Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Demo-Abstract: A Dtn System For Tracking Miners Using Gae-Lstm And Contact Graph Routing In An Underground Mine, Abhay Goyal, Sanjay Kumar Madria, Samuel Frimpong

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Localization and prediction of movement of miners in underground mines have been a constant problem more so during a mine disaster. Due to the unavailability of GPS signals, the pillars are used as a method to locate these miners, and thus, location prediction is also carried out with reference to these pillars. In this work, we demon- strate a Delay-tolerant Network (DTN) system called Miner-Finder that leverages Machine Learning (ML) framework (GAE-LSTM) that works on edge devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets) to predict the location of miners in an underground mine. The information such as speed, angle, time, nearest pillar …

Are Natural Fractures In Sandstone Reservoir: Water Wet – Mixed Wet – Or Oil Wet?, Salah Almudhhi, Laila Abdullah, Waleed Al-Bazzaz, Saleh Alsayegh, Hussien Alajaj, Ralph E. Flori

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study accurately measures the wettability contact angle of native Kuwaiti sandstone reservoir that hosts mixed pore size distributions in both the tight sandstone matrix as well as the natural fracture (NF) embedded in it. Also, this study, effectively, investigates the geometrical size and shape of natural available voids whether matrix voids or NF voids captured in the rock 2D image frame system. Correspondingly, this study is, successfully, measure tight matrix, NF Pore wall, and NF pore opening wettability performance and recovery efficiency contributions inside the sandstone reservoir. A model pore/ grain contact angle wettability is generated. Therefore, this study …

A Dtn-Based Spatio-Temporal Routing Using Location Prediction Model In Underground Mines, Abhay Goyal, Sanjay Kumar Madria, Samuel Frimpong

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Situational awareness during any disaster depends on effective communication and location tracking. In the case of underground mines, where the communication methods are mostly central, the whole communication channel would be rendered unusable during a disaster. To this end, we propose the use of Delay Tolerant Networks (DTN) to allow the miners to function in a distributed manner and help in locating the injured miners and routing distress messages. Due to the unavailability of GPS signals, the pillar numbers are used to identify the locations of the miners. For spatio-temporal routing of messages, we formulate a new scheme using Contact …

A Novel Technique For The Quantitative Determination Of Wettability Of A Severely Heterogeneous Tight Carbonate Reservoir, Saleh Al-Sayegh, Ralph E. Flori, Waleed Al-Bazzaz, Abdulaziz Abbas, Ali Qubian, Hasan Al-Saedi

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The objective of this study is to accurately measure the wettability contact angle of a cretaceous carbonate reservoir in a vertical well set-up known for as an unconventional tight carbonate oil reservoir. Also, to investigate the relative heterogeneity of these samples using digitally captured images; these images accurately capture natural pore-system in this carbonate rock samples and their wettability performance attributed towards building a vertical depth wettability/heterogeneity model. To capture, measure and model natural tight matrix static contact angle wettability in order to understand their new physics that will advance unconventional tight oil reservoir characterization. Entire vertical well depth reservoir …

Practical Imaging Applications Of Wettability Contact Angles On Kuwaiti Tight Carbonate Reservoir With Different Rock Types, Saleh Al-Sayegh, Ralph E. Flori, Waleed Al-Bazzaz, Sohaib Kholosy, Hasan Al-Saedi, Abdulaziz Abbas, Ali Qubian

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study focuses on a tight carbonate reservoir which is located in Northern Kuwait and is classified as an unconventional reservoir. A practical imaging technique of wettability contact angle (θ°) presents "big data" as well as relative-permeability (Krw and Kro) measurements. Also, modeling, through rock image technology, the vast well-documented grain/pore boundary morphology available inside fresh rock fragments have achieved good results. Conventional laboratory relative-permeability experiments are expensive and time-consuming. This study introduces a novel method to measure/calculate relative permeability through fast, less expensive, non-destructive, and environmentally friendly techniques of imaging technology. One tight carbonate reservoir is selected, imaged, processed, …

Investigating Pore Body, Pore Throat, Nano-Pore Wettability Preference In Several Unconventional Kuwaiti Carbonate Reservoirs, Saleh Al-Sayegh, Ralph E. Flori, Hussain Alajaj, Waleed Hussien Al-Bazzaz

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study will investigate measuring the wettability contact angles of native unconventional tight carbonate as well as other unconventional pore system reservoir samples that hosts varied pore shapes and subsequent wettability contact angle distributions in both reservoir matrix and possible natural fractures. Also, the investigation will include validation of the grain/ pore-wall wettability regions and classify the natural wettability preference available inside pores of the rock and their overall wettability performance and recovery efficiency contributions. Further investigation will include modeling pore throat contact angle wettability, and to understand their new physics that will advance reservoir characterization and oil recovery improvement.

Kuwaiti Carbonate Reservoir Oil Recovery Prediction Through Static Wettability Contact Angle Using Machine Learning Modeling, Saleh Al-Sayegh, Ralph E. Flori, Waleed Hussien Al-Bazzaz, Hasan Al-Saedi, Mostafa Al-Kaouri, Ali Qubian

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The objective of this study is to predict EOR efficiencies through static wettability contact angle measurement by Machine Learning (ML) modeling. Unlike conventional methods of measuring static wettability contact angle, the unconventional digital static wettability contact angle is captured and measured, then (ML) modeled in order to forecast the recovery based on wettability distribution phenomenon. Due to success in big data collection from reservoir imaging samples, this study applies data science lifecycle logic and utilizes Machine Learning (ML) models that can predict the recovery through wettability contact angles and thus identify the treatment of oil recovery for a candidate reservoir. …

Relating Detonation Parameters To The Detonation Synthesis Of Silicon Carbide, Martin Langenderfer, Eric W. Bohannan, Jeremy Lee Watts, William Fahrenholtz, Catherine E. Johnson

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Detonation synthesis of silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles from carbon liberated by negatively oxygen balanced explosives was evaluated in a 23 factorial design to determine the effects of three categorical experimental factors: (1) cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine (RDX)/2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) ratio, (2) silicon (Si) additive concentration, and (3) Si particle size. These factors were evaluated at low and high levels as they relate to the detonation performance of the explosive and the solid Si-containing phases produced. Detonation velocity and Chapman-Jouguet (C-J) detonation pressure, which were measured using rate stick plate dent tests, were evaluated. Solid detonation product mass, silicon carbide product concentration, and residual silicon …

Computational Study On The Microscopic Adsorption Characteristics Of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates With Different Chain Lengths On Anthracite Surface, Xuanlai Chen, Guochao Yan, Guang Xu, Xianglin Yang, Jinfa Dong, Zidong Liang, Shuai Wei

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In order to explore the influence of different lengths of hydrophobic carbon chains on the diffusion characteristics of surfactants on the surface of anthracite, six linear alkyl benzene sulfonates with different hydrophobic carbon chain lengths were selected (mC, m = 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18; m represents the numbers of carbon atoms in the hydrophobic carbon chain), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were adopted. Models of surfactant-anthracite, surfactant-graphite layer, and water-surfactant-anthracite were constructed. After analyzing a series of properties such as adsorption energy, diffusion coefficient, radial distribution function (RDF), and hydrophobic tail order parameters, it was found that 12C …

Findings Report: Virtual Workshop On ‘Resilient Supply Of Critical Minerals’, Marek Locmelis, Angela D. Lueking, Michael S. Moats, Kwame Awuah-Offei, Lana Z. Alagha, Mark W. Fitch, Alanna Krolikowski, Shelby Clark

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Executive Summary
On August 2-3, 2021, the Thomas J. O’Keefe Institute for Sustainable Supply of Strategic Minerals at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) hosted the NSF-funded virtual workshop ‘Resilient Supply of Critical Minerals’. The workshop was convened via Zoom and attracted 158 registrants, including 108 registrants from academia (61 students), 30 registrants from government agencies, and 20 registrants from the private sector. Four topical sessions were covered:

A. Mineral Exploration and Source Diversification.
B. Supply Chain and Policy Issues.
C. Improving Mineral Recycling and Reprocessing Technologies.
D. Technological Alternatives to Critical Minerals.

Each topical session was composed …

Explosive Dust Test Vessel Comparison Using Pulverized Pittsburgh Coal, Jacob Miller, Jay Schafler, Phillip R. Mulligan, Robert Eades, Kyle A. Perry, Catherine E. Johnson

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Explosions of coal dust are a major safety concern within the coal mining industry. The explosion and subsequent fires caused by coal dust can result in significant property damage, loss of life in underground coal mines and damage to coal processing facilities. The United States Bureau of Mines conducted research on coal dust explosions until 1996 when it was dissolved. In the following years, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) developed a test standard, ASTM E1226, to provide a standard test method characterizing the “explosibility” of particulate solids of combustible materials suspended in air. The research presented herein …

Detonation Synthesis Of Alpha-Variant Silicon Carbide, Martin Langenderfer, Catherine E. Johnson, William Fahrenholtz, Vadym Mochalin

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A recent research study has been undertaken to develop facilities for conducting detonation synthesis of nanomaterials. This process involves a familiar technique that has been utilized for the industrial synthesis of nanodiamonds. Developments through this study have allowed for experimentation with the concept of modifying explosive compositions to induce synthesis of new nanomaterials. Initial experimentation has been conducted with the end goal being synthesis of alpha variant silicon carbide (α-SiC) in the nano-scale. The α-SiC that can be produced through detonation synthesis methods is critical to the ceramics industry because of a number of unique properties of the material. Conventional …

Method And Apparatus For Jet-Assisted Drilling Or Cutting, David A. Summers, Klaus Woelk, Kenneth Doyle Oglesby, Greg Galecki

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An abrasive cutting or drilling system, apparatus and method, which includes an upstream supercritical fluid and/or liquid carrier fluid, abrasive particles, a nozzle and a gaseous or low-density supercritical fluid exhaust abrasive stream. The nozzle includes a throat section and, optionally, a converging inlet section, a divergent discharge section, and a feed section.

Percussive Penetration Of Unconsolidated Granular Media In A Laboratory Setting, Leslie S. Gertsch

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This controlled study examined the feasibility of a simple percussive approach to drilling through unconsolidated regolith deposits on Mars. The experiments showed that the approach is feasible at the low power levels and low confining pressures used, and that the rate of impact is more important to the penetration rate than is the mass of the impactor (hammer). More massive impactors tend to lower energy efficiency, as they do in terrestrial pile-driving. Unexpectedly, penetration plotted against applied energy tends to cluster into parallel linear trends. Within a given cluster, penetration is very sensitive to applied energy, while between clusters, the …

Effect Of Water Ice Content On Excavatability Of Lunar Regolith, Leslie S. Gertsch, Robert Gustafson, Richard E. Gertsch

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The amount of water ice contained within prepared samples of JSC-1 lunar regolith simulant strongly affects the excavatability of the material. As part of a NASA Phase I SBIR project, load-penetration testing of JSC-1 lunar regolith simulant was performed at water ice concentrations ranging from zero to 11% by mass (approximately saturated), after compaction and cooling to simulate probable lunar conditions. After mixing dry JSC-1 simulant with the appropriate amount of water, the samples were individually compressed into containment rings under 48 MPa of pressure. Thermocouples embedded in the samples monitored internal temperature while they were cooled in a bath …

Assessment Of Engineering Mechanics Instructional Multimedia In A Variety Of Instructional Settings, Richard H. Hall, Nancy Hubing, Timothy A. Philpot, Ralph E. Flori, Vikas Yellamraju

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

Students from Ten Schools, Representing Seven Countries, Used Interactive Multimedia as a Part of their Engineering Statics Classes. the Software Consisted of Four Modules, Which Focused On: Mohr's Circle; Centroid and Moment of Inertia; Stress Transformation; and Structural Analysis. the Students Completed On-Line Surveys About their Experience with the Software. Analysis of the Results Indicated that Students Rated their Knowledge of the Subject Matter Covered in the Software as Increasing Significantly as a Consequence of using the Software. However, This Increase Was Substantially More Pronounced for Students in U.S. Schools. Students Rated the Software as Significantly More Effective Than their …

Interactive Learning Tools: Animating Statics, Nancy Hubing, David B. Oglesby, Timothy A. Philpot, Vikas Yellamraju, Richard H. Hall, Ralph E. Flori

Business and Information Technology Faculty Research & Creative Works

Computer-Based Modules for Engineering Instruction Must Be Concise, Flexible, Educational and Engaging in Order to Effectively Supplement Traditional Classroom Teaching Tools. a Computer Example that Takes More Time Than a Chalkboard Presentation is Not Likely to Be Useful in Today's Engineering Classroom. Flexible Navigation is Necessary So that the Instructor Can Quickly and Easily Respond to Student Questions. Useful Modules Must Also Improve Problem-Solving Skills or Clarify Troublesome Concepts in Order to Be Considered Worthy of Inclusion in the Limited Class Time Available. Finally, and Perhaps Most Importantly, Effective Computer-Based Modules Must Meet the Challenge of Holding the Student's Attention. …

Knowledge Organization And Inference Engine For The Wvu Face Decision Support System, S. Carrow, R. S. Nutter Jr., R. S. Raman, N. A. Reddy, Y. V. Reddy, R. Larry Grayson

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The knowledge-based organization for the West Virginia University Face Decision Support System is given, along with the initial development of the associated inference engine. The knowledge base contains generic knowledge about underground coal mines that utilize continuous miners. A typical knowledge entry is given, and the inference engine methodology is explained. The engine utilizes this knowledge with data from monitoring systems and from interaction with the section foreman, to assist in making section management decisions and plans.

Umr Minerals Building: An Innovative Approach To The Construction Of Underground Buildings, Bruce H. Green, David A. Summers

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The original intent of the exercice was to develop a design for a new minerals engineering building which would demonstrate the applicability and feasibility of an underground building complex to our administration and to the Board of Curators. Two major advantages were foreseen for such a building. Not only would it be immensely superior, in terms of energy demand, to the conventional aboveground buildings previously constructed by the University, but it also would have highly significant symbollic and educational effects on the students of the several disciplines comprising the UMR "School of Mines and Metallurgy". It would also serve as …

Determination Of Washability And Flotation Characteristics Of Important Missouri Coal Seams, Hayri Erten

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Most of the 14 workable coal seams in the State of Missouri are considered to be high in ash and sulfur contents and need beneficiation in order to meet customer and Environmental Protection Agency requirements. If proper beneficiation methods can be designed, more Missouri coal will be mined and used within the state.

The objectives of this research are (1) to draw the washability curves of important Missouri coal seams in order to determine their washability characteristics, and (2) to determine the flotation characteristics of the same seams.

Tests conducted on 20 samples taken from Bevier, Croweburg, Mulky, and Summit …

Industrial Energy Conservation Through Boiler Operation Efficiency Improvement, Dupree Maples, G. D. Whitehouse

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A method of determining the minimum amount of oxygen in the flue gas which results in the most efficient combustion is discussed. Results of field test are presented. The magnitude of the stack gas losses is dependent on the stack gas composition determined by the fuel and quantity of excess air and the stack temperature.

Oil Shale Energy And The Environment, Stephen Utter

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Shale oil can be produced from oil shale by true In situ, modified in situ, and surface retorting methods. Both modified in situ and surface methods require mining of the oil shale. The environmental Implications of an oil shale mining industry are reviewed and the impacts upon land use, air and water quality, and ecological systems discussed. The Bureau's mining environmental research program is described and the results to date summarized.