Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Electrospray Ionization Applied To C60 And Carbon Nanotubes, Joshua V. Cardenzana

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An apparatus has been developed with the intent to produce beams consisting of C₆₀ and Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) by using Electrospray Ionization. Although Electrospray Ionization is commonly used for producing beams of large biomolecules, this technique has not been attempted before for producing Fullerene beams.

Through the process of Electrospray Ionization, beams consisting of C₆₀, and Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) can be obtained and measured using electrometers. Utilizing these measurements various alterations have been done to maximize the intensity of these beams. Many more minor and major additions are planned to improve the sensitivity …

Unleaded Drinking Water: Equilibrium Potential Measurements For Monochloramine Disinfectant, Brandi Clark

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The strength of monochloramine, NH₂CI, as an oxidizing agent can be linked to its effect on Pb levels in drinking water. In this study, the equilibrium potential was measured as a function of pH from pH 8 to 12 and compared to a theoretical plot of formal potentials derived from the Nemst equation. The measured equilibrium potential was consistently about 300 mV more negative than the calculated potential - NH₂CI is a weaker oxidizing agent than predicted. When the measured potentials are plotted on a Pourbaix diagram, it is found that NH₂CI can oxidize …

Improving The Usability Of Evolutionary Algorithms: Self-Adaptive Semi-Autonomous Democratic Parent Selection, Joshua M. Eads

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One of the primary obstacles to Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) fulfilling their promise as easy to use general-purpose problem solvers is the difficulty of correctly configuring them for specific problems such as to obtain satisfactory performance. This paper introduces the concept of democratic, semi-autonomous parent selection by encoding and evolving population rating operators as in Genetic Programming and shows the potential of extending self-adaptation by pairing mates using an adaptation of the Stable Roommates problem. Replacing the typical general parent selection algorithm with autonomously evolved individual selection parameters has the prospective to bring EAs a step closer to their promise as …

Polymer Gels: Mimickin G Biological Environments, Joshua Carey

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A comparison of the hydrolysis of pyruvic acid in polymer gels and in aqueous environment will be studied using NMR techniques. Relaxation time and diffusion rates will be determined and compared to show the mimicking capability of the polymer gels to that of biological environments. This will allow for a means in which chemical reactions can be performed in a medium that more closely resembles the rate that the reaction would occur in biological systems.

Effects Of Monochloramine And Free Chlorine On Copper Dissolution In Drinking Water, Ryan C. Abington

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The effects of the disinfectant's free chlorine and monochloramine have been studied on thin copper films using the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. It has been found that after twenty-four hours of immersion, the hypochlorite and the monochloramine both convert some of the copper into cuprous oxide. However, after immersion in monochloramine, tiny pinholes in the copper develop on the electrode and the gold substrate is visible underneath. This leads to suggest that while free chlorine may oxidize copper, monochloramine will oxidize copper and can cause pitting in the metal.

Photosensitization Of Photoconductive And Photorefractive Composites Through The Inclusion Of Semiconductor Nanocrystals, Tyler Martin Fears

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A novel synthesis of NiS nanocrystals included in photorefractive polymeric composites is described. The nanocrystals were characterized using visible-absorption spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. We further demonstrate the ability to enhance aspects of the composites' photorefractive performance by performing ligand exchange on the nanocrystals prior to their incorporation into the polymer composite. It was originally believed that this modification of the nanocrystals' surface characteristics would result in an enhanced charge-transfer process between the nanocrystal and the charge transporting matrix. However, when the photo conductivities were determined and used in calculating the quantum efficiencies associated with the …

Determination Of Cadmium Nitrate Mass Through Neutron Activation Analysis, Charles Williams

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Neutron Activation Analysis is a method of determining the composition of a sample wherein the sample is irradiated, then measured through gamma ray spectroscopy. This method can also be used to determine the mass of a particular substance within an unknown sample by comparing the gamma ray spectroscopy results to that of known results and applying a p redetermined linear relationship between known sample mass (or molarity) and the primary peak area form the gamma ray spectroscopy results. This relationship is what our project set out to determine for differing concentrations in a standard volume of Cadmium Nitrate solution (CdNO …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Mercury Vapor Coordination Species Using 1,3-Benzenedioethanethiolate (Bdet), Elizabeth Zuchek, Harvest L. Collier

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Mercury is a major pollutant in the air today. Some possible chelators that have been used are British anti-Lewisite (BAL) 2,3-dimercaptopropanol, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). diinercaptopropanesulfonic acid (DMPS). and 1,3-benzenediamidoethanethiolate (BDE'I1. All contain two thiol groups, which 'capture' the heavy mercury element. Due to their structure, they all differ in how well they bind to the mercury atom. BDET is the most recent and efficient chelate used. Statistics show that coal-fired power plants are the nation's largest mercury polluter. Steps have been taken to lower the emission of this toxic metal by the Clean Air Act. However, recently The Bush Administration's …

Image Processing Techniques And Implementations In Software For Use With A Ccd Camera, Clarence Franklin Jr.

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The concept of image processing is used whenever there is a reference to digital images. By random and natural errors introduced into the image during collection and transmission, the images are distorted. Image processing techniques are used to eliminate these error before viewing of the images. For this experiment, the images provided by the ST-6 CCD Camera System will be used in the development and implementation of image processing techniques into a software package.

Designing A New Programming Methodology For Optimizing Array Accesses In Complex Scientific Problems, Larry Coffin

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Many problems of interest to scientists and engineers, such as fluid flow and stress analysis, require the solution of complex PDEs. Often the solution requires discretizing the physical domain into a mesh or grid then stepping from a given initial state towards some final state using small incremental time steps. Grid sizes can reach several thousand to hundreds of thousands of elements and the number of time steps required to solve the problem can vary from several thousand to tens of thousands or more. Traditional programming techniques are unable to take advantage of the non-random grid access patterns and generally …

Relaxation Technique For The Fitting Of Numerical Data, Michael J. Lehmann

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Data, in particular that generated through successive computer approximations, may not always follow the smooth curve it is suppose to. Approximations in input data, round off error, and estimations made in the mathematical formulas, are just some of the things that could cause this problem. In any respect, this data must somehow be smoothed or fitted for publication. One way of fitting such data sets is the relaxation method. This method does not rely on the data conforming to a specific mathematical shape, as opposed to other programs that require the data to be fitable by some mathematically generated curve. …

Ccd Photometry At The Umr Observatory, Christopher P. Smith

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During the summer of 1993 a number of advances at the University of Missouri-Rolla’s observatory have taken place. These advances range from cleaning the mirrors and polar aligning the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope to the acquisition of needed supporting material. A program for observing variable stars, implementing the newly acquired CCD1R image reduction program, searching galaxies for supernova, and the possibility of adding low resolution stellar spectroscopy to our research capabilities will be discussed. This manual will discuss how to implement the new CCDIR program.

The Synthesis And Characterization Of Poly (1,1'-Divinyl-2,2’-Biimidazole), Timothy S. Evenson

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The monomer 1,1 ,-divinyl-2,2’-biimidazole was prepared using a previously published procedure (1). The new divinyl biimidazole polymer was then synthesized from this monomer. The polymer was characterized by infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Nuclear magnetic resonance confirms the structure of the polymer. Also, gel permeation chromatography was used to determine molecular weight, while differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the glass transition temperature and crystalline melting point of the polymer.

Sporomorphs And Palynological Interpretations Of Lower Oligocene Strata From The Eastern Gulf Coast, U.S.A., Lisa M. Reeves

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The Vicksburg Group in the eastern Gulf Coast of the United States belongs to one of the most complete and continuous Paleogene strata in the world. Previous studies in this region have neglected the rich palynomorph assemblages of the Lower Oligocene units of the Vicksburg Group. Four samples from Wayne County Mississippi were analyzed for palynological information on the Vicksburg Group. The initial objective of the study was to understand the principles of palynology and the basis for sporomorph identification. A minimum of 300 specimens were counted per slide to determine the distribution of sporomorphs in the sediments. Two hundred …

Solar Spectroscopy Using 50 Meters Of Fiber Optic Cable And Ccd Camera, Christopher P. Smith

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Measurements of the variation of the Can K line profile using very modest equipment is discussed. The equipment used included a Spex 0.75 meter spectrometer, a Santa Barbara Instrument Group 16 bit ST-6 Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera, fiber optic cable, and a 10-inch Cassegrain telescope. Observations were made in both regions of little or no solar activity as well as in regions of high solar activity (sunspots). A roughly 8% increase in Ca II K emission was observed over a sunspot. The combination of the unique observing apparatus and the intensity resolution of the CCD camera was essential for …

Macrocyclic Antibiotics As A New Class Of Chiral Selectors For Liquid Chromatography, Christine Bagwill

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In the field of chromatographic separations, the need for new chiral stationary phases is always in demand. Many stationary phases already exist, some of the more popular being cyclodextrin or protein based phases. During this research, a new class of chiral selectors were discovered and evaluated for chiral recognition. Vancomycin, thiostrepton, and rifamycin B all belong to the macrocyclic antibiotic family. Not only can this new class of chiral selectors be used to resolve compounds that cannot be separated on any other column, but it is also more stable and has much greater capacity than protein based columns.

Modified Recycled Glass As An Additive In Coatings Applications, Garth D. Brown

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The feasibility of using chemically modified, finely pulverized recycled glass as an additive in coatings was investigated. The ground glass was added as partial replacement for the conventional pigment titanium dioxide (TiO₂). The loss of TiO₂ pigment was compensated with an optical brightening agent (OB agents). OB agents can help contribute to a coating’s hiding capacity by absorbing light in the UV range, releasing light of a lower energy in the visible spectrum. Glass supplemented coatings were formulated and common paint tests were performed. The glass changed the optical and physical properties of the coating formulations. The …

Synthesis Evaluation Of New High Performance Polymer Systems Involving Tetrachlorohydroquinone, Jason A. Giles

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New high performance transparent polymers are in demand in the aerospace and automotive industries to replace current glass and composite systems. Tetrachlorohydroquinone (TCHQ) was used as the base monomer for various copolymer formulations. Different acid chloride monomers lead to polyester formation with TCHQ. Polycarbonates were formed with triphosgene and diethyl carbonate. This base monomer added rigidity, transparency, and high temperature resistance, however, resulting polymers were brittle and difficult to process. Polymers were characterized by IR and DSC.

Development Of A Recycled Glass Corrosion Inhibitor For Surface Coatings And Concrete Applications, Theresa Pierce

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This research was performed to study the possibility of attaching a metal corrosion inhibitor to recycled glass powder. Such a material would be useful as a corrosion inhibitor component for metal substrate coatings. The major experiments performed were first to produce a metal corrosion inhibitor (Irgacor 153)/silane coupling agent (3-(chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane) adduct and secondly to attach this corrosion inhibitor/silane adduct onto the surface of glass. To test feasibility, qualitative corrosion tests were performed using steel wool as the corroding metal and a number of product samples.

The Electrochemical Characterization Of A Platinum Cyclooctadiene Complex As A Guest Molecule In The Presence Of Ss-Cyclodextrin, Timothy S. Evenson

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The equilibrium constants for the complexation of the dichloroplatinum- cycloocta-1,5-diene complex with p-cyclodextrin in N,N-dimethyl- formamide was determined using electrochemical cyclic voltammetry. The constants for both the oxidized and reduced forms of the platinum compound were determined. Model redox experiments were conducted with ferrocene and 1,1 ’-dimethylferrocene before the platinum compound was studied in order to establish parameters for the experimental method. Also determined was the ratio of the diffusion constants of the guest molecule with and without being complexed with cyclodextrin. In addition to the platinum complex being electrochemically characterized as a guest of cyclodextrin, circular dichroism studies were …

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

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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 …

Motorized Throttle Plate, John D. Crawford

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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 …

Active Buckling Control Of Composite Plates, Bradley Wayne Gentelin

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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 …

Hypochlorite Oxidation Of Nitrilotriacetic Acid, Audrey P. Linville

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The chemical degradation of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) by sodium hypochlorite is examined. Preliminary work indicates that NTA undergoes decarboxylation. In the second phase of this investigation (S92), the work was mainly concerned with the products from the reaction of NTA with hypochlorite. The product of decarboxylation has been found to be iminodiacetic acid. The decrease in concentration of hypochlorite per unit time was studied over a pH range of 7-14 and in the presence of lead, calcium, zinc, and copper ions.

Dolomite Cement Stratigraphy Of The Reelfoot Rift And The Relationship Of These Cements To Dolomite Cements Found In Southeast Missouri, Timothy James Keller

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The formation of the southeast Missouri Mississippi Valley-type Pb, Zn, Cu ore districts have been a subject of controversy. Using petrology and geochemistry, earlier studies have attempted to reveal fluid flow, composition, and origin of the ore forming fluids. In this study, the potential role of the Reelfoot rift (New Madrid seismic zone) as a source and/or conduit for ore forming fluids is addressed. By observing cuttings and cores from four oil test wells within the Reelfoot rift using cathodluminescence, four cement types were described: 1) A multiple generation cement type similar to that observed associated with mineralization in southeastern …

Depositional Facies Analysis And Sea Level Curve Determination From The Soth Western St. Francois Mts. To The Western Margin Of The Reelfoot Rift, Missouri, Aaron Ramon Rezendez

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Knowledge of the relative influence of eustatic and tectonic controls on sedimentation in basins is important to developing a regional facies model. The Reelfoot Rift basin is located on the southern margin of the North American Craton. The tectonic and sedimentary history of the rift began during Middle Cambrian time and extended through the Early Ordovician. Oil test well cuttings and cores were used to construct a stratigraphic fence extending from the Cambro- Ordovician platform west of the St. Francois Mts. southeastward info the rifted basin. Three major transgressive-regressive sequences and numerous minor transgressive-regressive sequences were observed in Cambro-Ordovician rocks …

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

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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.

Application Of Sunlight Mapping In Solar Car Design, Jeffrey Shapiro, Rob Ziegler, Matt Spaethe, Rick Jenkins

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The design of a solar car is a combination of trade-offs between the mechanical, aerodynamic, and photovoltaic systems. The mechanical and aerodynamic systems can be computationally modeled very well using commercial software. Clouds prevent the photovoltaic system from being modeled as well. This research explores a new way to accurately simulate almost every array configuration imaginable. Using this method, quantitative simulations are produced.

Astronomical Ccd Imaging At Umr: An Interim Report, David A. Thilker, Jon R. Fox

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Progress towards the modernization and update of the UMR observatory through the implementation of astronomical CCD technology is detailed. Preliminary image data is presented, specifically: globular cluster M13 and the lunar surface. An evaluation of the Santa Barbara Instrument Group’s (SBIG) ST-6 CCD camera is presented; bias frames, dark frames, and flat-fields are all examined. A custom optical assembly for instrument focusing and housing BVRI photometry and RGB colorimetry filters is described. The ST60PS data acquisition program, provided by SBIG, is reviewed. Additional work towards the development of a custom image processing utility program is mentioned. Finally, optical telescope collimation …

Catalysis Of Charcoal Emissions, James M. Horak

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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.