Digital Commons Network^™

Taxonomic Study Of Fossil And Recent Otoliths Of Certain Cuskeels, Gary Neal Pointer

Masters Theses

"Otoliths are calcareous structures occurring in the auditory labyrinths of teleost (bony) fishes. Three pairs of these earstones normally are found: the sagitta, in the sacculus; the asteriscus, in the lagena; and the lapillus in the utriculus. In fishes other than the Order cypriniformes (carp, catfishes, and related forms), the sagitta is the largest otolith, and it may be used in taxonomic and other studies. Fossil earstones of cuskeels (Family Ophidiiae-Brotulidae), constituting the Preophidion complex, occur in relative abundance at various levels in the Claiborne, Jackson, and Vicksburg groups of the Lower Tertiary on the Gulf Coast. The present study …

Temperature Distribution In Thermal Boundary Layers (In Free Convection) Using A Modified Schlieren Method, Philip Ling Chen

Masters Theses

"A simple optical apparatus, the Schlieren interferometer, was constructed for the quantitative investigation of free convection heat transfer from solid bodies. The photographic results, checked by using thermocouples, were used in evaluating the temperature distribution, the key to the solution of these problems. Interpretation of the photographic results was made using the simple calculation for the conventional interferogram and the Dale-Gladstone law. Although the experiments were limited to a heated flat plate and a heated wire, two dimensional test pieces of irregular configuration can be investigated by the same apparatus with simple modifications. The photographs of the conventional Schlieren, the …

Construction Of A Capillary Viscometer And The Study Of Non-Newtonian Liquids, Hsun Kuang Yang

Masters Theses

"A capillary tube viscometer was built for the purpose of investigating the fluid properties of non-Newtonian aqueous CMC and Carbopol solutions. The viscometer was tested with Newtonian liquids (glycerine, water and two different oils) having known viscosities to insure that the viscometer was operating correctly. The shear stress-shear rate data obtained for different concentrations of CMC and Carbopol solutions were correlated using the simple power law model. The power law constants were only slightly affected by saturating the solution with iodine and carbon tetrachloride. Aging had very little effect on the viscosities of the CMC solutions but had a considerable …

Application Of The Photoelastic Coating Method To Evaluate The Stress Distribution On The External Surface Of The Cap Of An Electrical Insulator, Harijeetsinh Jagtiani

Masters Theses

"The Photoelastic Coating Method was applied to find the surface stresses on the cap of an electrical insulator. The strain distribution was observed and photographed. This color photograph indicated a visible geography of the maximum shear strain distribution in the region of the insulator where the birefringent plastic was bonded with a reflective cement. The Oblique Incidence technique was used to determine the principal stresses from the maximum shear strain (or the principal strain difference) readings, obtained from Normal Incidence. The critical cross-section of the insulator head was optically located, giving an initiative for the re-design of the insulator cap. …

Operating Characteristics Of A Cloud Chamber Suited For Condensation Measurements, Donald L. Packwood

Masters Theses

"It is the main purpose of this research to investigate the validity of using the adiabatic laws to determine the temperature from the pressure ratio. Some of the effects which might invalidate the use of the adiabatic laws will be studied. Special consideration will be given to the accurate calculation of [gamma]. Carstens' approximate calculation of the heat flow into the chamber due to conduction will be checked. A measurement will be made of how long the chamber remains adiabatic after an expansion when the continuing expansion technique is used. The static temperature gradient throughout the chamber will be measured …

A Study Of Re-Evaporation Nuclei, Ronald Dawbarn

Masters Theses

"Classical considerations of the evaporation of a homogeneously nucleated droplet in an atmosphere of low humidity, indicates complete evaporation of the drop. Experimental results however, show that there is left behind a residual nucleus that is quite stable. Condensation occurs on these nuclei at comparatively low supersaturations. Using a specially instrumented cloud chamber, experimental procedures are described which attempt to investigate some of the properties of these nuclei. Various possibilities causing this stability are examined and compared to the experimental results obtained"--page [ii].

Instrumentation Of A Diesel Engine For Measuring Cylinder Head Temperature, And Pressure At Various Crank Angles, Raman A. Patel

Masters Theses

"In this investigation, an attempt has been made to measure the instantaneous pressures in the cylinder and the transient temperatures of cylinder head versus crank angle in a Diesel engine. A strain-gage pressure transducer and a sensitive surface thermocouple were used. The pressure transducer was practically free from temperature influence and strain effects caused by installation. It had a greatly reduced sensitivity to vibrations compared with other available types of pressure transducers. The thermocouple had a very short response time. A device enabling very accurate measurement of crank-angle was constructed. Appropriate quantities were displayed on the screen of an oscilloscope …

Study Of Deformation Of Non-Oscillating Droplets In Liquid Media, Arun Kumar Agrawal

Masters Theses

"The object of this investigation was to find a method for predicting the deformation of non-oscillating liquid droplets which are moving in liquid media, from a knowledge of droplet size and the physical properties of the continuous and dispersed phase systems. The deformation of thirteen liquid-liquid systems was experimentally studied in this investigation"--Abstract, page i.

Free Convection Heat Transfer From An Inclined Heated Flat Plate In Air, Shu Chien Yung

Masters Theses

"An experimental investigation has been performed to determine the free convection heat transfer from a heated flat plate in air moved from the vertical position through three inclined positions to the horizontal position. The hot surface of the plate was facing downward for the horizontal and three inclined positions. Tests were performed at plate surface temperatures from 120°F up to 404°F. Data for the plate surface temperature at about 165°F with the plate in the vertical position agrees very well with previous experimental work. This same data was used to determine a new parameter, introduced into the Pholhausen free convection …

An Apparatus To Measure Capillary Jet Thrusts And The Evaluation Of Normal Stresses In Fluids, Charles Donald Green

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this work was to design, construct and calibrate simple, inexpensive apparatus which could be used to measure the normal stresses and tangential shear stresses of a fluid. For normal stress measurements, the capillary jet thrust principle was selected. A standard analytical balance was modified so that capillary tubes could be fitted on it horizontally. It was designed so that the thrust produced by a jet of fluid from the tube caused a deviation from the zero balance position. The weights needed to rezero the balance gave a measure of the thrust"--Summary, page 1.

Order-Disorder In Fe₃Al At Various Temperatures Induced By Neutron Irradiation, Robert F. Toma Jr.

Masters Theses

"Resistivity measurements were made on ordered and disordered Fe₃Al samples while irradiated by neutrons.

In the ordered as well as the disorder state, the different Fe₃Al samples were heated to 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300°C respectively, and were irradiated by a fast neutron flux of 0.534 x 10¹⁰ neutrons/cm²-sec. The ordered Fe₃Al measurements were characterized by an increase in resistivity denoting an advancement toward disorder. The disordered Fe₃Al measurements were characterized by a decrease in resistivity denoting an advancement toward order. In the Fe₃Al ordered and disordered samples …

The Shear Graph And Cohesive Soil, Charles Rees Nickerson

Masters Theses

"Some existing test procedures for measuring shearing properties of soils are reviewed. the correlation between the shear strength of two fine-grained soils as indicated by the unconfined compression test and the shear graph test is investigated. This is accomplished by comparing the test results at varying moisture contents and dry densities. One of the soils used is a red plastic clay, the other a silty clay. The test results indicate that for soils wet of optimum the shear graph strength can be taken as being equal to the unconfined compressive strength. This will be conservative for soils that exhibit an …

A Study Of Degradation In The Pumping Of Dilute Polymer Solutions, I-Chung Chang

Masters Theses

"In the course of an investigation of the turbulent flow properties of dilute high polymer solutions in organic solvents, a number of supplementary investigations were required. These were: 1. Determination of the molecular weights of a number of polymers by intrinsic viscosity measurements. 2. Determination of the effect of pumping on the degradation of high polymers in dilute solutions. This included development of a method for estimating the concentration of dilute polymer solutions. 3. Determination of the effects of density, viscosity and non-Newtonian behavior on the calibration of turbine flow meters"--Introduction, page 1.

The Dissolution Of Magnesium In Strong Acids And Neutral Solutions, Cheng-Ken Chi

Masters Theses

"The increasing demand for magnesium and magnesium- base alloys in the manufacture of aircraft has stimulated a great amount of research into the corrosion characteristics of these materials. The result of such research has been the development of suitable magnesium alloys and protective coatings to retard corrosion.

The basic mechanism of the anodic dissolution of metals such as magnesium, zinc, and cadmium in salt solutions is not completely known. Several schools of investigators have proposed different and opposing theories to explain the discrepancies which often arise between coulometer data and the weight loss of metal electrodes in certain salt solutions. …

A Computer Approach To Transistor Circuit Design, Kwok Chee Hong

Masters Theses

"The design of amplifiers is usually approached through experimental study. This thesis proposes a mathematical approach, using a digital computer to predict the performance of an active transistor circuit (a frequency equalizer circuit to compensate for the RIAA recording frequency characteristics) prior to the actual construction of the physical system. The simple but powerful computer analysis method will be based upon the nodal equations of the complete circuit. The primary aim is to design a circuit which would give a desired frequency-gain characteristic. The complete set of simultaneous complex nodal equations describing the circuit operation is then written. Based on …

The Cementing Of Hydraulically Placed Tailing Fill By The Oxidation Products Of Pyrrhotite, Stanley H. Alder

Masters Theses

"This thesis has been prepared to make available basic information on the use of the oxidation products of pyrrhotite to cement hydraulic tailing stope fill. As nothing has been published on this subject to date, a review has been made of pertinent information culled from accounts of work in related fields. From this study, a set of equations representing the most likely pyrrhotite oxidation reactions has been evolved and tests supporting these equations performed. Samples of fill, each containing from one to six percent of pyrrhotite, were cemented in the laboratory. They were then examined microscopically, subjected to unconfined compressive …

The Design And Construction Of A Shock Tube Facility, William Adolph Crede

Masters Theses

"It is the object of this thesis to give an account of the considerations necessary to design, construct, and operate a shock tube facility.

The primary purpose of the facility was to provide a means to study high strength shock waves in physics, chemistry, and aerodynamic applications.

Preliminary designs were undertaken to determine the basic dimensions and related capabilities. Final design, construction and testing of the tube itself was performed by Nooter Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. Preliminary designs agreed rather closely with final construction.

Experimental testing was confined to the successful operation of all the various components of the …

The Effect Of Carbonate Karst Terrain On Water Quality, Robert Russell Kilgo

Masters Theses

"The ever increasing use of water and unabated pollution of streams have made necessary increased research efforts into the quality and quantity of the available national water resources. Karst terrain is prevalent in several sections of the United States, however, little work has been done on the effect of this topography on water quality.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of carbonate karst terrain on the quality of water. The Meramec spring area, east of Rolla, Missouri, was selected for study. This area was underlain with dolomite formations and contains both karst and non-karst drainage basins …

The Electrochemical Oxidation Of Crotonic Acid, John L. Cannaday

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this investigation was to explain the mechanism of the electrochemical oxidation of crotonic acid on platinized-platinum anodes at 80⁰C.

A current-potential study was conducted using the parameters of pH and crotonic acid concentration. Faradaic efficiency was determined by measurement of CO₂ production.

Oxidation occurred both in acidic and basic solutions.The Faradaic efficiency was approximately 100 per cent.

The results were interpreted in terms of a mechanism having the following characteristics.

(a) The first charge transfer is the rate determining step.

(b) The rate is the sum of the rates for two parallel reactions. In strongly acidic solutions, …

Warping And Curling Of Plain Concrete Slabs, Vipinbhai Ratilal Shah

Masters Theses

"The study was made to determine the effect of daily atmospheric temperature variation and curing on the warping and curling of plain concrete slabs and to study the effect of moisture on the warping of plain concrete slabs under nearly constant temperature conditions, by keeping the bottom surface of one slab wet and the other dry.

Daily observations consisted of dial gage readings to determine the progressive variations in warping contours due to typical daily temperature curling. Trends were found for three months of dial gage readings and interpreted in terms of warping and curling of the slabs.

The warping …

The Design And Construction Of A Medium Power, Synchronous, Electronic Switch, Floyd S. Hall

Masters Theses

"This paper presents the design and construction of a medium power, synchronous, electronic switch and associated timing and control circuits.

The unit described is capable of controlling a 20 ampere resistive or inductive load from a 110/220 volt, 60 Hz excitation source. Thyristors are used as the active switching elements. The period of the on/off switching cycle may be varied from 1/60 second to 8 1/2 seconds. Turn-on and turn-off may occur at independently selected phase angles relative to the reference frequency source.

Higher power operation could be obtained easily with minor design changes"--Abstract, page ii.

An X-Ray Study Of The Lead Zirconate-Bismuth Ferrate System, Pen-Chu Chou

Masters Theses

"The lead zirconate-bismuth ferrate system was studied employing x-ray and microscopic analysis. Samples were prepared by sintering stoichiometric mixtures of the corresponding oxides followed by air quenching. The results of the analyses show the system to be probably solid solutions over the entire compositional range, although small amounts of other phases are present in some regions.

X-ray data indicate a multiple cell, orthorhombic phase, to exist over the range 100-30 mole percent PbZrO₃ . From 100-82 mole percent PbZrO₃ , the addition of BiFeO₃ reduces the distortion of the phase such that a nearly cubic x-ray pattern is obtained at …

The Influence Of Cation Exchange And Electrolyte Concentrations Upon The Atterberg Limits, Kent J. Schwieger

Masters Theses

"The object of this investigation is to correlate relationships between cation exchange capacity, clay content, and type and concentration of the exchangeable cations upon the Atterberg limits of a soil. Synthetic soils consisting of loessial silt and either an illitic natural deposit, bentonite, ball clay, or kaolin clay were used.

As the percent clay fraction was increased the cation exchange capacity, liquid and plastic limits and plasticity index increased linearly in the clay range. Results also suggested a linear relationship between the liquid and plastic limits and the cation exchange capacity of soils of one hundred percent clay fraction"--Abstract, page …

Thermal Hydrolysis And Structure Studies On Cobalt (Ii) Acetate, Russell J. Hesch

Masters Theses

"The object of this study was to investigate the structure of cobalt (II) acetate, isolated from glacial acetic acid, without recourse to standard x-ray methods"--Introduction, page 1.

Linvill's Model As Applied To P-N Junction Photo-Diodes, Rudy Michael Chittenden

Masters Theses

"The problem undertaken in this study is to present a performance evaluation of Linvill's model as it pertains to the p-n junction photo-diode. The evaluation is performed by comparing the distributed mathematical solutions, the solution obtained using Linvill's lumped model, and the experimental measurement of the transient voltage rise across a photo-diode due to a unit-step pulse of light incident on the junction. Despite the absence of a suitable light source for use in the experimental measurement, it is concluded that Linvill's model provides an excellent means to determine the risetime of a photo-diode. This is provided that the photo-diode …

Design Of Non-Uniform Linear Antenna Arrays With Digitized Spacing And Amplitude Levels, Jack F. Morris

Masters Theses

"Recent developments in space exploration have shown a need for high resolution, high gain antennas. The introduction of non-uniform linear array theory has provided a means by which arrays may be designed to produce narrow main beams with fewer elements than required by uniform arrays. A general theory has not been developed, however, and the design engineer has been left with only trial-and-error methods with which to work. In this study a technique has been developed by which non-uniform antenna arrays may be synthesized to meet a given set of specifications with reasonable accuracy. The elements of the array are …

Tschebyscheff Fitting With Polynomials And Nonlinear Functions, George F. Luffel

Masters Theses

"It is the purpose of this study to survey the properties of the Tschebyscheff polynomials with particular reference to how they are employed as approximants and interpolants. The survey is extended to include the process known as "Tschebyscheff Approximation" or "Tschebyscheff Fitting" of a function by functions other than polynomials. One such fitting technique which will be of particular interest in this study is that of fitting f(x) by the function ab^x + c where a, b, c are real and b ≠ 1. In addition to a survey of the properties of the Tschebyscheff polynomials and of Tschebyscheff …

Evaluation Of Pile Bearing Capacity By Use Of The Wave Equation, Stuart H. Williams

Masters Theses

"The wave equation method of evaluating pile bearing capacity is investigated by using data obtained from a comprehensive pile testing program. Modifications which create a more accurate and realistic approach are made to the method proposed by previous investigators. With the use of these modifications, correlation between observed and computed results is more readily obtained. Selected pile formulas in the empirical, static, and dynamic categories are reviewed so that a direct comparison between these and the wave equation method can be made"--Abstract, page ii.

The Effect Of Vegetation, Soil, And Rock Type On Runoff From Some Small Watersheds In Missouri, Anant Suthipas Narupon

Masters Theses

"A previous study of mean annual floods (Harbaugh, 1962) was based on watershed area, channel length, and channel slope of forty five small watershed in the State of Missouri. The present study investigates the effect of precipitation, soil distribution, vegetal cover, and underlying bedrock on annual peak rate of discharge. This study consists of statistical analysis by multiple correlations of additional quantitative data for nine of Harbaugh's forty five watersheds. Hydrologic data were obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Weather Bureau climatological publications. Distribution of vegetation was compiled from U.S. Department of Agriculture aerial photographs. Soil and rock …

An Analysis Of Pressure Build-Up Theory, Hansraj J. Patel

Masters Theses

"Various theories regarding the pressure build-up characteristics for producing wells are analyzed. The merits and limitations of each theory are discussed. The error involved in plotting the pressure build-up data for the case of well-bore pressure versus shut-in time is pointed out. Equations have been presented for the various quantitative determinations of reservoir properties which can be obtained from typical pressure build-up data. Utilizing all the previous methods presented in the literature, a recommended procedure for field application is proposed. One oil well and three gas wells have been analyzed using the recommended procedure with the attendant calculations given in …