Research Experiences For Undergraduates (REU)

REU 2002 Projects

Mathematical Model for an Electro-Pneumatic Pulsed Jet Actuator

Sponsor: Applied Mathematics, Inc.
Advisor: Bogdan Vernescu


Borislav Mezhericher		David Stoltzfus		Matthew Willyard

The project, sponsored by Applied Mathematics, Inc., is studying the fluid flow through an electro-pneumatic pulsed jet actuator, which consists of a miniature valve connected to a convergent nozzle by a small flow chamber. The fluid flow is considered to be one-dimensional, compressible, and isentropic. The goal is to understand a steady state model for the actuator and extend the model for the dynamic case. The system will be optimized for maximum output using the variables of flow air pressure and temperature, source air pressure and temperature, actuator frequency, and duty cycle.

Analysis of Intelligible Speech in a Noisy Environment

Sponsor: DEKA Research
Advisor: Suzanne Weekes


Jared Dixon		Sonja Petrovic		Ravi Srinivasan

Currently, there exist hearing aids that distinguish speech from particular background noises, e.g., air-conditioning, but considerable work is required to enhance speech in a general noisy environment. In conjunction with DEKA Research and Development, our task is to create a test bed to evaluate such devices. The project consists of two parts: one is modeling conversation in a noisy environment, and the other is developing a measure for speech transmission quality. By obtaining and testing various sound data, we will determine the tolerance level for processing errors so that the signals sent to the user remain intelligible. We make extensive use of Fourier analysis in our mathematical study of acoustics, and work in the MATLAB technical computing environment.

Statistical Procedures for Failure-Mode Testing of Diagnostic Systems

Sponsor: Veeder-Root
Advisor: Arthur Heinricher


Andrew Jalil		Alex Lenkoski		Patricia Tong

In most states, gas stations are required to have equipment that will collect and contain harmful vapors emitted during the refueling process. Stations must also have diagnostic systems in place that continuously monitors key aspects of the vapor recovery systems. The diagnostic system must issue a warning if any of these key components is not operating within required limits. Our goal this year is to develop statistical tests that will certify that the monitoring systems meet the standards set by CARB. In particular, we focus on failure-mode tests in which artificial failures are created for the system to identify. These tests may become part of the certification procedure used by CARB.

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Last modified: Jun 20, 2010, 19:44 UTC