Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1999. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 140-151). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1999. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 140-151). Also available on the Internet.

Microwave circuit design including the design of Interconnect circuits are proving to be a very hard and complex process where the use of CAD tools is becoming more essential to the reduction in design time and in providing more accurate results. Space mapping methods, the relatively new and very efficient way of optimization which are used in microwave filters and structures will be investigated in this thesis and applied to the time domain optimization of digital interconnects. The main advantage is that the optimization is driven using simpler models called coarse models that would approximate the more complex fine model of the real system, which provide a better insight to the problem and at the same time reduce the optimization time. The results are always mapped back to the real system and a relation/mapping is found between both systems which would help the convergence time. In this thesis, we study the optimization of interconnects where we build certain practical error functions to evaluate performance in the time domain. The space mapping method is formulated to avoid problems found in the original formulation where we apply some necessary modifications to the Trust Region Aggressive Space Mapping TRASM for it to be applicable to the design process in time domain. This new method modified TRASM or MTRASM is then evaluated and tested on multiple circuits with different configuration and the results are compared to the results obtained from TRASM.

No description available.

Due to the complexities of modern military operations and the technologies employed on today's military systems, acquisition costs and development times are becoming increasingly large. Meanwhile, the transformation of the global security environment is driving the U.S. military's own transformation. In order to meet the required capabilities of the next generation without buying prohibitively costly new systems, it is necessary for the military to evolve across the spectrum of doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF). However, the methods for analyzing DOTMLPF approaches within the early acquisition phase of a capability-based assessment (CBA) are not as well established as the traditional technology design techniques. This makes it difficult for decision makers to decide if investments should be made in materiel or non-materiel solutions. This research develops an agent-based constructive simulation to quantitatively assess doctrine alongside materiel approaches. Additionally, life-cycle cost techniques are provided to enable a cost-effectiveness trade. These techniques are wrapped together in a decision-making environment that brings crucial information forward so informed and appropriate acquisition choices can be made. The methodology is tested on a future unmanned aerial vehicle design problem. Through the implementation of this quantitative methodology on the proof-of-concept study, it is shown that doctrinal changes including fleet composition, asset allocation, and patrol pattern were capable of dramatic improvements in system effectiveness at a much lower cost than the incorporation of candidate technologies. Additionally, this methodology was able to quantify the precise nature of strong doctrine-doctrine and doctrine-technology interactions which have been observed only qualitatively throughout military history. This dissertation outlines the methodology and demonstrates how potential approaches to capability-gaps can be identified with respect to effectiveness, cost, and time. When implemented, this methodology offers the opportunity to achieve system capabilities in a new way, improve the design of acquisition programs, and field the right combination of ways and means to address future challenges to national security.

This master thesis deals with the design of a handbike with electric propulsion. The final design is created in regard to knowledge from design and technical analysis and also to desficiencies of contemporary products. The purpose of this work is to create design of electrohandbike which will respect user and his needs from ergonomical and esthetic point of view.

No description available.

Along with knowledge of the interactions unique to microscale devices, designers of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) require information about complex fabrication and packaging techniques in order to fully complete a successful design. To that end, the successful design of MEMS requires the collaboration of experts and designers in a variety of engineering fields. From the decision-based design perspective, MEMS designers require a means to sort the input and information generated in a collaborative design process. While the potential for the use of languages and part libraries have been addressed in the literature as a means to solve this problem, a means to embody these principles has not been addressed. The use of modular, executable, decision-centric templates to rapidly compose, solve, archive, and reuse compromise Decision Support Problems (cDSP) for specific design problems has been proposed in the literature. The result of this work is a means of separating procedural design knowledge from declarative knowledge and parsing the cDSP into a set of computer-interpretable templates. A stated need in this work is the extension of the templates to accommodate the coupled solution of two cDSPs utilizing game theoretic principles. In this thesis, the theoretical structures of decision-centric templates are applied to the needs of MEMS designers. Computer interpretable, decision-centric templates, used to save, reuse, and aid in design decisions, are extended to permit MEMS designers and fabricators to collaborate via coupled cDSPs, using game theoretic principles of cooperative, noncooperative, and leader-follower games. This approach is illustrated through its application to the design and prototype fabrication of microscale gas chromatography separation channels. The outcome of this work is twofold: first, MEMS designers and fabricators will have a means to compose, collaboratively solve, archive, and reuse compromise Decision Support Problems in a computer interpretable manner, and second, decision templates will be extended through the use of game theoretic principles.

For older adults, functional independent mobility is essential to well-being. Many care home residents have physical and cognitive impairments and use wheelchairs. Residents with difficulty self-propelling manual wheelchairs may benefit from power mobility; however, those with cognitive impairments may be precluded because of the potential for injury. My research goals were to apply novel power wheelchair technology to enable safe, independent mobility. Technology was developed to examine the value and implications of power mobility for residents with restricted mobility and mild or moderate cognitive impairments. The first study tested a prototype anti-collision wheelchair with a contact sensor skirt. Six single subject studies were completed. Distances travelled in manual and anti-collision wheelchairs were compared. Observational and interview data were collected. Focus groups (37 staff) and interviews (18 staff, six other residents, one spouse) were performed. Three of six residents were able or had potential to operate the prototype. One resident chose to use it beyond the study, and his mobility and well-being improved. Case analyses showed factors limiting prototype acceptance. Residents were unsatisfied with the appearance and slow speed, and found the interface frustrating to operate because of inadequate feedback. Social isolation and reduced autonomy restricted independence achievable with technology. Socialization and affective benefits of mobility were demonstrated in one case where prototype use was continually assisted. Residents and staff supported the anti-collision concept. On observation, the prototype compensated for absent or delayed responses of residents to obstacles below sensors and decreased injury risk. However, full sensor coverage of the environment was needed. The second study addressed acceptance and interface usability issues. A simulated collision-avoidance wheelchair with a multimodal feedback interface was evaluated. The interface provided audio, visual and haptic feedback to guide navigation away from obstacles. Through observations, interviews and questionnaires, five residents evaluated the device. High device acceptance and usability were found. The device was easy to use and assisted with performance of indoor mobility goals. Further research is necessary before power wheelchairs with new features are available for users; however, these results could play a fundamental role in shaping technology development and mobility interventions for this neglected population.

For older adults, functional independent mobility is essential to well-being. Many care home residents have physical and cognitive impairments and use wheelchairs. Residents with difficulty self-propelling manual wheelchairs may benefit from power mobility; however, those with cognitive impairments may be precluded because of the potential for injury. My research goals were to apply novel power wheelchair technology to enable safe, independent mobility. Technology was developed to examine the value and implications of power mobility for residents with restricted mobility and mild or moderate cognitive impairments. The first study tested a prototype anti-collision wheelchair with a contact sensor skirt. Six single subject studies were completed. Distances travelled in manual and anti-collision wheelchairs were compared. Observational and interview data were collected. Focus groups (37 staff) and interviews (18 staff, six other residents, one spouse) were performed. Three of six residents were able or had potential to operate the prototype. One resident chose to use it beyond the study, and his mobility and well-being improved. Case analyses showed factors limiting prototype acceptance. Residents were unsatisfied with the appearance and slow speed, and found the interface frustrating to operate because of inadequate feedback. Social isolation and reduced autonomy restricted independence achievable with technology. Socialization and affective benefits of mobility were demonstrated in one case where prototype use was continually assisted. Residents and staff supported the anti-collision concept. On observation, the prototype compensated for absent or delayed responses of residents to obstacles below sensors and decreased injury risk. However, full sensor coverage of the environment was needed. The second study addressed acceptance and interface usability issues. A simulated collision-avoidance wheelchair with a multimodal feedback interface was evaluated. The interface provided audio, visual and haptic feedback to guide navigation away from obstacles. Through observations, interviews and questionnaires, five residents evaluated the device. High device acceptance and usability were found. The device was easy to use and assisted with performance of indoor mobility goals. Further research is necessary before power wheelchairs with new features are available for users; however, these results could play a fundamental role in shaping technology development and mobility interventions for this neglected population.