Introduction to thermal and catalytic processes for the conversion of biomass to biofuels and other biobased products. Topics include gasification, fast pyrolysis, hydrothermal processing, syngas to synfuels, and bio-oil upgrading.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method in which the energy and raw material consumption, different types of emissions and other important factors related to a specific production or service are measured, analyzed and summarized over the entire life cycle. This course will cover the theory, practice and application of Life Cycle Assessment. Life Cycle Assessment is one tool in a large tool box of methods, such as Life Cycle Costing, Substance Flow Analysis, and Risk Assessment, used to evaluate goods, services and systems.
Analysis and design of fluid power systems used in agricultural, industrial and processing equipment. Selected topics to include: positive displacement components, control devices, actuators, fluid transmission and system dynamics. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, two hours per week.
Introduction to principles of fluvial geomorphology for application in restoring impaired streams. Topics include channel formation processes (hydrology/ hydraulics), stream assessment, sediment transport, in-stream structures, erosion control, habitat, and monitoring.
Analysis of flow in closed conduits and natural and artificial open channels. Design of hydraulic structures.
A course emphasizing the use of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer principles in thermal environmental design. Building energy requirements will be computed and thermal comfort criteria will be studied.
A detailed investigation of a topic of current significance in biosystems engineering such as: design of small earth dams, vacuum dehydration systems, small particle mechanics, biofuels, environmental control in green houses, sprinkler irrigation, energy conversion in agriculture, bio-simulation. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits, but only three credits can be earned under the same title. A particular topic may be offered at most twice under the BAE 599 number.
The study of open channel flow fundamentals and concepts. Topics include uniform flow, varied flow, steady and unsteady flow, energy dissipators, flow transitions, controls, analytical and numerical solutions in 1D and 2D applications.
Introduction to linear and nonlinear optimization and their use in engineering design. Emphasis on numerical approaches and use of optimization methods for engineering systems (e.g. biological, mechanical, structural).
Principles of surface water quality modeling and control. Analysis of dispersion, advection, natural aeration, biological oxidation and photosynthesis; their effects on the physical, chemical, and biological quality of waters in streams, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries and other surface waters.
