In this proposal a research program is described for the development of an optical pressure sensor for use in instrumentation of internal combustion engines. the device uses principles of optics, which have successfully been applied to other applications. the proposed sensor will notbe sensitive to… More

There are various methods presently in use for accurate measurement of distances involving laser technology. these devices, interferometers, use coherent light waves to interpret distances. measurement is quite precise; however, the unit is costly and much more precise than many applications… More

In this proposal a research program is described for determining the feasibility of using the global positioning system (gps) for obtaining vehicles heading and attitude accuracies within+-1. both interferometric techniques and double differencing will be considered in determining the most… More

This proposal sets forth a research plan which will determine the feasibility of using a novel technique for telemetering information from downhole to the surface during the actual oil-well drilling process. although substantial advances have been made in downhole instrumentation which measure… More

Phase i of the proposed research will investigate the feasibility of assessing the wear level of an oil-well drillbit during the actual drilling process, based solely on processing surface vibration data. a reliable and inexpensive bit wear sensing system would readily be accepted and implemented by… More

The proposed research is in developing a reliable means for detecting engine knock. engine knock results from the premature detonation of the unburned charge in the combustion chamber. this can cause severe damage to key engine components in addition to degrading drivability, efficiency, and… More

Advances in robotic technology have led to a need of collision avoidance systems for mobile robots. a collision avoidance system uses a multitude of non-contact, short range, distance measurement sensors interfaced together to collect distance and bearing information about the environment of the… More

The objective of the proposed effort is to determine the feasibility of employing a real-time feedback engine control system for significant reduction of the noise emission from diesel engine driven, electrical power generation equipment. fuel injection timing and injection rate have been identified… More

The ability to diagnose and control the combustion process in diesel engines is recognized to be an important advantage. engine efficiency, performance, smoke emissions, noise, vehicle serviceability could all be impacted favorably. engine cylinder pressure is most sensitive to combustion… More

A natural, microcomputer-based, man/robot interaction language is proposed for use by non-technical personnel. based on a threaded interpretive language (forth), such a language will not require the extensive overhead of an operating system usually associated with high-level, natural languages, and… More