ITC/USA 2012 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Eighth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 22-25, 2012 / Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, San Diego, California / This paper describes the design and construction of a semi-autonomous quadrotor aircraft approximately 1 meter in diameter. Because of the mechanical simplicity of the aircraft, the design challenges primarily centered on the electrical and computer engineering (ECE) tasks, and was used as a capstone design experience in an undergraduate ECE program. An onboard microcontroller based system uses a network of digital sensors and differential thrust for autonomous attitude control. A wireless telemetry and command link allows a user to monitor the vehicle, control its direction of flight, and for flight safety control.

Miniemulsion technology is attracting increasing interest for the preparation of nano-size particles. However, the barrier to industrialising miniemulsion-based products is the lack of an energy efficient and scalable homogenisation device. Current laboratory techniques consist of batch units, however trends are leaning towards developing continuous processes. The objective of the work presented here is to investigate the use of the rotor-stator (RS) and static mixers (SM) as homogenisation devices and ultimately develop a continuous emulsification/polymerisation process for the preparation of miniemulsions. Initially we investigated the RS as a homogenisation device and found that we were able to generate droplets ranging from 300 nm to 2 μm, at industrially pertinent solids content. Subsequently, we investigated the use of SM and compared their performance in terms of mean droplet size evolutions with the rotor-stator. We were able to generate droplets < 200 nm in size and polymerise them in a stable fashion. All the available emulsification devices were then compared in terms of power/energy consumption, droplet size distributions and shear rates. It was observed that with energy costs being of similar orders of magnitude, SM imposed less shear, produced relatively narrow distributions and were better adapted to scale-up, making them the optimal choice for miniemulsification. Energy savings were increased by reducing coalescence during the emulsification step by using in situ generated surfactants, ultimately reducing emulsification time. Neutralising a water-soluble base with an oil-soluble acid almost instantaneously generates in situ surfactants at the oil-water interface. The reduction in emulsification time was partially attributed to the elimination of the relatively slow adsorption step typical of preformed surfactants. These results were used to show that emulsifying in situ formulations at moderate flow rates in line with SMX mixers can substantially reduce emulsification time from 30 minutes, with preformed surfactants, to ~30 seconds. With such a rapid emulsification step, it was possible to test the feasibility of the continuous emulsification process followed by polymerisation in a tubular reactor. Comparing this process with a batch operation, similar results for the ratio of NP/ND and conversion were obtained, but the continuous process was accomplished in a single step. / Thesis (Ph.D, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2010-04-19 03:32:08.766

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The McTronX Research Group at the North-West University is conducting research in the field of Active Magnetic Bearings (AMBs) with the aim of establishing a knowledge base for future industry consultation. AMBs are environmentally friendly and are a necessity in the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR), a South-African initiated project, which is predicted to be the means of supplying Africa and many other countries with modular energy in the future. Aside from the PBMR, there are numerous other AMB industrial applications. The aim of this project is to develop a comprehensive AMB model that considers the effect that rotor dynamics has on an AMB system. This model is used to analyse a double radial AMB, capable of suspending a rigid- and flexible rotor, to explain previously noticed phenomena. Two modelling methods are focussed on namely the System Matrix Method and Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) both of which are implemented in MATLAB®. The rigid rotor model is firstly implemented as a point mass in state-space form followed by use of the TMM to analyse its bending modes. The stability and critical speeds of the system are analysed due to a change in the supports' properties along with rotor gyroscopy and its effect on the system. During analysis of the flexible rotor the TMM was used via a similar approach as was followed with the rigid rotor. The results indicate that the system is experiencing lower than expected damping due to the model that is used within the control loop. The previously assumed rotor model in the control loop is not sufficient to describe its complex behaviour. This causes the unexpected damping characteristics. This project suggests future work to be conducted in expanding the frequency domain model of the rotor within the control loop to account for its physical shape. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The McTronX Research group at the Potchefstroom campus of the North-West University, aims to establish a knowledge base on active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems. Up to date, the group has established a firm knowledge base on various topics related to AMB systems. A recent focus was the design and development of a high speed AMB supported rotor system called the rotor delevitation system (RDS) to analyse rotor drops. During the testing phase of the RDS, the machine exhibited vibrations, of which the origins were unknown. The research presented in this dissertation sets out to characterize the vibrations of the RDS, which is the group’s first attempt to fulfil the need for characterizing vibrations in an AMB supported rotor. Emphasis is placed on characterizing the natural response of the RDS rotor, stator and integrated system. The research project is defined in terms of four main objectives: rotor and stator characterization, modelling, system characterization and rotor dynamic diagnostics. A comprehensive literature study introduces the fundamental concepts regarding vibrations of single and multiple degree of freedom systems. These concepts include; natural frequencies, damping, machine vibrations, rotor dynamics and modelling techniques. These modelling techniques are introduced to verify the experimental methodology used to determine the natural frequencies. A critical overview of the literature contextualises the theory with the research investigation. For the RDS rotor and stator characterization, a modal analysis process also known as the “bump test” is implemented in order to validate the bending natural frequencies of the rotor and stator. A simulation model of the RDS is constructed in the finite element (FE) package DyRoBeS®. The model is verified with a numerical and an analytical model and validated with the measured bending natural frequencies of the RDS rotor. For the system characterization, a number of modal analysis processes are implemented, which validates the rigid body natural frequencies of the RDS. These frequencies are also used to validate the FE simulation. The origins of the synchronous vibration harmonics are verified by formulating and evaluating hypotheses according to different modal analysis processes. From the RDS rotor modal analysis it was identified that a bending natural frequency of the rotor is situated at approximately 443.33 Hz. This was verified using the FE simulation model. During the system modal analyses, it was identified that only one rigid body natural frequency, situated at approximately 62 Hz, is excited. This frequency increases with the differential gain control parameter of the system up to approximately 140 Hz. After evaluating two hypotheses regarding the origins of the synchronous vibrations harmonics, it was verified that non-circularity of the rotor at the measuring positions is the cause. Overall the objectives of the study were addressed by characterizing the natural frequencies of the rotor, stator and RDS system. This include the mode forms of the rigid body and bending natural frequencies of the system. The results of the verification and validation methods correlated, which imply these methods are reliable to identify the origins of vibrations in rotor-bearing systems. The differential gain control parameter of the AMBs control the equivalent damping in the RDS. An increase in this parameter should lead to a decrease in amplitude and frequency of the maximum vibration, and vice versa. However, it was noted that an increase in this parameter caused a linear increase in the rigid body natural frequency. The literature indicates that this effect can only be caused by an increase in system stiffness. It is therefore recommended to evaluate the stiffness of the system as a function of the differential gain control parameter. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

This dissertation covers the process of modelling and subsequently developing a flight dynamics controller for a quad–rotor unmanned aerial vehicle. It is a theoretical study that focusses on the selection of a controller type by first analysing the problem on a system level and then on a technical level. The craft is modelled using the Newton– Euler model, accounting for multiple reference frames to account for the interpretation of orientation as seen by on–board sensors. The quad–rotor model and selected controllers are characterized and compared. The model is verified through simulation by comparison to a validated model. A series of generic control loops are derived and used as reference for the implementation of the controllers. A Simulator is developed and used to do a comparative study of the various controller types and the control approach. Finally a full simulation is done to demonstrate the interaction between the controllers. / Thesis (MIng (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The McTronX Research Group at the North-West University is conducting research in the field of Active Magnetic Bearings (AMBs) with the aim of establishing a knowledge base for future industry consultation. AMBs are environmentally friendly and are a necessity in the pebble bed modular reactor (PBMR), a South-African initiated project, which is predicted to be the means of supplying Africa and many other countries with modular energy in the future. Aside from the PBMR, there are numerous other AMB industrial applications. The aim of this project is to develop a comprehensive AMB model that considers the effect that rotor dynamics has on an AMB system. This model is used to analyse a double radial AMB, capable of suspending a rigid- and flexible rotor, to explain previously noticed phenomena. Two modelling methods are focussed on namely the System Matrix Method and Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) both of which are implemented in MATLAB®. The rigid rotor model is firstly implemented as a point mass in state-space form followed by use of the TMM to analyse its bending modes. The stability and critical speeds of the system are analysed due to a change in the supports' properties along with rotor gyroscopy and its effect on the system. During analysis of the flexible rotor the TMM was used via a similar approach as was followed with the rigid rotor. The results indicate that the system is experiencing lower than expected damping due to the model that is used within the control loop. The previously assumed rotor model in the control loop is not sufficient to describe its complex behaviour. This causes the unexpected damping characteristics. This project suggests future work to be conducted in expanding the frequency domain model of the rotor within the control loop to account for its physical shape. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The McTronX Research group at the Potchefstroom campus of the North-West University, aims to establish a knowledge base on active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems. Up to date, the group has established a firm knowledge base on various topics related to AMB systems. A recent focus was the design and development of a high speed AMB supported rotor system called the rotor delevitation system (RDS) to analyse rotor drops. During the testing phase of the RDS, the machine exhibited vibrations, of which the origins were unknown. The research presented in this dissertation sets out to characterize the vibrations of the RDS, which is the group’s first attempt to fulfil the need for characterizing vibrations in an AMB supported rotor. Emphasis is placed on characterizing the natural response of the RDS rotor, stator and integrated system. The research project is defined in terms of four main objectives: rotor and stator characterization, modelling, system characterization and rotor dynamic diagnostics. A comprehensive literature study introduces the fundamental concepts regarding vibrations of single and multiple degree of freedom systems. These concepts include; natural frequencies, damping, machine vibrations, rotor dynamics and modelling techniques. These modelling techniques are introduced to verify the experimental methodology used to determine the natural frequencies. A critical overview of the literature contextualises the theory with the research investigation. For the RDS rotor and stator characterization, a modal analysis process also known as the “bump test” is implemented in order to validate the bending natural frequencies of the rotor and stator. A simulation model of the RDS is constructed in the finite element (FE) package DyRoBeS®. The model is verified with a numerical and an analytical model and validated with the measured bending natural frequencies of the RDS rotor. For the system characterization, a number of modal analysis processes are implemented, which validates the rigid body natural frequencies of the RDS. These frequencies are also used to validate the FE simulation. The origins of the synchronous vibration harmonics are verified by formulating and evaluating hypotheses according to different modal analysis processes. From the RDS rotor modal analysis it was identified that a bending natural frequency of the rotor is situated at approximately 443.33 Hz. This was verified using the FE simulation model. During the system modal analyses, it was identified that only one rigid body natural frequency, situated at approximately 62 Hz, is excited. This frequency increases with the differential gain control parameter of the system up to approximately 140 Hz. After evaluating two hypotheses regarding the origins of the synchronous vibrations harmonics, it was verified that non-circularity of the rotor at the measuring positions is the cause. Overall the objectives of the study were addressed by characterizing the natural frequencies of the rotor, stator and RDS system. This include the mode forms of the rigid body and bending natural frequencies of the system. The results of the verification and validation methods correlated, which imply these methods are reliable to identify the origins of vibrations in rotor-bearing systems. The differential gain control parameter of the AMBs control the equivalent damping in the RDS. An increase in this parameter should lead to a decrease in amplitude and frequency of the maximum vibration, and vice versa. However, it was noted that an increase in this parameter caused a linear increase in the rigid body natural frequency. The literature indicates that this effect can only be caused by an increase in system stiffness. It is therefore recommended to evaluate the stiffness of the system as a function of the differential gain control parameter. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

This dissertation covers the process of modelling and subsequently developing a flight dynamics controller for a quad–rotor unmanned aerial vehicle. It is a theoretical study that focusses on the selection of a controller type by first analysing the problem on a system level and then on a technical level. The craft is modelled using the Newton– Euler model, accounting for multiple reference frames to account for the interpretation of orientation as seen by on–board sensors. The quad–rotor model and selected controllers are characterized and compared. The model is verified through simulation by comparison to a validated model. A series of generic control loops are derived and used as reference for the implementation of the controllers. A Simulator is developed and used to do a comparative study of the various controller types and the control approach. Finally a full simulation is done to demonstrate the interaction between the controllers. / Thesis (MIng (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

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