Engineering Commons^™

Performance Analysis For The Ccn Collection Apparatus, Deborah K. Bircher

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

This paper concerns the performance testing of a system to collect and chemically analyze cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). These are the atmospheric particles which nucleate cloud drops.

The air is humidified by passage through the "haze chamber", consisting of parallel vertical plates that are covered with cotton cloth and are kept wet by water supplied at the top edge. The plates are adiabatic , and should equilibrate in temperature at the wet bulb temperature of the incoming air. Measurements of the plate temperature with eighty thermocouples indicate behavior consistent with theory.

Another part of the system is called the CFD …

In-Plane/Out-Of-Plane Dynamic Racking Tests Of Curtain Wall Glass Elements, James H. Culp

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

This report describes a research project that was conducted to examine architectural glass behavior as curtain wall components subjected to earthquake-like dynamic motions. The project was an extension of an earlier pilot study conducted in 1991. The 1991 pilot study dealt only with dynamic racking of the curtain wall in its own plane.

The focus of this study was to investigate the effects of adding out-of-plane motions to the previous in-plane motions and to observe the resulting structural performance of various types of architectural glass. Thus, the curtain wall specimens in the current study were racked with motion components both …

Tape Casting For Lead Zirconate Titanate (Pzt) Multilayer Composites, Jane L. Cochran

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Tape casting is a process for making thin flat ceramic pieces by using a scraping blade or "doctor blade" to evenly coat a smooth surface with a slip[ 1 ]. The slip is a mixture of powder, solvent, binder, and other organics which result in a paint like consistency after they are mixed.

The tapes is cast into thicknesses ranging from 1 to 50 mils on a smooth surface , which is usually made of Mylar, and left to dry.

Once the tape has dried it can be cut into several different shapes and sizes, and then fired to form …

Motorized Throttle Plate, John D. Crawford

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The objective of this project was to develop a throttle plate mechanism that can be used to simulate transient engine operation. This throttle plate was designed so as to regulate the quantity of air flow entering a Port Fuel Injected (PFI) spark ignition engine prior to the combustion of the fuel-air mixture. The throttle plate is linked to a data acquisition system in order to study the port fuel injection characteristics of the fuel-air mixture. This data acquisition system links the throttle plate angular position information to data obtained using a nonintrusive laser based diagnostic technique, therefore enabling the study …

Mechanical Properties Of Whisker-Reinforced Cordierite Glass Matrix Composites, John R. Dillingham

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The development of a whisker-reinforced ceramic matrix composite has been shown to be a reasonable method of achieving improved mechanical properties for ceramic materials. In this work a cordierite matrix was reinforced with 20vol% of silicon carbide whiskers. The mechanical properties of this composite were compared to those of the nonreinforced cordierite matrix. As would be expected, the whisker- reinforced matrix showed a significant improvement in mechanical properties.

The specimens used for testing were processed by hot-pressing in an argon atmosphere using a graphite die coated with boron nitride. Hot pressing was carried out at 950°C for the pure matrix …

Fiber Optic Microdeformation Sensors For Smart Structures, Lawrence S. Criscione

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

When optical fibers are stressed, the deformations at the core-cladding interface induce signal attenuation. Because of their durable physical properties (high melting point) optical fibers can be embedded into certain composite materials at the manufacturing stage. Stresses on the composite induces stresses on the embedded fiber. The amount of stress on the fiber, and thus the stress on the composite, can be determined by measuring the attenuation of a signal passing through the fiber. Force was applied to a single mode and a multimode fiber in a microbend inducing plate, and the attenuation this stress created was measured.

Experimental Investigation On The Longitudinal Stability Of A P51 Mustang Aircraft Model, Erich Fitzpatrick

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

This project involved the development of a test model of the P-51 Mustang aircraft and an experimental investigation of its stability. The model was developed to investigate the influence of the main horizontal tail parameters ( tail incidence, position of c.g., stabilizer moment arm,etc.)on the pitching moment around the aircraft’s center of gravity. To accomplish such a task, a test model was designed and fabricated with flat plate and airfoil wing configurations. The tail incidence of the flat plate stabilizer is adjustable over the entire range of positive and negative angles. A rechargeable, electric motor mounted in the fuselage adjusts …

Active Buckling Control Of Composite Plates, Bradley Wayne Gentelin

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The objective of the research project is to investigate the feasibility of using the rapidly growing technology of smart materials in actively controlling the buckling of laminated composite plates. Advanced composite structures are susceptible to structural instabilities under compression loadings, and the proper control of such instabilities is essential to the effective performance of the structures. The focus of the research activity is to perform an experimental study of using embedded piezoelectric materials for enhancing the critical buckling loads of laminated composite plates. The forces induced by the piezoelectric actuators under the applied voltage fields will be used to counterbalance …

Aerodynamics Of Solar Vehicles, Richard R. Pardun

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The purpose of this research project is to design the shape of a fully road worthy vehicle operating under nothing but the power of the sun. This vehicle was to meet all racing regulations of The Sunrayce and the World Solar Challenge. Because of the specific use of this vehicle, this project provides a chance to explore the aerodynamically ideal vehicle. Little attention has to be paid to practicality. The result is a very streamlined, highly aerodynamically efficient car, that is still stable and safe.

Solidification Modeling Of Centrifugal Casting, Stephen M. Lane

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

This paper describes the methodology used to estimate the solidification time of castings produced by processes in which normal thermal analysis cannot be used, such as centrifugal casting. This methodology utilizes the relationship between microstructure, in particular secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS), and freezing time. Using this method it is shown that position within the casting and casting geometry affect the SDAS and freezing time. However, the SDAS did not vary across the wall section due to differences in filling pattern compared to sand casting. Further research is necessary to determine filling pattern effects on microstructure.

Electrochemical Technique For Evaluating Surface Area Of A Treated Copper Foil, Gregory Lea

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

In order to increase the strength of copper foil bonded to a polymeric substrate material, a dendritic layer is electrodeposited onto the foil. Treating the foil in this manner causes its surface to be rough and porous, thus providing for better penetration of the adhesive and a greater surface area for bonding. The process is particularly helpful in the manufacturing of printed circuit cards, due to the added bond strength which greatly enhances the durability of the printed circuit cards.

Behavior Of Bubble Columns, Clint Davison

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

In the research program I studied different methods used in mixing gas and liquid in industrial reactors. I was introduced to the bubble column, the airlift reactor, and the bubbling stir tank through text reading, experimentation, and designing. From readings coming from the instrument and observation with my own eyes, I was able to learn much about the flow of particles in tanks such these.

The bubble column and the airlift reactor contain two sections of water flow (riser and downcomer). The riser area has a lower bulk density of fluid because of the rising air bubbles. The downcomer area …

Analysis Of A Thrust Vectoring Fighter Aircraft Using Realtime Flight Simulation, Clinton A. Thessen

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

A real-time flight simulation model based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet was created. This model was then modified with two different styles of thrust vectoring so that a study of each system's effect on the aircraft's pitch performance could be conducted in order to determine the best system. At present, work is proceeding on the development of active flight controls for the aircraft. After that effort is completed the thrust vectoring study can begin.

Two Methods For Attenuation Of Vibration In Structures, Kevin Mark Mcclendon

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The purpose of this report is to discuss methods of suppressing vibration in space trusses. The discussion is centered on the approach, structural attributes, and effectiveness of each method. One approach uses structural active members which are actuated to produce “anti-vibration” to cancel vibrations in the truss. The other method is to implement passive and active damping devices at the base of the space truss, where it will absorb vibrations by fluctuating the stiffness of the structures foundation.

The Research, Design And Production Of Cortical Bone Pins And Screws For The Fixation Of Broken Bones In The Hand And Wrist, Ronald P. Holland

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Investigators at the University of Missouri at Rolla have entered into a joint venture with surgeons at Saint Louis University Hospital to develop a superior method of fixing broken bones of the human hand and wrist. This method involves the production of pins and screws from human cortical bone which will be used to fix broken bones for healing. The cortical bone fasteners will provide many advantages to the currently used metal fasteners. To date, prototype fasteners have been developed and are pending mechanical testing as a result of this undergraduate research project. Results of this project potentially include a …

Vortex Developments Over An Accelerated Airfoil At High Angles Of Attack, Jacopo A. Frigerio

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Proper control of unsteady separated flow developments over the lifting surfaces of an aircraft may prove to be an effective method of enhancing aerodynamic lift and producing better aircraft performance. Due to the complexity of unsteady flow separation and subsequent flow developments, experimental exploration and observation are essential in providing a source for comparison and verification with theoretical and computational models. In light of these motivations, a new experimental system that is capable of generating wide of range of unsteady flow histories has been developed and employed to visualize flow developments over an airfoil in accelerated-decelerated motion. The paper presents …

Development Of A Data Acquisition System For Common Velocity Anemometers, Dane P. Drefke

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The objective of this project was to develop a software package that would allow more efficient, accurate, and easier use of wind tunnel data. The software was to receive an analog signal from an array of hot wire anemometers, convert the signal to a digital format, and then process the raw data, converting it into values of properties which have practical value to the user. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, this project never left the software development stage. The user interface was successfully designed. The signal conversion portion of the package was not completed and the package was never tested.

Analysis Of Turnability For A Three Terminal Microwave Network, Michael J. Bahr

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Three-terminal microwave networks can be shown to exhibit qualities that would make them desirable to be used as multiple terminal devices. Using microwave theory, where instantaneous voltage is a function of position on the line, this situation will be examined. These devices use the interference principle of propagating waves as the basis of their characteristics. This investigation will probe a three- terminal microwave network with one input and two output. This configuration acts similar to a splitter where the outputs may be controlled. These three terminals, plus manipulation of the lengths of each side, actually makes this a four terminal …

Catalysis Of Charcoal Emissions, James M. Horak

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

This paper is about the development of a system to reduce the emissions of charcoal kilns with the catalyst from automotive catalytic converters. This device, called the charcoal kiln emissions oxidizer (CKEO), was designed and fabricated to meet the goal of a cost effective means to reduce the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions from charcoal kilns. Testing of the CKEO was never carried out as a test site could not be secured by this writing. The need for the CKEO, the theory behind it, and a procedure to test it are presented.

Fiber Optic Fabry-Perot Sensors For Smart Structures, Thomas K. Edmondson

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Optical fiber sensors promise to play a large role in the development of smart structures which have the ability to continuously monitor themselves for internal and external structural deformation, and even actively change shape. This investigation studies one such sensor based on a fiber optic Fabry-Perot interferometer, which detects the displacement between two points of a material. Sensor theory and construction are discussed, and the tools used to analyze sensor output are developed. The interferometer is then tested by attaching it to a large cantilever beam which is deflected to produce strain. This experimental data is then used to determine …

Optimizing Energy Usage In A Solar-Powered Vehicle, William R. Macneil

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The University of Missouri - Rolla (UMR) will be entering SUNRAYCE '93 and the World Solar Challenge and expects to excel in these solar-powered car races. Some of the factors involved in winning a race include efficiency, reliability, and high power. All of these are important considerations, but will be ineffective unless appropriately harnessed by a power management scheme appropriate to a race strategy. The power management scheme will be used to efficiently and effectively distribute available power to the car's systems throughout a race day. My goal was to produce a software framework into which the specifications and performance …

Damage Assessment Of Composite Structures With Embedded Optical Fibers, Peter E. Hackett

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

One of the important features of smart composite structures is their capability to observe their own performance for proper functioning and self-diagnostic purposes. The low velocity impact damage of composite structures (matrix cracking, fiber breakage, delamination, etc.) is often difficult to detect visually and can significantly reduce the strength of the structure. The objective of this research is to develop a technique for fabricating composite laminates that will facilitate the embedment of optical fibers. Composite test specimens will be fabricated in the composite material laboratory. The fabrication of composite laminates with a health monitoring and damage assessment system capable of …

A Study Of High Temperature Oxidation Resistance Of Plasma Treated Nb-Ti-Al Alloys, Roderick R. Rowland

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The effect of plasma treatment on the oxidation behavior of Ti-22Al-27Nb (atomic%) has been studied. The alloy, cast as an ingot by triple VAR and worked to a billet, was cut into smaller samples and oxidation plasma pre-treated. Oxidation plasma pre-treatments were conducted at four ambient temperatures: 25°C, 200°C, 400°C, and 500°C. Both the untreated and plasma pre-treated samples were oxidized at 700°C and 1000°C for one hour, in a muffle furnace. The oxidation behavior of the samples led us to do an extended oxidation of 100 hours at 700°C. The 200°C plasma pre-treated samples showed a definite leveling out …

Gamma Dose To A Fetus From Internal And External Sources, Lisa Stiles

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The purpose of this study was to use the QAD computer code to calculate the dose received by a fetus from external and internal sources to which the mother is exposed. The changes in Chapter 10, part 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations that will be put into effect January 1, 1994, will require that radiation doses be reported not only for the whole body but to specific organs and the fetus as well. Fortunately, the computer program QAD can provide health physicists and other persons responsible for monitoring radiation exposure of individuals with an accurate, easy to use …

Influence Of Pattern Geometry And Pouring Temperature On Fluidity In The Expendable Pattern Casting Process, Diego Rodriguez Risco

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

This report is an extension of the paper "Influence of Pattern Geometry and other Process Parameters on Mold Filling in the Aluminum EPC Process", by Yuan Sun, Hai-Lung Tsai and Donald R. Askeland (2). The increase in fluidity in the expendable pattern casting (EPC) process with pattern perimeter, volume to surface area (V/A) ratio, and pouring temperature was studied for a 700°C-900°C temperature range and for both aluminum and cast iron.

Using Modulated Beam Mass Spectrometry Techniques To Determine Hydrogen Levels In Single Crystal And Etched Single Crystal Silicon, Gregory J. Teets

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Silicon is an important element that has many applications ranging from semiconductors to solar cells. The quantity, diffusion, and bonding of hydrogen atoms in the silicon can play an important role in the electrical characteristics of single crystal and etched single crystal silicon. The hydrogen bonds to the impurities and to the dangling bonds in the silicon and reduces current leakage and improves performance [1-4]. Until now hydrogen bonding data has been extrapolated from related studies to determine hydrogen evolution temperatures from the silicon. Abrefah, Olander, et al. [1] studied deuterium evolution from silicon where the deuterium had been implanted …