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Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

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Java-Based Midi Interface For Robot Control, Gaurav Subhash Harode May 2000

Java-Based Midi Interface For Robot Control, Gaurav Subhash Harode

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Robot offers an excellent means of utilizing high level technology to make a given manufacturing operation more profitable and competitive. Apart from manufacturing, robots are also being utilized in the areas of medicine and agriculture with great returns. Robotic applications now require multiple robots working in a coordinated manner, something similar to an orchestra. This lead to the concept of a Robotic Instrument Digital Interfacing (RIDI) system for real time coordinated control of robotic devices. It provides a novel runtime environment that supports the building and deployment of distributed robotic devices.;The objective of this research is to design and develop …

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Evaluation Of Lubricants For Cold Forming Of Steels By Double-Cup Extrusion Tests, Shivakumaran Bharadwaj Venkataraman May 2000

Evaluation Of Lubricants For Cold Forming Of Steels By Double-Cup Extrusion Tests, Shivakumaran Bharadwaj Venkataraman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The double-cup extrusion testing method was chosen for measuring the pressure and material flow parameters in order to quantify the frictional shear factor between the workpiece and the forming tool in cold metal forming processes. The test was adapted to be used under production conditions and applied to characterize and compare the lubrication properties of different types of lubricants and coatings.;It was found to be a useful approach to estimate the relative efficiency of different lubricants and coating methods. It indicated that one specific lubricant has significantly superior lubricant characteristics than others.;FEA analysis of the experimental setup was constructed to …

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Manufacture And Rehabilitation Of Guard-Rail Posts Using Composites For Superior Performance, Swetha Anegunta May 2000

Manufacture And Rehabilitation Of Guard-Rail Posts Using Composites For Superior Performance, Swetha Anegunta

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The effectiveness of an external composite reinforcement in improving the strength and durability of a conventional CCA treated wood post was studied. A combination of HMR as primer and epoxy as adhesive was found to provide the best possible adhesion of a glass fibers to CCA treated wood. Wrapped samples, representing a scaled down version of the proposed posts were subjected to 6-cycle accelerated aging and freeze-thaw chemical aging (in acidic, alkaline, water and salt water solutions). The retention in mechanical properties was measured using flexure tests and DMTA. The performance in terms of modulus and rigidity was reduced the …

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Preliminary Investigation Of Energy Dissipation At Culvert Outlets Using A Riprap Step, Belinda M. Weikle May 2000

Preliminary Investigation Of Energy Dissipation At Culvert Outlets Using A Riprap Step, Belinda M. Weikle

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

One method used to attenuate high-energy flow at culvert outlets is the construction of a riprap energy dissipator. The current riprap design used by the WVDOH experiences problems with excessive sedimentation and is only applicable at culvert outlets where the flow velocity is low. The purpose of this investigation was to construct a testing device to allow for the testing of physical models and produce a preliminary riprap step design that would perform more effectively than the current design. The new design proposed meets the following criteria. It is: (1) Easily constructed on site using available materials; (2) Economically efficient; …

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Common Factors Leading To County Boards Of Education Financial Deficits, David L. Stewart May 2000

Common Factors Leading To County Boards Of Education Financial Deficits, David L. Stewart

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study reviewed and analyzed budget deficits incurred by county boards of education in West Virginia and determined why increasing numbers of county boards of education have experienced deficit spending since the enactment of Senate Bill 14.;This study utilized a descriptive research design. The West Virginia Department of Education provided deficit, enrollment, and personnel data; all fifty-five county superintendents and treasurers were surveyed to determine the frequency and cause of budget deficits. One hundred percent of both groups responded to the survey.;In conclusion, factors contributing to county boards of education experiencing financial deficit included: (1) reduction of numbers of employees …

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Factors Found When Integrating Computer Technology In A Small Rural School District, Edward Dale Jeffreys May 2000

Factors Found When Integrating Computer Technology In A Small Rural School District, Edward Dale Jeffreys

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this research study was to provide school board members, school administrators, and teachers with information required in developing a successful plan for the integration of computer technology into the classroom curriculum. The stated problem of this research was to identify and analyze the factors that inhibit and enhance the implementation of computer technology into the classrooms of a small rural school district.;A review of the literature was conducted in the following areas: (a) the use of computer technology in K--12 rural school districts; (b) enhancers to the integration of computer technology into the classroom curriculum in small …

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Contrawound Toroidal Helical Antenna Modeling Using The Fdtd Method, Khaled Mohammad Elsherbini May 2000

Contrawound Toroidal Helical Antenna Modeling Using The Fdtd Method, Khaled Mohammad Elsherbini

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The contrawound toroidal helical antenna (CTHA) is a patented antenna developed at the Center for Industrial Research Applications (CIRA) of West Virginia University. In this study, a computer numerical model was built to simulate the behavior of printed circuit board versions of the CTHA. The numerical model was built upon the finite difference time domain method (FDTD). The results were compared to results from physical antennas, obtained from the CIRA anechoic chamber located in the WVU hanger, to verify the validity of the results of the numerical model. The results from both the numerical and experimental models were also used …

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Refined Turbulence Models For Simulation Of Ic -Engine Cylinder Flows, Ibrahim Yavuz May 2000

Refined Turbulence Models For Simulation Of Ic -Engine Cylinder Flows, Ibrahim Yavuz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Turbulence and turbulent mixing are two of the most important factors that influence the efficiency and emissions level in internal combustion (IC) engines, particularly for diesel engines. This study has been performed with the premise to accurately predict in-cylinder turbulence by employing the large eddy simulation (LES) technique. In order to assess the turbulence scales involved correctly, a review of measured and computed scales relevant to IC engines is conducted. An assessment of these is made in comparison with the self-imposed scales of the engine itself. This assessment focuses on the influence of combustion, compression ratio, initial conditions and numerical …

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Ab Initio Studies Of Anisotropic Magnetism In Uranium And Cerium Monopnictides And Monochalcogenides, Eric Mason Collins May 2000

Ab Initio Studies Of Anisotropic Magnetism In Uranium And Cerium Monopnictides And Monochalcogenides, Eric Mason Collins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

We have applied two ab initio based methods to investigate the origin in the electronic structure of the unusual magnetic behavior of the cerium and uranium monopnictides and monochalcogenides. First, we have carried out spin-polarized electronic structure calculations, based on the full potential linear muffin tin (FPLMTO) method, with spin polarization (orbital polarization only via spin-orbit coupling) and also with orbital polarization correction. Second, we have carried out ab initio based calculations synthesizing (1) a phenomenological theory of orbitally driven magnetism based on the Anderson and Kondo, lattice model which incorporates explicitly the hybridization induced and the Coulomb exchange interactions …

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Review Of The Factors Influencing The Satisfaction Of Learning In Online Courses At Marshall University, Jan Isobel Fox May 2000

Review Of The Factors Influencing The Satisfaction Of Learning In Online Courses At Marshall University, Jan Isobel Fox

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The purpose of this study is to determine what factors influence online course satisfaction. Additionally, the study investigates differences in demographics between traditional student populations and those students attracted to online courses. Research questions were defined for investigating relationship between student satisfaction in the online course with the of the amount of learner interaction and feedback, the reason students enrolled in the course, faculty expertise in online technologies, the course pace, the combination of instructional strategies used in the course, and the students prior experience with the online course product. Additionally, course retention data was calculated as a secondary satisfaction …

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Timing Of Alveolar Cleft Bone Grafting In Maxillary Alveolar Cleft Defects, Richard Morrow Crout May 2000

Timing Of Alveolar Cleft Bone Grafting In Maxillary Alveolar Cleft Defects, Richard Morrow Crout

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Numerous methods have been attempted to identify the best time for secondary alveolar cleft bone grafting, including chronological age, skeletal age, and dental age. However, few studies have employed objective methods of assessment that would permit statistical analysis. Fifty-nine patients with clefts of the alveolus who acquired secondary alveolar cleft grafts at the Lancaster Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic were studied. A total of 74 affected areas from 15 bilateral and 44 unilateral alveolar cleft patients were available. Timing of the graft was determined utilizing root development of the involved canine, as compared to crown length, from a high quality …

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Corrosion Between Orthodontic Archwires And Bracket Couples, Brian Costello O'Leary May 2000

Corrosion Between Orthodontic Archwires And Bracket Couples, Brian Costello O'Leary

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nickel-containing orthodontic wires have been reported to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. An allergic reaction is related to corrosion of the alloys and subsequent leaching of nickel ions into the oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference in the corrosive potential of stainless steel, NiTi and TMA wires either alone or when coupled with a stainless steel bracket.;Using potentiostatic anodic polarization, the samples were tested in 0.9% NaCl solution at room temperature with neutral pH. The breakdown potentials of stainless steel, NiTi, TMA, and the stainless steel bracket were 600 …

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Foodborne Pathogens In Poultry Production And Post-Harvest Control, Rajesh R. Nayak May 2000

Foodborne Pathogens In Poultry Production And Post-Harvest Control, Rajesh R. Nayak

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A comprehensive ecological survey was conducted from April 1997 to June 1999 on four turkey flocks (F5-F8) to identify the preharvest sources of Salmonella colonization. Generic E. coli and total coliforms were enumerated as indicators of fecal contamination in F7 and F8. Turkey cecal and crop contents, litter, drinkers, air, feed, feeder contents, and environmental swabs were sampled and tested for Salmonella and E. coli. Salmonella was isolated from 13% of litter, 11% of turkey ceca, 10% of drinkers, and 5% of swabs. Escherichia coli and total coliforms were detected in 45 and 53% of samples, respectively. Salmonella heidelberg was …

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Predicting Habitat Suitability For American Woodcock And Landscape-Level Assessment Of Habitat In West Virginia, Ann Klein Steketee May 2000

Predicting Habitat Suitability For American Woodcock And Landscape-Level Assessment Of Habitat In West Virginia, Ann Klein Steketee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objectives of this study were to (1) develop models to predict potential habitat suitability for woodcock over large geographic areas in West Virginia (Chapter 4), (2) quantify and describe the local and landscape structural components and spatial patterns of woodcock habitat in the state (Chapter 3), and (3) to determine the current suitability and fate of woodcock habitat that was available in the mid-1970's (Chapter 5).;Differences between 165 woodcock flush points and 165 randomly generated points for proportion of 12 land-cover types and 4 metrics describing landscape composition and pattern were compared within 3 elevation groups and 8 spatial …

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Iron And Acid Removal From Acid Mine Drainage In Open Limestone Systems, Qingyun Sun May 2000

Iron And Acid Removal From Acid Mine Drainage In Open Limestone Systems, Qingyun Sun

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Passive systems, like wetlands, anoxic limestone drains, and open limestone channels, show promise for treating acid mine drainage (AMD) discharges. Open limestone channels have been developed for over ten years and the treatment effectiveness of AMD by open limestone systems shows wide variation. The variation is due to site conditions (slope and size of the limestone channel) but more importantly to the surface area of the limestone and iron concentrations in the water. Iron in AMD coats the limestone in open limestone systems thereby reducing the surface area available for reaction. Over time, the limestone appears to lose its ability …

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Inservice And Preservice Teacher Attitudes Toward Creative Writing As A Learning Mechanism, Edwin Davis Greenlee May 2000

Inservice And Preservice Teacher Attitudes Toward Creative Writing As A Learning Mechanism, Edwin Davis Greenlee

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Most of us in the teaching profession are aware by now that writing is inextricably interlocked with learning, thinking, and knowing. The more students write, the more knowledge they acquire. As Janet Emig informs us: "Writing serves learning uniquely because writing as process-and-product possesses a cluster of attributes that correspond uniquely to certain powerful learning strategies" (1983, 34). In other words, Emig (1971) believes that when using writing to learn, students can become involved in learning activities. Writing as learning permits students to integrate, connect, reconsider, evaluate, and personally shape their thoughts and ideas. By writing and rewriting, students can …

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Preliminary Investigation Of Culvert Outlet Baffle Block Geometry And Energy Dissipation, Conrad Russell Baston May 2000

Preliminary Investigation Of Culvert Outlet Baffle Block Geometry And Energy Dissipation, Conrad Russell Baston

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

One method used to attenuate high-energy flow at culvert outlets, is the construction of baffle blocks. Baffle blocks are devices, generally of simplistic geometry, that impact the flow and reduce energy. The current baffle design used by the WVDOH has in some instances experienced problems with excessive sedimentation to the extent of causing culvert failure. The purpose of this investigation was to construct a testing device to allow for the testing of physical culvert and baffle block models and produce a preliminary design that would perform more efficiently than the current design. The new design would need to meet the …

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Heavy Metal Redistribution In Soils Using Compost As A Soil Amendment, Jason Thomas Morrison May 2000

Heavy Metal Redistribution In Soils Using Compost As A Soil Amendment, Jason Thomas Morrison

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Organic soil amendments such as compost can reduce the availability of heavy metal contaminated soil. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the efficiency of compost as an soil amendment within heavy metal contaminated soil; (2) to determine the hypoaccumulation of heavy metals in the stem, shoot, and root systems of white clover and wheat; (3) to identify movement of heavy metals within the soil; (4) to evaluate the differences of nodule formation in Trifolim repens. Three volumes of compost were added to a heavy metal contaminated soil (additions of zero, 10, and 40 percent compost, by volume). …

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Sedimentology Of Historic And Prehistoric Deposits In The Drainage Basin Of Deep River And Muddy Creek On The Piedmont Of North Carolina, Victoria Leanne Spurgeon May 2000

Sedimentology Of Historic And Prehistoric Deposits In The Drainage Basin Of Deep River And Muddy Creek On The Piedmont Of North Carolina, Victoria Leanne Spurgeon

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Deep River and Muddy Creek flow across a granitic and volcanic terrain intruded by diabase dikes in the Piedmont physiographic province of central North Carolina. Geoarchaeological and sedimentological investigation of these Piedmont streams included fourteen trenches dug at four floodplain localities. Soils in these trenches were described using standard soil taxonomy and sampled for particle-size, magnetic susceptibility, and mineralogical analyses.;Increased upland erosion rates, after European settlement, left more than a meter of historic sediments in some areas of the floodplains. A paleosol, indicated by an Ab horizon, records the floodplain surface at the time of European contact. This paleosol, dated …

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Virulence Of Cryphonectria Hypoviruses From Previous Release Sites, Paul Henry Chaloux May 2000

Virulence Of Cryphonectria Hypoviruses From Previous Release Sites, Paul Henry Chaloux

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In 1994 and 1995, Cryphonectria parasitica isolates singly or doubly infected with hypoviruses in the CHV3 genus, and lacking distinctive morphological abnormalities, were recovered near plots formerly used to release hypoviruses. This study tested the hypothesis that North American hypoviruses are evolving decreased virulence, and investigated hypovirus interactions affecting virulence in double-infections. Families of single conidial progeny (SCP), differing in infection status, and derived from six recovered, three release, and three comparison isolates were tested in three field experiments. All release isolates and four recovered isolates were debilitated by their CHV3-gh2-type hypoviruses. CHV3-sr2-type hypoviruses never caused debilitation. In family SG3-2 …

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Individual Differences And Suggestibility Of Children's Eyewitness Memory Reports, Robin Myers Bartlett May 2000

Individual Differences And Suggestibility Of Children's Eyewitness Memory Reports, Robin Myers Bartlett

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A significant amount of recent research in the area of children's eyewitness memory has been aimed at examining children's vulnerability to suggestion. Numerous experimental factors have been found to impact children's suggestibility including the use of leading questions. However, research in this area has yet to investigate whether characteristics of the child play a role in susceptibility to suggestion. Accordingly, the present study was designed to combine the experimental and individual differences approaches to research to achieve a better understanding of children's susceptibility to suggestive questioning techniques. Ninety-six 9--12-year-old children and a parent participated in the study. Children viewed a …

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Parent And Sibling Relationship Influences On Late Adolescent Social Anxiety And Other Adjustment Outcomes, Catherine Joan Massey May 2000

Parent And Sibling Relationship Influences On Late Adolescent Social Anxiety And Other Adjustment Outcomes, Catherine Joan Massey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The primary objective of the present study was to examine associations among several family relationships and adolescent social anxiety utilizing a family systems perspective. The second objective was to investigate specific family relationships and their association with adolescent adjustment outcomes such as depression, general anxiety, global self-worth, and social acceptance self-worth. Social anxiety levels of only children and children with siblings also were compared. Five-hundred and fifteen (337 females, 178 males) participants in late adolescence completed a questionnaire packet according to whether or not they had siblings. The questionnaire packets contained all or most of the following measures depending on …

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Predicting Permeability And Flow Capacity Distribution With Back-Propagation Artificial Neural Networks, Alexis Jose Riera May 2000

Predicting Permeability And Flow Capacity Distribution With Back-Propagation Artificial Neural Networks, Alexis Jose Riera

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The prediction of permeability is a critical, key step for reservoir modeling and management of oil recovery operations. Previous studies have successfully demonstrated that the new technology called Artificial Neural Network (ANN), a biologically inspired, massive parallel, distributed information processing system, is an excellent tool for permeability predictions using well log data. This technology overcomes the drawbacks caused by the inherent heterogeneity of the reservoir and lack of sufficient cores or pressure transient tests, allowing to define reservoir characterization within an acceptable accuracy while maintaining costs low. The methodology used in this study takes advantage of this technology to accomplish …

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Composition Effects On Macroscopic Solidification Segregation Of Superalloys, Wei Chen May 2000

Composition Effects On Macroscopic Solidification Segregation Of Superalloys, Wei Chen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research work investigates primarily the composition effects on solidification macrosegregation, i.e. freckles, in superalloys. First, the freckling mechanism of superalloys is developed using the physical simulation of freckle formation in specially designed model alloys. It is found that freckles originate from dendrite irregularities at the solidification front. The freckle channels flow downward in Nb-containing alloys and upward in T-containing alloy under horizontal solidification conditions. The horizontal solidification correctly simulates the horizontal component in remelt ingot where freckling potential is the highest. Based on the result, key control parameters for freckling are identified.;Thermodynamic simulation approach is employed to study the …

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Increasing Self-Efficacy With Diabetes Cooking Schools, Sheila Rye May 2000

Increasing Self-Efficacy With Diabetes Cooking Schools, Sheila Rye

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Dining with Diabetes, a diabetes cooking school program offered through West Virginia University Extension Service, targets dietary self-management and is guided by Social Cognitive Theory. This study compared two convenience samples of persons with diabetes. One group attended the program, (experimental, n = 34) the other, (comparison, n = 13) did not. The groups were evaluated at baseline and three-month post-test regarding knowledge about dietary management of diabetes, skill and self-efficacy in preparing simple recipes. Four participants in the experimental group (11.4%) and one person from the comparison group (7.7%) had increases in all three areas. The study also assessed …

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Training The Intuition, Paul M. Linhares May 2000

Training The Intuition, Paul M. Linhares

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis is about the ceramic art of Paul Linhares. It deals with his many aesthetic theories about the form and function of his pottery. The thesis includes sections on motive, personal influences, descriptions of the pots themselves, white wood fire clay bodies, and images of some of the works included in Paul's thesis exhibition.

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Point Doppler Velocimetry Measurements In Circular Jets, Patrick Michael Collins May 2000

Point Doppler Velocimetry Measurements In Circular Jets, Patrick Michael Collins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Improvements have been made to an existing 2-component Point Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) system to improve instrument accuracy and repeatability and to reduce mean velocity offset. Most importantly, the original iodine cells have been replaced by vapor-limited iodine cells that are not influenced by room temperature variations. PDV is a non-intrusive laser based flow measurement technique with capabilities that are similar to hot wire anemometry, but without inserting a probe into the flow. The insertion of a probe into a flow can affect the flow, resulting in inaccurate measurements.;PDV measurements for 1 inch diameter standard, swirling, and annular jets have been …

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Monsters Under The Bed, Joelle Spencer May 2000

Monsters Under The Bed, Joelle Spencer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The exhibition, monsters under the bed is a representation of what occurs when the bedroom lights are turned on and monsters, born from childhood fear, refuse to retreat into the shadows. Cartoon illustrations of physical and mental martyrdom point to the theme of death, as seen through the psychical dysfunction of a child. monsters under the bed, is an autobiographical exploration of adult reflection about a child's world translated into objects of theatrical mythologies.;In order to make my objects and images materialize, I incorporate a broad range of traditional and non-traditional mixed-media techniques. The methods I utilize to make the …

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Effect Of Debris-Induced Lift-Off On Magnetic Flux Leakage Inspection Results, Francisco Louis Valentine May 2000

Effect Of Debris-Induced Lift-Off On Magnetic Flux Leakage Inspection Results, Francisco Louis Valentine

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Debris is present in all pipelines and has the potential to cause debris-induced lift-off in magnetic flux leakage inspection tools. A test apparatus was developed to qualitatively examine the effect of debris-induced lift-off.;The results of this research indicate that debris-induced lift-off has a detrimental effect on magnetic flux leakage data. This increases the potential of pipeline defects being either undersized or missed.;To reduce or eliminate the effects of debris-induced lift-off, the pipeline should be regularly cleaned. This minimizes the occurrence of large accumulations of debris. If it is determined that debris is present in a pipeline, even in small quantities, …

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Seepage Through Longitudinal Drainage Trenches, Benjamin T. Staud May 2000

Seepage Through Longitudinal Drainage Trenches, Benjamin T. Staud

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this study was to determine how the longitudinal drain system works under laboratory conditions. In this study, a bench-scale model was constructed to assess the flow patterns caused by a trench drain in a slope. The experimental variables include the trench spacing (w), seepage depth (h), and slope angle (theta). In the experimental program, four values of slope angle, three values of trench spacing and three values of seepage depth were considered. Each experiment was performed twice to ensure that the measurements are reproducible. The soil type for the experimental program was selected on the basis of …

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