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Engineering |
Alequín Otero, Joerick; Muñoz Bonilla, Luis; López Cruz, Juan; Pérez Pérez, Yaritza; Zayas, Bazán; Díaz, Mariel; Báez González, David; Rivera, David; Couvertier, Isidoro, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
The Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the workhorse of today’s Internet. Millions and millions of computers (and users) rely on this suite of protocols for their communication. We will be studying ways to implement those programs from among these protocols that will allow us to simulate the TCP/IP stack in user space. Some public domain tools from other universities will be used as the test bed. Once this work is complete our results could be used for simulating the behavior of devices such as switches and routers.
Alvarado, Joel; Lay, Eduardo, Prof., UIA-BAYAMON, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Implementation of Diamagnetic Materials in Transport Systems
In this research the implementation and alternate inclusion of diamagnetic materials on transport systems is analyzed. Also the deepness of such materials capabilities and characteristics will lead to a deep and conscious engineering analysis which includes the viability, reliability and functionality. The diamagnetic materials applications go from aerial, maritime, terrestrial to commercial technical applications. The diamagnetic fields’ principles are applied for example in prototype transport systems such as the Maglev trains in Germany and in Japan. The properties of diamagnetic materials mplemented in an electric engine or in an electronically controlled propulsion system could reduce dramatically the energy losses present in regular internal or external combustion engines. This is mainly because of the considerable reduction of friction and heat losses present in the actual transport systems. Also hybrid prototypes can be possible from the engineering application standing point. Another advantage of such transport system is that it will make a low cost, friction free and zero pollutant media. These factors would come as an alternative to the actual economical and environmental difficulties of these times. In addition this type of developmental technology is fully compatible with alternate energy obtaining process such as solar and fuel cells. These benefits widen the possibilities and capabilities of this engineering application towards the improvement of actual transport systems.
Alvarez, Josean; Machado, David; Ierkic, Mario, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical Engineering Wireless Multi-Carrier Acoustic Transmission of Digital Video
Digital video processing has offered remarkable progress and advantages in today’s technology. The switch from an electric telegraph to the telephone in the last quarter of the 19th century can be use as a representation of today’s boost for mobile phones and the Internet, the two fastest growing communications technologies up to date. The mobile phone thus promises to do for the Internet what the telephone did for the telegraph. An important transition is underway and mobile phones will soon become the predominant means of access to the internet and video communications. In high-speed modems, it is desirable to increase the bit rate using the same bandwidth. The method of a Wireless Multi-Carrier system is more efficient to transmit video at a higher bit rate than Single-Carrier Systems. We are going to continue the work of Norman Lopez which consisted of the transmission of digital images through a Wireless Multi-Carrier Acoustic Modem. The incorporation of Reed-Muller Error Control codes, and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), concepts that are multi-carrier methods suited for Wireless applications, were used in our system. The transmission of digital video, for example MPEG-2 which is the standard for HDTV, satisfies the needs of a Wireless Multi-Carrier system. MATLAB numerical software package was used for the implementation of the modem. Red, Green and Blue (RGB) and luminance chrominance (YCC) color representations, and block-based motion estimation schemes where explored for efficiency in the transmission of the video signal.
Alvarez, Manuel; Torres, Carlos; Alvarez Manuel; Cruz, Sandra, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical Engineering
Absolute Humidity Algorithms for Brightness Temperature Estimation
Atmospheric profiles of air temperature, pressure and dew temperature are used to compute the absolute humidity of the air as a function of height in the troposphere. Most algorithms in use today, use only air and dew temperature to compute the absolute humidity, yielding an error in the estimate. This study uses two absolute humidity algorithms; one that uses pressure and one that doesn't, to compute the radiosonde-derived brightness temperature from an atmosphere column. The radiosonde-derived brightness temperatures are then compared to actual measurements of brightness temperatures from collocated radiometers operating at microwave frequencies. The students will compute the brightness temperature from NWS radiosonde profiles using a currently-used algorithm and a modified algorithm (that includes pressure), and compare them to co-located radiometric measurements at 5 to 8 frequencies within the K-band. The data to be used was collected at San Diego, CA and West Palm Beach, FL. The best algorithm will be recommended for satellite radiometric calibrations.
Ayuso, Xohara; Renta López, Naomy; Rodríguez Cruz, Ricardo; Rodríguez, René; Quintero, Rubén; Navarro, Eduardo; Báez, David; Couvertier, Isidoro, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
On the Capabilities of the Power PC Architecture
The Motorola PowerPC (PPC) Microcontroller has emerged as an alternative to solving tasks that can not be performed effectively by a traditionalmicroprocessor or microcontroller. This Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) architecture offers such advanced features as a multi-level cache, several pipelined functional units, and branch prediction. Indeed, the PPC is taking over some of the most demanding tasks in the realm of microcontrollers, e.g. network processing.We will be researching the capabilities of the PPC and also how it could best be used for learning/teaching purposes. A lab manual with existing laboratory experiments will be ported to a high level language and several new experiments will be developed. We expect to also tackle the task of extracting a debugger from Flash Memory within the PPC evaluation board and porting it to the C language at the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) level. Our work will be documented and we expect it to be used extensively in Latin America, the United States and around the world.
Bracero, Rodriguez Julio, UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Department of Biology; Harris, Gary, Howard University, Electrical Engineering Department; Diallo, Mamadou, Howard University, Civil Engineering and Chemistry Departments; Griffin, James, Prof.
Characterization of Peptide Sorption onto GaAs (100) Surfaces by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Optical Microscopy and Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR)
The characterization of peptide sorption onto semiconductor surfaces such as GaAs, Si and SiC is of critical importance to the development of novel hybrid organic-inorganic nanoscale devices for molecular electronics. This project focuses on the characterization of peptide sorption onto GaAs (100) surfaces. The first phase of the project consisted of exposing GaAs crystals to aqueous solutions of two model peptides, G1-3 and G12-3, buffered with Tris at pH = 7.8. We exposed the surfaces to the peptide solutions for 16 hours with and without a continuous nitrogen gas flow. The surfaces were also exposed to a Tris-buffered saline (TBS) solution as a control. We then searched for peptide binding on the GaAs (100) surfaces using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical microscopy. Findings using both AFM and optical microscopy showed various patterns on the surface of the semiconductor that suggest possible peptide binding. The use of Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy on the surfaces revealed an absorption spectra that suggests the presence of various of the peptide functional groups.
Burgos, Arely; Lay, Eduardo, Prof., UIA-BAYAMON, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Application of Magnetic Materials
Magnetic materials are pervasive throughout our society. They are used, for instance, in magnetic recording media and devices, in all motors, in all transformers, on credit cards, as permanent magnets, as magnetic sensors, on checks, in theft control devices, in automotive and small engine timing devices, in xerographic copiers, in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, in microwave communications, in magnetic separation, and in magnetic cooling. Magnetic materials include metals, ceramics and polymers at different size scales ranging from large castings to particulates, thin films, multilayer and Nan composites. In this project The focus will be on the ferromagnetic materials specifically on four of the most used composites; Nd Fe B( neodymium Iron Boron), SmCo ( Samarium cobalt) , Alnico and Ceramic Ferrite. Since this will be done since this topic is very extends.
Castillo, Roberto; Arce, Rafael, Prof., UPR-HUMACAO, Departamento de Física y Electrónica
Expansion Cards Using Common Peripheral Circuits
In the typical Microprocessor’s course, peripheral devices such as timer/counters, analog to digital (ADC), digital to analog (DAC), and programmable interrupt controller circuits are discussed in the classroom but seldom used in laboratory practices. Our goal is to design and develop a series of expansion cards that can be used as aids for teaching the concepts of microprocessor peripheral devices. Each expansion card consists of a peripheral device (along with interfacing circuit) and fits into a typical ISA computer expansion slot. By issuing commands from a high level language such as (BASIC or C), the student controls the device and observes its response and functionality. We have already built and tested two cards: one that contains an 8254 timer/counter and another with 8-bit Analog to Digital and Digital to Analog Converters. We are also developing software applications with graphic interfaces that will let the user interact with the cards in a way that is intuitive and user friendly. In our presentation, we will discuss the design and implementation of these cards and demonstrate the software.
Correa, Eric; López, Pedro; Santos Jeanette, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Mechanical Engineering Department
Mechanical Analysis of Lightweight Concrete Using Phenolic as a Fine Aggregate
The mechanical properties of concrete have been investigated, analyzing the effect of phenolic, a thermosetting polymer, as a substitute material for part of the fine aggregate. It is intended to produce a lightweight concrete and provide an alternative to the recycling of phenolic. The concrete mixtures were formulated substituting 5 and 10 percent of the conventional fine aggregates using different sizes: 8, 16, 30, 50 and 100. Control and partially replaced phenolic samples were geometrically constructed as cylinder and beams that were cured for 7, 14 and 28 days. Both cylinders and beams were subjected to axial compressive and bending forces in order to analyze their mechanical resistance and deflection, respectively. Experimental results yielded lightweight concrete with a mechanical strength similar to the minimum offered by conventional mixtures. The best results were obtained with a substitution percent of 5 and 10 of phenolic No. 30. A complementary effect of this material in the concrete was a small variation in the mechanical behavior in terms of the stress-strain diagram. Both geometric shapes (cylinders and beams) showed a higher elasticity, maintaining similar resistance capacity compared to the normal weight control samples. Phenolic as fine aggregate is an effective alternative to obtain a lightweight concrete without sacrificing significantly the resistance. Further investigation has to be performed in order to find an optimum value of substitution percentages and its durability.
Dávila Molina, Liza M.; Charles, Carlos; Couvertier, Isidoro, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Java's Remote Method Invocation
Using Java has become commonplace around the world because of its availability and very predominantly because of its portability. When a machine sends information about an object in Java to another machine it first has to serialize the object and any other information required to reconstruct the object at the other end. Serialization, however, is not trivial since sending too much information could result in a heavy penalty at both ends. In this study we will focus on finding sources of inefficiency in Java’s serialization mechanism as it applies to Remote Method Invocation.
Dávila Quiñones, Carlos D.; Morales Rodríguez, Rubén D.; Molina Lugo, Adeel E.; Beauchamp Báez, Gerson, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Digital Control Design and Implementation for the Ball and Beam System
As mankind progresses with technological advancements, the development of digitally controlled systems plays a key role in accomplishing the goals. The design and implementation of a digital controller for the ball and beam system is presented. The Ball and Beam system consists of a metallic ball rolling freely on a beam. The ball moves due to the acceleration of gravity when the beam is tilted. The control objective is to keep the ball in the center of the beam or to follow the position of another metallic ball rolling on the reference beam. The beam is tilted by the action of a motor through gears and mechanical links. Both beams are equipped with potentiometers that serve as position sensors. The motor is also equipped with a potentiometer that serves as angular position sensor. The dynamics of this system mimics those of liquid fuel in large aircraft tanks. A mathematical model of the system is obtained from physics principles. Block diagrams and transfer functions are used to show the structure of the system and aid in the controller design and implementation. A two-loop controller is developed for the system. The controller is designed via the root locus method in the discrete-time domain using Matlab. The dynamics are simulated using Simulink. The controller is implemented with LabView from National Instruments. Results on the performance of the actual system are presented and compared to the simulated performance.
Figueroa, Harry; Negrón, Frank; Préstamo, Bárbara; Rodríguez Solís, Rafael, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical Engineering Department
Active Receiving Antennas Spectroscopy
Communications Systems are a big factor in today's technology. Active antennas are one of the most important components in these systems. An advantage of active antennas is the elimination of an impedance matching stage between the antenna and the amplifier. This means that the transmit power amplifier output impedance is directly matched to the transmit antenna input impedance of the receive stage low noise amplifier. This research consists of the development of a methodology to design active antennas in the receiving mode. In the design of the receivingstage antenna is necessary to substitute the antenna element with a source and a frequency dependent component to be able to simulate thecircuit and to design the interstage-matching network in a microwave circuit simulator.
Gonzalez, Johana; Colucci, Benjamín, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Civil Engineering Department Evaluation of Actual Regulations of Highway Design Concerning Pedestrians in Puerto Rico
A professional in the field of transportation engineering that is required to design a street and all the elements and components of its right-of-way will need to follow certain regulations in order to comply with the laws of the state and the agencies that have proposed these regulations. When designing a roadway, pedestrians usually are taken little into consideration, or none at all. They will suffer from being ignored or given less importance than they deserve, and thus we end with roads that are not safe, or inviting at all, to pedestrians. The problems lies in the fact that not everyone is familiar to the regulations that exist that do consider our walking citizens. And the question arises: are the regulations not minding the pedestrians, or is it the professionals that are not?
The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the actual regulations on behalf of the pedestrians. Because the regulations exist, and some are very useful, this work will also serve as a guide to follow when searching for tools to design a pedestrian-friendly environment, which begins by designing pedestrian-friendly roadways.
Ortiz,
Héctor;
Toledo, Manuel, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical Engineering Department
A GPS-Based System for Monitoring “Públicos” Routes and Schedules
In order for the public transportation system of Puerto Rico to work in a more efficient way, all its components should work in a synchronized form. The AMA 1 ,‘públicos’ 2 and soon Tren Urbano, have to complete with certain schedules in order to warranty the satisfaction of the user. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common complains people have toward the different systems in function in Puerto Rico nowadays. Unexpected long waiting at bus stops provoke that the users distrust the system. The opportunity of monitoring the schedules and routes represents a great alternative to improve the system. Assuming that a a subsidy or economic compensation is given to the drivers of “públicos”, a system will be necessary to verify that they are fulfilling its routes in a suitable time. A GPS-based system is an alternative to fulfill this purpose. The information that the GPS provide helps to verify that the public transportation drivers are completing their routes in the period of time established.
Hidalgo, Julissa, UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Civil Engineering; Torres, Marta, UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Industrial Engineering, Santos, Jeannette, Prof.
Mechanical Behavior of Lightweight Concrete with Different Substitutions of Polyethylene as Fine Aggregate
The purpose of this research is to create a lightweight concrete by substituting fractions of the fine aggregates (sand) with crushed Polyethylene. The effect on the mix density and concrete strength from the substitution is investigated as a function of the particle sizes and substitution proportions. Particle sizes of 2.36 mm and 4.75 mm are individually investigated substituting aggregate in proportions ranging from 5% to 30%. Standard cylinder and unreinforced beams samples are prepared from each mix and tested at the ages of 7, 14, and 28 days following ASTM Standards. All specimens are cured the entire period in water at room temperature. Strength results are compared with 3,000 psi control mix with 0.53 water-cement ratio. In terms of weight reduction, the reduction in density of the mix is only 7.59%, not falling into the lightweight category. In terms of strength, two situations are observed. First, the strength increases with reduction of the particle size. Second, the strength decreases as the aggregate substitution increases. The performance decreased with substitution fractions higher than 15% for 4.75 mm sizes, and 20% for 2.36 mm particles. For example, the mix with 2.36 mm particles with 5% substitution reached only 88% of the target strength while the mix with 25% reached 50% at 28 days. It is concluded that Polyethylene is not the best choice to achieve lightweight concrete since the weight reduction is not significant. However, this material might be a good alternative to substitute aggregates in normal weight concrete considering the loss in strength. Further investigation is required to optimize the design and to evaluate the durability of the material.
Jusino Pérez, Freddy; Morales, Rodolfo; Jordan, Tomás; Balager, Irving, Prof., UPR-AGUADILLA, Electrónica
Tiro al Blanco Para Ciegos
Este Trabajo consiste en diseñar un proceso el cual una persona ciega la cual practique el deporte de tiro al blanco, según lo hacen en las olimpiadas de incapacitados. Este se practica utilizando una 2da persona la cual dirige al tirador por los hombros. La visión de nuestro trabajo es el eliminar esa 2da persona y por medio de la tecnología el ciego pueda recibir esa ayuda en caso de que no disponga de una 2da persona. Debido a la investigación realizada y argumentada por intentos y fracasos. Podemos mostrar lo que sería la 1ra parte de un gran trabajo. He adaptado un dispositivo a la muñeca del tirador que reacciona vía control remoto. Este dispositivo es un controlador de dirección el cual es manejado por una 2da persona a una distancia razonable. Esta 2da persona se deja guiar por un rayo láser localizado en la mira del arma. En este caso usaremos un arma de balas de pintura vegetal por la seguridad en las pruebas. Dado el caso de que el arma utilizada en la realidad es de bala viva, no se pudo concadenar un sistema electrónico el cual no sufriera daños al ser impactado. Pero encontramos la solución y nos encaminamos a ella utilizando el controlador hasta ahora diseñado pero enfocándolo a una visión fuera del alcance institucional. Este consiste en utilizar una cámara en la mira y analizar las imágenes obtenidas. Para luego por medio de programación discriminar y enviar la señal al controlador y cumplir el objetivo.
Lagares, HEIDI; Rodríguez, Rafael, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical Engineering Department
A RF Transceiver as an Alternative to Test Circuits Designs Through a Wireless RF Link
Researchers, designers, and students work in the development of complex data processing and modulation circuits using DSP development kits. They should test their designs in a more real environment and transmit and receive data acoustically. A RF transceiver is proposed as an alternative to test their designs through a wireless RF link. There are many types of wireless devices that make use of radio frequency (RF) fields and transceivers. Such devices are cordless and cellular telephones, radio, and television broadcast stations, satellite communications systems, and two-way radio services. A transceiver is a system which consists of a receiver and a transmitter stage. Each stage consists of their own mixer and amplifier. In the receiver stage the input terminal of the amplifier is connected to the antenna and its output terminal to the mixer. In the transmitter stage the connection is vice-versa. Every stage was designed to operates at frequency of 5.85 GHz with a system bandwidth of 125 MHz.
Laracuente Díaz, Jaime José; Toledo, Manuel, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical Engineering Department
Artificial Vision for Vehicle Monitoring at Tren Urbano Stations
Based on the assumption that the Tren Urbano will subsidy “públicos”1 , we have proposed a License Plate Recognition System (LPRS) to monitor their routes 2. This system could be used for planning purposes. During this first stage we have been collecting, studying and testing image-processing techniques. Also, an algorithm to extract the license plate from the obtained rear vehicle image has been developed. This has been accomplished after several trials with well-known segmentation techniques, such as edge detection and thresholding. In this first progress report these techniques and the developed algorithm will be explained. Also, experimental results and conclusions about this work will be given.
Lassus, Marco A.; Sánchez, Laura E.; Toledo, Manuel; Toledo, Manuel, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Robust Watermarking of Grayscale Images
This paper presents an implementation of a watermarking algorithm for grayscale images. Different methods were analyzed. Cox's watermarking scheme was found to fit our purpose and specifications quite well. This algorithm demonstrates robustness to common image processing operations and geometric transformations. We modified the original method in order to add an image hash inside the host image to identify its owner. We propose to insert the image hash spectral components into a Gaussian random vector in a way that produces relatively small changes. We use Cox's method with the modified vector as the watermark. This new approach preserves the original performance of the detector used to recover the watermark.
Román Cardona, María; Muñiz, Maritza; Velázquez, Carlos,Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Chemical Engineering Department
Determination of a Correlation for Fluidization Velocity of Pharmaceutical Granulations in a Fluid Bed Dryer
The drying process of pharmaceutical granulations is the keyoperation in the preparation of pharmaceutical tablets. In this operation, some of the moisture of the powders is removed by the action of adding energy to the powders and the moisture itself. This operation is critical for it determines through its performance the final properties of the tablets. The performance of the drying process, in turns, depends among other factors, on the characteristicsof the fluidization, namely the height. This height, in turns, is a strong dependent of the velocity of the air flow which causes the movement of the powders. The objective of this work was to determinea correlation to predict an initial value of the minimum velocity fluidization velocity) required to cause the desired fluidization. During the project several factors such as moisture content, particle size distribution, mass load, and others were studied to determine the most influencing factors in the fluidization velocity. Once the factors were determined, a correlation was proposed and validated in the FBD. Future plans of the research include the validation of thecorrelation in other FBD at different operating conditions.
Martínez Levest, JosÉ A.; Arce, Francisco J.; Beauchamp, Gerson, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Analysis, Design, Implementation, and Performance Evaluation of High Performance Audio Systems
A procedure to analyze, design, test, and implement a set of preamplifier systems that will modify and enhance audio signals for user enjoyment. The audio signals range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. We seek precise control over the output response in this range. We will discuss the design, testing, and implementation for a bass volume controller, an active tone controller, a phono preamplifier and a graphic equalizer. Design procedures along with design decisions are included for every system of the preamplifier. The methodology used in the process is included so anyone could design a similar system to his or her own specifications. This methodology includes equations and parameters for every aspect of each subsystem. Both simulated and experimental frequency response plots were obtained and evaluated to determine the appropriate operation of each system. All systems worked as expected. The results are discussed and evaluated.
Matías, Arelys; Valdéz, Didier, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Civil Engineering Department
Agreements and Negotiation Analysis Between “Públicos” and Government Agencies to Achieve its Integration to the Urban Train
The Urban Train is an innovative transit system and the largest investment in the Island’s history. It is the backbone of the regional transportation plan for the San Juan Metropolitan Area. For the success of the Urban Train it is necessary the integration of the conventional modes of transportation available. This research is about the negotiation and the agreements that need to achieve the concerned Government Agencies with the “ Público” System in order to integrate its operation to the Urban Train. The case study of this research is the Bayamón Station. For the development of this research the first thing I did was a literature review. The literature review was focused on learning about the traditional operations of “ Público” System, the laws and regulations that control its operations and negotiations techniques. As part of the methodology interviews were made to the important officials of the Government Agencies which play an important role in the integration of “ Público” System to the Urban Train. Some of the Officials interviewed were the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Public Works and the President of the Metropolitan Bus Authority. The objectives of these interviews were to gather information of the initiatives of integrations that form part of the negotiations between the leaders of “ Público” System and the Officials of the Government Agencies. Other objectives are: identify the principal actors in the process of decision-making and identify the method of operation that the Government Agencies want from the “Público” System. Once I collect all the information I will continue interviewing the “Público” System leaders in order to know their position about the initiative of integration and the incentives that they demand to form part of the regional transportation plan for the San Juan Metropolitan Area. All the information gathered will be analyze in order to propose possible agreements between “Público” System and the Government Agencies to achieve an effective multimodal integration.
Musignac Reyes, Luiggi; Hudo,Rafael; Ierkic, Mario, Prof.UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Internet in Packet Radio
Our purpose is to implement a packet (digital transmission of information) radio station with the goal of constructing an Internet network or getaway and explore new possibilities of application. The location of the station as a host is in University of Puerto Rico-MAYAGÜEZ. Employing the AX.25 data link protocol for the air transmission. For Internet service we will be using TCP/IP protocol that serve for the transport and network functions and for the application suite that can be used in it. For now we will be transmitting data through the air in amateur radio bands.
Negrón, Meralys; García, Wilmary; Velázquez, Carlos, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Chemical Engineering Department
Determination of the Relationship Between Particle Size Distribution of a Fitz Mill and the Inlet Conditions
An indispensable operation in the preparation of pharmaceutical tablets is the milling process. In this, the pharmaceutical granulation particle size distribution is altered by grinding the granules formed during the powder mixing stage. The objective is to establish a range of particle size suitable for the preparation of the tablets. Similar to the humidity content, the PSD influences the properties of such. There are many different mills, all with the same objective. This work concentrated in studying a Fitz mill. The objective was to determine how the outlet PSD correlates with the inlet conditions such as humidity content, PSD, and feed velocity. The application of this relationship is crucial in the design of control strategies for the milling process. Future plans include the validation of the relationship (correlation) in other types of mills.
Ortiz, Luis M.; UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Departamento de Mecánica; Ramírez, Nazario, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Departamento de Ingeniería, Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial; Mieses, Jean
Downscaling Techniques
Neural Networks have been sed to develop a nonlinear correlation between satelite observations and prediction from general circulation climate models.The objetive of using the technique is to produce climate predictions at high resolution for the Caribbean Region. In the future we will not need the satellites observations, we will be able to predict climate conditions at high resolution using GCM outputs.
Ortiz, HéCtor; Toledo, Manuel, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical Engineering Department
A Low-cost System to Monitor Tren Urbano's Vehicle Schedules
This document describes a low-cost system being developed to monitor public transportation vehicles. It is based on the Global Positioning System (GPS), a technology that can provide real-time information about vehicle position. It combines GPS technology and wireless communications to collect vehicle schedule information in a centralized database. This information can be used for administrative and planning purposes. The usefulness of the monitoring device is described in the context of the integration of "carros publicos" as part of the multi-modal system to be build around Tren Urbano - new heavy rail train soon to be inaugurated in Puerto Rico's metropolitan area. This document describes the monitoring system and the basics of GPS and wireless packet data transmission. Preliminary test results and plans for future work are presented.
Otero, César, UIA-BAYAMON, Department of Electrical Engineering; Isham, Brett, Prof., Department of Mathematic and Natural Sciences
Observations of Radio Wave Interactions with Electrons in the Ionosphere
Interferometric measurements were made of radio waves interacting with electrons in the ionosphere using the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) high power, high frequency (HF) transmitter and a two-antenna receiving station. The signal was received separately on the two antennas, digitally sampled, and then processed. The HF wave reflected from the ionosphere at about 300 km in altitude. We are searching for stimulated electromagnetic emission (SEE). These are one of the effects that we can study using radio techniques. Given that there is a high enough electron density, the electric field of a radio wave transmitted to the ionosphere will interact with the free electrons in the plasma by causing them to oscillate at the same frequencies as the transmitted wave, and then to re-emit other electromagnetic waves, with frequencies near the original wave, but with the power in the new emission being much weaker than the original. We were searching for SEE, in order to measure variations in the SEE spectrum versus incidence angle. Using the interpreter Matlab, time and frequency series were plotted in PDF format. Fast Fourier transforms were used to take the frequency series of the data samples and were analyzed for SEE. Other data sets have been taken this year using different receiving equipment, and more analysis is being done but with both IDL and Matlab software. Up to now, no SEE have been found, but we intend to continue searching with and analyzing data for future research and analysis.
Padilla,Vargas, Wilfredo; Prado, Edna; Arnid, David; Colón, José, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical Engineering Department
New Front-End for UHF Wind Profiler Radar
TEP (Turbulent Eddy Profiler), is a volume imaging, UHF radar designed for clear-air measurements. It consists of a large array of 90 antennas operating at 915 MHz, each with its respective receiver. The elements of the receivers are: a low noise amplifier (LNA), a band pass filter, and an amplifier, all of them are coaxial. The objective is to redesign it using surface mount components, and include a mixer as part of the receiver.
Pérez, Elvin; Suárez, Luis, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Departamento de Ingeniería Civil
Análisis Estructural con Elementos Finitos de la Canoa de Hormigón 2002
El Departamento de Ingeniería Civil de UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, participa en las Competencias de la Canoa de Hormigón en Estados Unidos. La competencia consiste en diseñar, construir y navegar una canoa de hormigón liviano reforzado. La Canoa de Hormigón 2002 tiene 21-ft de largo, 2.48-ft de ancho, 3/8-in de espesor y peso unitaRío 50lb/ft3. El hormigón se refuerza con fibras de plástico en malla creando un material compuesto.Este trabajo describe el análisis estructural mediante elementos finitos de la canoa para conocer la distribución de esfuerzos durante la transportación, navegación e impacto accidental. Usando el programa de computadora SAP2000 se creó un modelo tipo cáscara tri-dimensional. Para simular las condiciones de navegación, los puntos debajo de la línea de flotación se apoyaron en resortes y para considerar la transportación se usaron dos apoyos que restringen las traslaciones. El análisis indica que los esfuerzos dominantes son de tensión. Los puntos críticos durante la navegación son el sitio de los tripulantes y los bordes. Cuando la canoa se apoya para transportación, los puntos críticos están sobre todo el borde. El estudio permitió seleccionar el refuerzo en fibras adecuado, la orientación de las fibras y las propiedades mecánicas que deben mejorarse. Se determinó que la malla de fibras de polietileno, en combinación con tiras de fibras de vidrio es suficiente para resistir los esfuerzos. Se colocaron dos mallas de polietileno con fibras a 45o y tiras de fibras de vidrio longitudinales alrededor de los bordes y transversales cada 3-ft reforzando el área de los tripulantes.
Ramírez Escalante, Nazario, UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Engineering
Assessment of the Estimation of Atmospheric Variables
A computer program has been developed to estimate atmospheric variables. The source of data that has been obtained and worked on are retrieved from radiosonde. A radiosonde is a meteorological instrument capable of obtaining climatic measurements at different elevations and transmitting it back to its station of origin with the help of a radio transmitter. This data provides measurements of climatic variables such as wind velocity and direction, geopotencial height, air temperature and dew point temperarture (both air temperature and dew point temperature are used to estimate the relative humidity).The computer program that will be submitted to a process of validation reads this information accompanied by a series of specifications that enables it to run smoothly from a Radiosonde CD-ROM. The structure of this information is reconstructed to carry out estimation of erroneous values or missing values inside the data. As a final product the computer program creates a series of nets using a method of interpolation called Kriging, for each pressure level and for the five climatic variables. In other words, from a single point in the Caribbean there is a certain amount of information available where it is then expanded throughout the whole Caribbean with the aid of mathematical techniques such as interpolation and regression analysis to obtain as an end product an estimation of climatic variables in areas where there are no meteorological stations.The assessment task consists of dropping one radiosonde station at a time and later the program calculates an estimation of atmospheric variables at eleven pressure levels in the Caribbean. The second task consists on computing the differences between the observed values and the estimated values for each variable. The magnitude of the errors provide the level of accuracy of the computer program.
Rivera Medina, Viviana; Vélez Arocho, Jorge, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Business Administration
The Elderly and Disabled Population of the San Juan Metropolitan Area and Their Impact as Potential Market for Tren Urbano
Puerto Rico is prepared for the arrival of a new and modern system of massive transportation in the Metropolitan Area: the Urban Train. One of the areas of interest forall is the development of marketing strategies to be used at TU in order to persuade the population to use it. In particular it is of interest, and is the focus of this research, to studythe market of TU to the elderly and disabled population. This segment needs facilities that allow them to access the places that they frequently visit and that, in addition, offer them an option of mobility to satisfy their need to be independent. A large number of these people lack the operational skills to operate their vehicles, and for that reason it is important to think about in which ways TU could be an option of mobility for them.This study is limited to the work projected for a year of research. Its main objective is the recommendation of a set of marketing strategies that TU can implement to simultaneously satisfy the necessities of the elderly and disabled users and, attract them to use it continuously. The scope of research includes the study among others of: countries with similar trains systems, the elderly and disabled communities along the alignment of TU, TU facilities proposed for the elderly and handicapped according to the age and type of incapacity, and the perception that this segment has of the usage of TU. To accomplish this there will be collection of secondary and primary data through two stages of investigation: Stage I: Search of information about what strategies TU is currently developing and a comparison with the strategies used in other countries Stage II: Assessment of the perception of the elderly and disabled persons regarding the use of TU as a transportation mode ( a survey at Centro Médico will be proposed for next semester) This progress report is about the Stage I which includes three main objectives: to identify strategies and actions at diverse countries with transportation systems similar to TU in order to satisfy the necessities of the elderly and disable population, to study the communities near the TU alignment and identify those with larger volumes of elderly and disable people and, to identify the physical facilities proposed by TU to satisfy the necessities of this market segment and the proposed strategies to attract them. The preliminary findings of this research permit us to take in consideration the strategies used in other cities in the process of identifying TU strategies. This preliminary research identified the elderly population near each TU station. The disabled population for TU is going to be studied next semester when the Census 2000 data for that variable will be available. Also, the findings in Stage I show us the excellent design criteria TU have in behalf of the elderly and disabled population and the great potential it has to satisfy the needs of that market segment. Finally, the Stage I findings explained in this progress report are very important because Stages II and III next year are going to have a solid base focused on the characteristics and necessities of the elderly and disabled population.
Rodríguez, Adenawar; Fernández, Rafael, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Engineering
Development of Techniques for Earth-Observing Satellite Imagery
As time passes, there have been found more ways to take advantage of satellite data, for example: Crop classification and mapping, geological structure mapping, oil spill detection, mapping of cleared forest areas and sea-ice monitoring among many others. This increases the need for tools that correctly analyses and extracts the information from the data in the fields of agriculture, cartography, hydrology, forestry, and oceanography. This scientific project is based on research of currently available techniques and algorithms used for processing satellite Earth-observing imagery to analyze the current state of the river outfalls in the north area of Puerto Rico for future comparison. Data used will be obtained from the following three satellites: RADARSAT 1, LandSAT 7, and TERRA spacecrafts, acquired in the Space Information Laboratory (SIL) at the University of Puerto Rico, MAYAGÜEZ Campus. The information obtained will be used for future development of improved tools and techniques for data analysis.
Rodríguez, Jorge, UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Civil Engineering Department; Vergara Dávila, Joseph; Cruz Santana, Joan; Villanueva de Cardona, Katia; González O'Neill, Oscar , Chemical Engineering Department; Torres Velázquez, Nilda, Physics Department; Velázquez Laboy, Wilfredo, Industrial Engineering Department; Suárez , Oscar M., Prof.
Creation of a Research Center for Materials Recycling at the University of Puerto Rico-MAYAGÜEZ
In the past years the solid waste management situation has been one of the most serious and yet unattended problems in Puerto Rico. Alternatives to harmful and ineffective landfills are not being explored due to economic and organizational disagreements. The urgent necessity to create a sustainable materials recycling policy in the island motivated a team of students from the University of Puerto Rico – MAYAGÜEZ to analyze the feasibility of applying different recycling methodologies to Puerto Rico. Therefore, by December 2001, after studying the recycling of car tire rubber, glass and aluminum cans the students, underscored the need to establish a Research Center to investigate those new recycling technologies, to improve the existing ones and to serve as a dynamic forum led by the university. Since January 2002, a new group of students have taken on the project of creating this Research Center for Materials Recycling at the University of Puerto Rico – MAYAGÜEZ. In addition to raise awareness about recycling in Puerto Rico, the center would function as a strong network comprising the recycling industry, government agencies, and interested municipalities in order to use all available on campus resources to provide real solutions to the recycling matter. In the end, beyond the technological issues, this research center would play a strong role in the preservation efforts of the island natural resources.
Rodríguez, Teddy, UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Departamento de Física; Orji, N., Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, N.I.S.T.; Vorburger, Theodore, Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory, N.I.S.T.
Microscopy of Subsurface Particles in Coatings
We are working to compare the performance of two specialized optical microscopes for measuring the positions and topography of metallic particles in transparent dielectric coatings. The first is a WYKO interferometric microscope and the second is a Zeiss laser confocal scanning microscope. We are performing this comparison in order to gain confidence that both instruments can provide accurate measurements of subsurface particles. We aim to measure several coated surfaces and relocate the same areas on those surfaces in the field of view of both instruments. With this approach we can, first determine whether some particles are detected by one instrument and not the other, second compare the tilts of each particle in the coatings as measured with the two microscopes, third compare the topography of each particle as measured with the two microscopes and determine the maximum film thickness through which we can obtain data with the WYKO. Once these tests are completed, and we have confidence that either (or both) microscope provides accurate particle topography data; we will calculate the slope distribution of the particles in each coating. The slope distribution function should be closely related to the optical scattering observed for those coating systems and should enable us to simulate the appearance of objects with metallic coatings.
Rodríguez Acosta, Snaider; Rodríguez Solís, Rafael, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical Engineering
Design and Characterization of an Aperture Coupled Microstrip Patch Antenna with Ferroelectric Films
An aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna with ferroelectric films is described. The microstrip antenna is coupled to a microstrip line by an aperture in the common ground plane. The radiating element is a microstrip patch antenna that is formed on a dielectric slab above the ground plane. The feed consists of an open-ended microstrip line that is located on a separated dielectric slab below the ground plane. The two structures are electromagnetically coupled through an electrically small aperture (thin rectangular slot) in the ground plane between them. A ferroelectric film is added above the rectangular slot. The substrate of the two layers is MgO and the ferroelectric film is BSTO. The effect of the ferroelectric film in the configuration is a dual frequency operation of this antenna. The antenna resonates at two different frequencies because the dielectric constant of the ferroelectric film changes with the polarization voltage. The design of this configuration with the measurements of the microstrip patch antenna, microstrip feed line and slot, and the specifications of the dielectric substrate and ferroelectric film are presented. The results of resonant frequencies, reflection coefficient, input impedance, gain, directivity and front to back ratio using an electromagnetically simulator are presented.
RomÁn PagÁn, Juan A.; Acosta, Felipe, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Civil Engineering Department
Reliability-Based Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers with 3D Braided Preforms
The purpose of this research is to develop reliability-based design factors of a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) material from statically valid experimental data. The design factors not only consider variabilities in the measured properties, but they also consider inherent variabilites in the material constituents, fiber/matrix, and manufacturing variables. Because deflections are usually the dominant failure mode of FRP structural elements, the experiments will focus on measuring the modulus of elasticity of the material along the principal directions. The material consists of a vinyl ester resin reinforced by E-glass fibers in the form of a three-dimensional braided textile. Coupon size specimens are tested in tension along the longitudinal and transverse directions, where load and deformations are measured. Deformations are measured by strain gages attached to the surface of the coupons or by an extensometer and the load is measured from the testing machine load cell. The specimens have nominal dimensions of 51 mm wide, 6 mm thick and 305 mm long. To test the effectiveness of the proposed factors, the performance of a real beam will be evaluated using engineering design methodologies.
Rosa, MarÍa; Baucage Yilia, Valdéz, Didier, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Civil Engineering Department
The Use of Driving Simulators to Improve the Uniform Traffic Control Devices Experimentation Process
The experimentation and evaluation of new traffic control devices currently takes a long time. It is a complex process including experimentation in actual test beds during a period of time, plus the corresponding evaluation. A very good alternative to reduce time spent on this process is the use of driving simulators instead of experimentation in the real world. The purpose of our research is to present changes in the methodology that allow time reduction by identifying all the driving simulators in the United States, their characteristics and suitability to faithfully represent traffic control devices. The new process will be proposed for incorporation to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Therefore, the simulators will be used to reduce the revision process for new traffic control devices according to the MUTCD. In addition, the information will be available to other institutions and will be used in other research projects. Nine manufacturing companies and 25 driving simulators have been identified. Their characteristics and capabilities including "hardware" and "software" specifications have been identified. The majority of the owners or persons in charge of these simulators are willing to work with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to carry out changes to the MUTCD. With this information we have analyzed the simulators potential and group them based on the type of sign that better can be evaluated with each simulator. Furthermore, we have proposed the necessary changes in the experimentation methodology such that the time is dramatically reduced. This research project is expected to produce several benefits. FHWA will identify and obtain information on characteristic and capacities of all the simulators that exist in United States with which traffic signs can be evaluated. The information provided will be utilized to reduce the process of evaluation and traffic signs approval. This new process will be included in the MUTCD. Also the MUTCD revision process will be reduced. In addition, the information will contribute in future research projects. In general, it will benefit all of us because traffic signs are indispensable for our security and direction in the highways.
Ruiz, Oscar A., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Yupa Luna, Jacinto; Calderón, Hermes E; Maya Suárez, Oscar M.. Prof., Department of General Engineering
Heat-Treatable Aluminum Matrix Composite Containing Boron for Aerospace and Automotive Applications
The present project proposes the manufacturing of a novel series of cast aluminum matrix composites by using aluminum-copper and aluminum-boron master alloys. The resulting material has a low cost of production and low reactivity between reinforcing particles and matrix. These strict requirements are met when AlB2 particles are present in a molten aluminum alloy containing copper. The borides are usually added as part of Al-B master alloys currently produced as grain refiners of commercial Al alloys. Therefore, while the borides do not chemically react with molten aluminum, they function as effective nucleating agents for Al crystals as the molten metal starts to solidify. The aluminum matrix is alloyed with copper to raise mechanical strength, hardness, and fatigue resistance. In addition the composite matrix becomes heat treatable and can be strengthen further by precipitation hardening as in a regular binary Al-Cu alloy. As-cast microstructures of a composite containing 2.5 wt. percent Cu and 5 wt. percent B are presented. Finally the precipitation sequence is traced by using microhardness measurements. Due their low density these composites are proposed as an alternative material for aerospace and automobile applications.
Salazar, Jorge L.; Rodríguez, Rafael, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Design of the Broadband Helical Antenna
The normal mode helical antenna (NMHA) is a common antenna used nowadays on hand-held transceivers for wireless communications. This type of antenna has many desirable properties such as: omnidirectional radiation pattern, large bandwidth and small physical size. Applications such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Croswell Radar Tomography (CRT) require ranges in the order of 4 MHz to 1 GHz and can benefit from the use of NMHA. In this work a scale model of a NMHA operating from 200 MHz to 10 GHz is begin development for CRT system. Several ways to enhance the bandwidth required and input impedance were studied and implemented. The author used as a first alternative the helix parameters to optimize the input impedance and improve the bandwidth; to obtain this, it was necessary to work with some known criteria and some design tools like fractional factorial design experiment. Then, the other alternative adopted was using other methods that have been published like: transmission line methods, using tape as conductor, and using different kind of feed of the antenna. The results applying these alternatives are satisfactory because the bandwidth was increased in a 50%. The author currently is studying and analyzing researches performed in Clemson University to enhance the antenna’s impedance bandwidth by adding parasitic elements and lumped resonant circuits. In addition an NMHA is beginning developed using log-periodic principles for the selection of the diameter and the turn separation of this antenna.
Solá Sloan, Juan; Couvertier, Isidoro, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Routing Offloading on an Intelligent Network Interface Card Simulation For Multi-Homed Servers
The first stage of this research handles ethernet protocol offloading and routing using software objects that represent Intelligent Network Interface Cards. Various objects are created that simulate the environment in which they will interact. All objects are created using C++ standard on a Linux environment. This research is part of an effort to offload TCP/IP and higher level protocols. The approach is to offload as many functions as possible starting in lower layers of the models established. The research is composed of two simulations. One with objects that represent normal NICs and one with objects with more intelligence.
Torres, Erick; Lay, Eduardo, Prof., UIA-BAYAMON, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Applications of Coated Super Conductors
Superconductor’s science and investigations have a potential large range of applications and yet a wide field to cover in the research process. In this specific investigation the main focus is to work and develop with the implementation and intrinsic materials engineering applications. The chosen material understudy is REBaCuO, which is mostly known as REBCO. In contrast to huge efforts in the area of thin films and bulk materials there exists little work for preparation and application of superconducting thick films. In spite of the limited efforts, the REBCO thick films are presently emerging as potential candidates for viable applications. Major progress in the area of thick film manufacturing and applications can be projected from a potential intensified research based on the recent developments. This progress might arise from identifying and developing suitable substrate materials, adopting the processing methods known from bulk melt processing like infiltration processing or multiple seeding, from investigating specific effects of two dimensional constrained growth or from exploiting specific properties or superficial modifications of the support-material. Innovative directions for the manufacture of single grain and biaxially textured thick films based on the bulk melt texturing principles will be investigated and exploited. This will lead to great benefits to various sectors of the real world engineering applications on commerce.
Torres Ortolaza, Carlos; Álvarez Kim, Manuel; Cruz Pol, Sandra, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Department of Electrical Engineering
Absolute Humidity Algorithms for Brightness Temperature Estimation
Atmospheric profiles of air temperature, pressure and dew temperature are used to compute the absolute humidity of the air as a function of height in the troposphere. Most algorithms in use today, use only air and dew temperature to compute the absolute humidity, yielding an error in the estimate. This study uses two absolute humidity algorithms; one that uses pressure and one that doesn't, to compute the radiosonde-derived brightness temperature from an atmosphere column. The radiosonde-derived brightness temperatures are then compared to actual measurements of brightness temperatures from collocated radiometers operating at microwave frequencies. The students will compute the brightness temperature from NWS radiosonde profiles using a currently-used algorithm and a modified algorithm (that includes pressure), and compare them to co-located radiometric measurements at 5 to 8 frequencies within the K-band. The data to be used was collected at San Diego, CA and West Palm Beach, FL. The best algorithm will be recommended for satellite radiometric calibrations.
Trujillo, Marilia; González, Antonio, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Department of Civil Engineering
Mediation and Arbitration in Adequate Compuers of Extended Overhead Produce by Change Orders in Construction Projects
Worldwide there is a trend in favor of using alternative methods for the resolution of conflicts. This investigation present how arbitration and mediation help to solve the disputes that are generated from change orders in construction projects. The work includes a description of mediation and arbitration, with an explanation of the similarities and differences. Other topics that are discussed in details are extended overhead and reduction of efficiency. The purpose of this research is to determine if the alternative methods for the resolution of conflicts work in a suitable way when construction disputes that deal with extended overhead arise.As part of the investigation we want to establish how this type of disputes affects the productivity and efficiency of construction projects. Other important aspect that is going to be present in the work is the importance of using arbitration and mediation as a way to avoid the reduction of efficiency in projects. Also we will make a criticism of both arbitration and mediation as alternatives methods for the resolution of disputes.
Vélez, Iván P.; Fernández Seín, Rafael, Prof., UPR-MAYAGÜEZ, Electrical & Computer Engineering Department.
Web-Based Catalog Browse System for Satellite Imagery and Associated Metadata for the Space Information Laboratory
The purpose of the project is to create a database system to allow easy access of RADARSAT, LANDSAT 7 and MODIS satellite image data captured in the Space Information Laboratory, a component of the NASA-URC Tropical Center for Earth and Space Studies, to the public by means of the World Wide Web. The process involves the development of techniques for compilation and organization of all existing satellite image data files, the design of the database structure that will contain all the images and related information, as well as the method for the integration of the database with a web-based search and catalog browse system to make it accessible online. This will help to present the data in an organized manner so that anyone interested can see a preview, or quicklook, of the satellite image products that can be obtained through the Space Information Laboratory for educational research, or bought for commercial purposes.
Victorio, Jammille; Senneyey, Esteban, Prof., UPR-RÍO PIEDRAS, Arquitecture Department
Proyecto Multiusos con Vivienda para Personas de Edad Avanzada en la Estación del Tren Urbano de Puerta de Tierra
The population of elderly people in Puerto Rico has been increasing for at least 70 years progressively, in the particular case of the San Juan Municipality,is the one of greater percentage of elderly people from the 1980 census. In spite of this reality, the house necessity that this increase implies has not been takes care of. The difficulty for an elderly person to find house adapted to its ecessities is more and more. This situation is worse for the person as they are spending the years, because they are not covered by the necessary insurances for the purchase of a property. Almost all the projects of house for elderly people are not profitable for the privates sectors. They need subsidies like the federal funds of section 202, which diminishes the possibilities of finding a house. In view of this concrete necessity and considering the project of the “Tren Urbano” like a great opportunity for redevelopment of the urban centers it is that we raised this proposal for “Puerta de Tierra”. The “Tren Urbano” in addition, like means of collective transport, replaces the necessity of mobility of a sector that in many cases is disabled to drive a car. “Puerta de Tierra” has lost population for 40 years ago and, in spite of desires of many city planners, it is a tendency that has practically extended to all the urban centers and historical centers of the island. A project like which it sets out, with houses for elderly people and a communal center can help, not only to bring permanent population, also it can define the center of “Puerta de Tierra” and reactivate the communal activities of the area. Parallel with this type of projects, must implement a program of urban improvements that also stimulate the pedestrian life. Given the conditions of the place and to the light of the preliminary analysis of the environs a program of necessities that it will include, within one sets out or several structures with not more than 6 levels:. 60- 80 apts. of 500sf c/ u 40,000sf.