Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-65).

Since August 2010, Facebook has entered the self-reported positioning world by providing the check-in service to its users. This service allows users to share their physical location using the GPS receiver in their mobile devices such as a smart-phone, tablet, or smart-watch. Over the years, big datasets of recorded check-ins have been collected with increasing popularity of social networks. Analyzing the check-in datasets reveals valuable information and patterns in users’ check-in behavior as well as places check-in history. The analysis results can be used in several areas including business planning and financial decisions, for instance providing location-based deals. In this thesis, we leverage novel data mining methodology to learn from big check-in data and predict the next check-in place based on only places’ history and with no reference to individual users. To this end, we study a large Facebook check-in dataset. This dataset has a high level of noise in location coordinates due to multiple collection sources, which are users’ mobile devices. The research question is how we can leverage a noise impact reduction technique to enhance performance of prediction model. We design our own noise handling mechanism to deal with feature noise. The predictive model is generated by Random Forest classification algorithm in a shared-memory parallel environment. We represent how the performance of predictors is enhanced by minimizing noise impacts. The solution is a preprocessing feature noise cleansing approach implemented in R and works fast for big check-in datasets.

Noise prediction methods are necessary in aspects of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic engineering. Predictive models of noise from rotating machinery ingesting turbulence is of much interest and relatively recently studied. This thesis presents a numerical method processed in a series of three codes that was written and edited to receive input for geometrical features of rotating machinery, as well as, adjustments to turbulent operating conditions. One objective of this thesis was to create a platform of analysis for any rotor design to obtain five parameters necessary for noise prediction; 1) the hydrodynamic inflow angle to each blade section, 2) chord length as a function of radius, 3) the cylindrical radius of each blade section, 4) & 5) the leading edge as a function of span in both the rotor-plane and as a function of axial distance downstream. Another objective of this thesis was to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD), specifically by using a Reynold’s-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) Shear Stress Transport (SST) 𝑘 − 𝜔 model simulation in ANSYS Fluent, to obtain the turbulent kinetic energy distribution, also necessary in the noise prediction method presented. The purpose of collecting the rotor geometry data and turbulent kinetic energy data was to input the values into the first of the series of codes and run the calculation so that the output spectra could be compared to experimental noise measurements conducted at the Stability Wind Tunnel at Virginia Tech. The comparison shows that the prediction method results in data that can be reliable if careful attention is payed to the input parameters and the length scale used for analysis. The significance of this research is the noise prediction method presented and used simplifies the model of turbulence by using a correlation function that can be determined by a one-dimensional function while also simplifying the iterations completed on rotor blade to calculate the unsteady forces. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2020. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Yes / Cattle grids are used on roads and tracks to prevent grazing animals from leaving an open space without fencing onto a more controlled area where access to the road from surrounded land is more limited. They are widely used in the UK at the entrances to common and moorland areas where animals are free to roam, but also on private drive entrances. Typically, they consist of a series of metal bars across the road that are spaced so that an animal’s legs would fall through the gaps if it attempted to cross. Below the grid is a shallow pit that is intended to further deter livestock from using that particular crossing point. The sound produced as vehicles cross these devices is a characteristic low frequency “brrrr” where the dominant frequencies relates to the bar passage frequency under the tyres. The sound can be disturbing to riders and their horses and walkers and residents living close by as evidenced by press reports and the need to consider noise aspects in planning for new installations. For this reason and due to the lack of available information on the size and nature of the problem measurements and recordings have been made at a number of sites in Yorkshire in the UK. In addition, questionnaire surveys of residents living close by and façade measurements have also been used to gauge impact. Results show that there is a wide variation in the maximum noise level produced by cattle grids of apparently similar design. This can be related to impact noise produced by the movement of all or part of the grid as the frame comes under impulsive loading as the vehicle crosses. It was further established that some residents living close to the cattle grids were disturbed by the noise, and in some cases vibration, and wanted them removed or suitably modified. Means of reducing the problem are proposed.

The wings of most species of owl have been shown to possess three unique physical attributes which allow them to hunt in effective silence: a comb of evenly-spaced bristles along the wing leading-edge; a compliant and porous fringe of feathers at the trailing-edge; and a velvety down material distributed over the upper wing surface. This investigation focuses on the last of the mechanisms as a means to reduce noise from flow over surface roughness. A microscopic study of several owl feathers revealed the structure of the velvety down to be very similar to that of a forest or a field of crops. Analogous surface treatments (suspended canopies) were designed which simulated the most essential geometric features of the velvety down material. The Virginia Tech Anechoic Wall-Jet Facility was used to perform far-field noise and surface pressure fluctuation measurements in the presence of various combinations of rough surfaces and suspended canopies. All canopies were demonstrated to have a strong influence on the surface pressure spectra, and attenuations of up to 30 dB were observed. In addition, all canopies were shown to have some positive effects on far-field noise, and optimized canopies yielded far-field noise reductions of up to 8 dB across all frequencies at which roughness noise was observed. This development represents a new passive method for roughness noise control with possibility for future optimization and application to engineering structures. / Master of Science

No description available.

Noise from fluid flow over rough surfaces is an important consideration in the design and performance of certain vehicles with high surface-area-to-perimeter ratios. A new method of noise control based on the anatomy of owls is developed and consists of fabric or fibrous canopies suspended above the surface. The method is tested experimentally and is found to reduce the total far-field noise emitted by the surface. The treatment also is found to reduce the magnitude of pressure fluctuations felt by the underlying surface by up to three orders of magnitude. Experimental investigations into the effects of geometric parameters of the canopies lead to an optimized design which maximizes noise reduction. The results obtained during the canopy experiment inspired a separate new device for the reduction of trailing edge noise. This type of noise is generated by flow past the wing of an aircraft or the blades of a wind turbine, and is a source of annoyance for those in surrounding communities. The newly developed treatment consists of small fins, or "finlets," placed near the trailing edge of an airfoil. The treatment is tested experimentally at near-full-scale conditions and is found to reduce the magnitude of far-field noise by up to 10 dB. Geometric parameters of the finlets are tested to determine the optimal size and spacing of the finlets to maximize noise reduction. Follow-up computational and experimental studies reveal the fluid mechanics behind the noise reduction by showing that the finlets produce a velocity deficit in the flow near the trailing edge and limit the magnitude and spanwise correlation lengthscale of turbulence near the trailing edge, factors which determine the magnitude of far-field noise. In a final experiment, the finlets are applied to a marine propeller and are found to reduce not only trailing edge noise, but also noise caused by the bluntness of the trailing edge. The results of this experiment show the potential usefulness of finlets to reduce noise from rotating systems, such as fans or propellers, as well as from structures which feature blunt trailing edges. / Ph. D. / As vehicles and other engineering structures, such as wind turbines, pass through the atmosphere or ocean, noise is produced when fluid is disturbed by their passage. The dominant source of this noise may be a certain geometrical or structural feature depending on the type of vehicle or structure in question. The noise from marine vehicles can be dominated by interaction between the fluid flow and any roughness present on the surface of the vehicle, and this is termed roughness noise. This noise can be detrimental to the performance and efficient operation of marine vehicles, and few options exist to suppress this noise apart from removing the roughness itself. As this is not always feasible if the structure’s design depends on the presence of roughness (for example, rivet heads which fasten structural components of the vehicle), other methods of noise control would be valuable. The noise from large, rotating wind turbines is dominated by interaction between the fluid flow and the sharp trailing edges of the turbine blades, termed trailing edge noise. This noise can travel significant distances from wind turbines and can be a source of annoyance for those living in nearby communities. New methods of noise control would significantly improve the quality of life in these communities and increase the viability and popularity of wind energy. This work takes inspiration from the anatomical features of silently-flying owls to develop new methods to control both roughness noise and trailing edge noise. Experiments and simulations were carried out to prove the effectiveness of these methods and to gain scientific understanding of the fluid mechanics responsible for noise reduction. The developments described in the present work give engineers new tools for designing future vehicles and wind turbines which operate more quietly and more efficiently.

published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

This work was concerned with the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of small axial flow refrigerator fans. Relevant literature focusing on the principles of fan noise generation and fan system elements that contribute to noise generation was identified and discussed. A plenum chamber test rig was designed and constructed following ISO 10302-1. A range of 200 mm diameter pressed aluminium Air-Drive fans, commonly used in commercial refrigerator systems, were evaluated using the test rig. It was found that the performance of these fans was highly dependent upon the impedance of the system in which they are installed. Indications of rotating stall under high load were observed and shown to significantly increase the noise output of the fan without greatly affecting the air moving capability. A series of novel colour map plots are presented, which allow for a visual interpretation of fan performance over a wide range of operating conditions. A fanpack developed by Wellington Drive Technologies Ltd was evaluated. This fanpack was found to generate significant tonal noise. The design of the fanpack was evaluated and improvements are suggested. Prototype fans were developed from the fanpack based on promising concepts presented in the literature. The performance of four prototype fans was evaluated. The results were disappointing, but proof of concept was demonstrated.

No description available.