Steven Beyerlein

Application of nonlinear regression in the development of a wide range formulation for HCFC-22

An equation of state has been developed for HCFC-22 for temperatures from the triple point (115.73 K) to 550 K, at pressures up to 60 MPa. Based on comparisons between experimental data and calculated properties, the accuracy of the wide-range equation of state is ±0.1% in density, ±0.3% in speed of sound, and ±1.0% in isobaric heat capacity, except in the critical region. Nonlinear fitting techniques were used to fit a liquid equation of state based onP-ρ-T, speed of sound, and isobaric heat capacity data. Properties calculated from the liquid equation of state were then used to expand the range of validity of the wide range equation of state for HCFC-22.

A thermodynamic property formulation for air

Abstract A thermodynamic property formulation for air based upon new experimental P-ϱ-T, isochoric heat capacity and velocity of sound data has been developed. This model treats air as a pseudo-pure fluid for a wide-range of temperatures and pressures and provides for calculation of energy, heat capacity, entropy and velocity of sound in addition to pressure, density and temperature. This new formulation is valid for temperatures from 60 to 873 K at pressures to 70 MPa and is based on new measurements of the properties of liquid air recently completed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, Colorado. The accuracies of properties calculated using the new thermodynamic property formulation are established by comparison to available experimental data.

Using design, build, and test projects to teach engineering

The design, build and test (DBT) project was created with the idea that the best way to learn engineering is by doing engineering. The primary goal of a DBT project is to provide students with an experience that is fun, motivating and educational. In addition, a DBT project is designed to be easy to implement. The preeminent feature of a DBT project is the extensive use of science, math, and calculations to guide design efforts prior to construction. Key factors in designing an effective DBT project are: selecting an appealing topic that is amenable to simple prototype construction; using metrics to define the project goal; instituting a mentoring culture; involving substantial mathematical modeling; guiding students using iteration cycles; motivating students by using competition and public presentation; and continuously improving a project by collecting project resources.

Development of Knowledge Tables and Learning Outcomes for an Introductory Course in Transportation Engineering

Many decisions about the content of an introductory transportation engineering course are complicated by a wide range of topics and skills to be presented in a limited amount of time. The information presented in this paper was compiled by a working group of educators who represented universities of varying sizes and geographic areas. This working group was charged with developing core concepts and associated knowledge tables for the introductory transportation course for the following core concept areas: traffic operations, transportation planning, geometric design, transportation finance, transportation economics, traffic safety, and transit and nonmotorized transport. Instructors can weave the knowledge tables together by explaining the ways of being of a transportation professional and the course learning outcomes. A key focus of the working groups efforts was to provide more guidance to instructors on core content versus optional content. The intent of the working group was not to dictate what exactly should be taught in a course. The group therefore created more content than could fit into a typical semester-long course so that instructors would have flexibility. Some content should be viewed as more critical to the transportation profession than other material, and the working group will prioritize it accordingly. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the work that has been completed and to get feedback from industry partners and other academic professionals about the curriculum. The efforts of the pilot studies over the next year will help determine the amount of time needed to cover the information in the knowledge tables.

Catalytic Igniter to Support Combustion of Ethanol-Water/Air Mixtures in Internal Combustion Engines

Lean ethanol-water/air mixtures have potential for reducing NOx and CO emissions in internal combustion engines. Igniting such mixtures is not possible with conventional ignition sources. An improved catalytic ignition source is being developed to aid in the combustion of aqueous ethanol. The operating principle is homogeneous charge compression ignition in a catalytic pre-chamber, followed by torch ignition of the main chamber. In this system, ignition timing can be adjusted by changing the length of the catalytic core element, the length of the pre-chamber, the diameter of the pre-chamber, and the electrical power supplied to the catalytic core element. A multi-zone energy balance model has been developed to understand ignition timing of ethanol-water mixtures. Model predictions agree with pressure versus crank angle data obtained from a 15 kW Yanmar diesel engine converted for catalytic operation on ethanolwater fuel. Comparing the converted Yanmar to the stock engine shows an increase in torque and power, with improvements in CO and NOx emissions. Hydrocarbon emissions increased significantly, but are largely due to piston geometry not well suited for homogeneous charge combustion. Future engine modifications have the potential to lower emissions to current emission standards, without requiring external emission control devices.

An extended corresponding-states model for predicting thermodynamic properties of N2-Ar-O2 mixtures including vapor-liquid equilibrium

A formulation developed previously for the prediction of the thermodynamic properties of single-phase states of binary and ternary mixtures in the nitrogen-argon-oxygen system has been revised to include the calculation of vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) properties. The model is based on the theory of extended corresponding states with van der Waals mixing rules. Binary interaction parameters have been determined with single-phaseP-p-T and vaporliquid equilibrium data to improve the accuracy of thermodynamic property predictions. The model accurately represents single-phase and vapor-liquid equilibrium properties over a wide range of compositions for binary and ternary mixtures. Comparisons of calculated properties to selected mixture data for both single-phase and VLE states are included.

Computer programs for the calculation of thermodynamic properties of cryogens and other fluids

A set of computer subprograms for calculating thermodynamic properties of cryogenic fluids has been developed. These subprograms can be used interactively from a menu-driven utility program or as functions or subroutines in application programs. The subprograms are written in standard FORTRAN 77 and provide for the direct calculation of single phase and saturation properties from a wide variety of input variable pairs using a comprehensive set of iterative routines. The equations of state selected for these fluids are the most accurate formulations available. All equations of state have been converted to a common functional form. ALLPROPS, a menu-driven interactive driver, can be used to calculate a variety of thermodynamic properties. Options are available for table generation and alternate unit selection.

Shop orientation to enhance design for manufacturing in capstone projects

The traditional undergraduate engineering curriculum provides methods of analyzing and creating paper designs, but does much less in teaching design for manufacture and production. The Capstone experience at the University of Idaho uses a mentor-based design process that takes projects from the conceptual stage through creation of functional prototypes. Graduate student mentors in the Idaho Engineering Works (IEWorks) have created a three-session orientation that teaches fundamentals of machining associated with the construction of a small multi-tool. Student feedback recorded in their design journals underscores the benefits of this shop orientation in promoting machine design skills that result in high quality prototypes delivered to industry customers at the end of the course and in fostering a close relationship between mentors and students.

An Extended Corresponding States Model For Predicting Thermodynamic Properties of the N2-Ar-O2 Mixture

Abstract A new model for the prediction of the thermodynamic properties of binary and ternary mixtures in the nitrogen-argon-oxygen system has been developed using an extended corresponding states model. The model accurately represents single phase mixture properties over a wide composition spectrum for liquid and vapor states for binary mixtures. The model also accurately predicts properties of the ternary mixture representing air. Heat capacities, entropies, and energies can be calculated using the model. Nitrogen is used as a reference fluid for calculating mixture properties. Estimates for the equivalent-substance reducing ratios for the mixture are calculated with van der Waals mixing rules. Empirical temperature-dependent binary interaction parameters are used to improve the agreement of calculated mixture properties with available experimental binary P-p-T-x data. Comparisons of calculated properties to available mixture data are summarized to verify the accuracies of predicted properties.

A Lean-Burn Catalytic Engine

Theoretical analysis of flame propagation through catalytically activated mixtures and fundamental experiments with a catalytic plug-flow reactor have shown that catalytic prereaction can increase flame velocity and can reduce minimum ignition energy requirements. These principles have been successfully applied in a prechamber for a lean-burn internal combustion engine. In conjunction with these fundamental studies and parametric engine tests a physical model of in-cylinder activation has been formulated. This model has proven to be a valuable asset in understanding catalytic prechamber performance and promises to be a useful tool in optimizing catalytic prechamber design