood borne pathogens. Using a modified version of an industry-standard testing procedure and in-depth statistical analysis, it characterizes the effect each chemical has on the mechanical properties of the rope. The experiment measured the strength and elastic properties of rope core fibers soaked in different chemicals and at different concentration levels. The data show that certain common solutions for cleaning equipment are, in fact, damaging to the equipment and thus dangerous to the users. Even products marketed for climbing ropes were found to be potentially hazardous. The results also demonstrate a curious phenomenon occurring within the washing process that causes a shift in the elastic properties of the fibers, prompting additional research. Further work is needed to expand the breadth and depth of these results and to make effective recommendations to the rope industry and rescue professionals regarding rope care and maintenance.
ContributorsDenike, Andrew Nicholas (Author) / Middleton, James (Thesis director) / Liao, Yabin (Committee member) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05
Description
The study of the mechanical behavior of nanocrystalline metals using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices lies at the intersection of nanotechnology, mechanical engineering and material science. The extremely small grains that make up nanocrystalline metals lead to higher strength but lower ductility as compared to bulk metals. Effects of strain-rate dependence on the mechanical behavior of nanocrystalline metals are explored. Knowing the strain rate dependence of mechanical properties would enable optimization of material selection for different applications and lead to lighter structural components and enhanced sustainability.
ContributorsHall, Andrea Paulette (Author) / Rajagopalan, Jagannathan (Thesis director) / Liao, Yabin (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
Nissan technicians consistently test steering friction because it is a critical component for understanding and improving chassis dynamic performance. Due to the inaccuracy of a previous machine used, a new apparatus has been constructed to improve the repeatability and efficiency of a steering friction test. The automation and accurate calibration of the test ensures more accurate data compared to the previous machine. This will lead to more accurate decisions regarding the friction applied between the rack and pinion of a vehicle steering system. The Rack Pull Friction Test is an extremely important test performed by the Nissan Chassis Dynamics Technicians. How the driver experiences the car and if it is suitable for their needs is how the company can sell their vehicles. The test relates to how the customer experiences the steering effort of the vehicles when making small steering wheel corrections. It is important that the customer experiences a minimal steering effort on center feel but still strong enough to maintain control of the vehicle. Since the steering ability is a critical component of car handling, the testing must be performed to the optimum ability. Therefore, the attempt to perfect this test is important to improve the quality and the assurance that the vehicle is at maximum ability.
ContributorsApostol, Andre Aaron (Author) / Liao, Yabin (Thesis director) / LaBorde, Brandon (Committee member) / Bickel, Aaron (Committee member) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-05