Digital Commons Network^™

An Accurate Digital Instrument To Measure Reactor Period, Ernest Wayne Scott

Masters Theses

"At facilities having a research-training reactor, such as the University of Missouri-Rolla Reactor (UMRR), one finds it necessary to perform a large number of rod calibrations during the course of the year. In practice rod worths are determined by measuring the reactor period created by an incremental withdrawal of the rod under calibration. Period is then related to reactivity thru the use of a publication such as the AEC publication, TID-4500.

This frequent measurement of period makes it desirable to have a simple, automatic and accurate method to make such measurements. At UMRR we have designed, constructed and installed such …

Performance Comparison Of Receivers Designed To Combat Intersymbol Interference Due To Specular Multipath, George H. Smith

Masters Theses

"Bit error probabilities for biphase transmission have been computed for a known two-component multipath channel with a variety of suboptimum receivers. Performance curves are presented for each receiver, and the relative performance is summarized. Degradation due to imperfect channel knowledge is calculated, and the feasibility of countering this interference with these specially designed receivers is discussed"--Abstract, page ii.

Analysis And Measurement Of A Zener Diode Voltage-Reference, Armond C. Maxeiner

Masters Theses

"Output voltage sensitivity equations are derived for a zener voltage-reference circuit. The circuit consists of a DC-DC converter, a voltage-resistor current generator, and a zener diode. The performance of the voltage-reference is calculated using the sensitivity equations and compared to measurement data taken from a laboratory model of the circuit. The results are in reasonable agreement.

It was concluded that with careful selection of components, two of three major sources of error can be predicted and controlled; these are changes due to input voltage and changes due to temperature. The third, changes due to time, requires calibration against a voltage …

An Experimental Study Of Power Systems, Nguyen Quang Duoc

Masters Theses

"For three phase AC power systems consisting of synchronous machines interconnected by transmission lines and other electrical transmission equipment, the power transmitted and the stability of the system depend upon the constants of synchronous machine and the characteristics of the transmission lines. The purpose of this work is to design and set up a model of a power system in the laboratory, measure the constants of synchronous machines, the power angles and power flows of the system. An investigation of the effects of the saturated machines is based upon the laboratory data.

This work is intended primarily as a tool …

A Study Of Plane Wave Filter Analysis With Flow, Thomas Valle Huber

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effect of slow steady flow on the reflection and transmission characteristics of acoustic filters.

A standing wave tube and transmission tube apparatus, designed and built by a previous investigator, was modified to accept slow steady flow. Reflection characteristics were determined from measurements made on the inlet side of the filters investigated. These data along with measurements taken with the transmission tube apparatus were used to determine transmission characteristics. The calculations were simplified by terminating the filters anechoically. The filters used in this investigation were an expansion chamber, an automobile type muffler …

Digital Registration Of Stereo Images Using The Fast Fourier Transform, Victor Francis Wilreker Jr.

Masters Theses

"The exact alignment of multispectral imagery is a requirement of any image classification system. This investigation develops a system of programs which result in a technique that corrects for the translational and rotational misalignment of two images. Rotational and translational components are determined by using the fast Fourier transform to find the points of maximum correlation between the two images. The registration of two equal but misaligned boxes is given as an example of how the transform technique is used in correlating the images. The results of registering two digitized images that were obtained by scanning a pair of color …

Computer-Aided Circuit Optimization Including The Adjoint Method Of Calculating Network Sensitivities, John Walter Olson

Masters Theses

"A complete discuss ion of the optimization of a circuit, including modeling and programming difficulties encountered, is presented. A three transistor bandpass filter is used in order to study various methods of optimization. The adjoint method of calculating the network error gradient vector is compared to the perturbation method. The adjoint method proves to have decided advantages over the other method. A generalized computer program is presented to carry out the Fletcher-Powell optimization algorithm with specialized subroutines which include a network equation solver and both methods of finding the gradient vector. The program proved very effective in realizing a desired …

Polynary Silicon Tellurium Glasses, Henry Edward Anthonis

Masters Theses

"The introduction of Ag into Si-As-Te glasses permits the incorporation of Se, otherwise volatile and/or degradable as a constituent in Si-containing chalcogenide glasses. Si-As-Ag-Te-Se glasses exhibit much higher softening ranges and glass transition temperatures than encountered in known chalcogenide systems. A glass Si₃₅As₁₅Ag₁₀Te₂₀Se₂₀ had the viscosity log η =13 at about 500°C, as compared to 370°C for the base glass Si₃₅As₂₅Te₄₀, the viscosity of log η = 9.8 at about 560°C, as compared to 442°C for the base glass Si₃₅As₂₅Te_{40 …}

Fitting Discrete Probabilistic Frequency Distributions To Disturbed Traffic Flow At An Unsignalized Urban Intersection, Horst Walter Kaminsky

Masters Theses

"Traffic variables, such as volume, speed, gaps and lags, and headways can be described by probability distributions. In this study vehicle arrivals from three directions have been recorded at a four-leg, right-angled, at-grade intersection in Rolla, Missouri, and statistically analyzed. Two distinct probabilistic statistical concepts were used, the continuous (gap) and discrete (counting) distribution. The negative exponential distribution is discussed briefly, whereas the applicability of discrete statistical models for the traffic situation selected is elaborated in detail.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the impairment and distortion that various interferences such as upstream traffic lights, bottlenecks or other …

A Study Of Fmfb Demodulator Operation In The Presence Of Radio Frequency Interference And Gaussian Noise, Terry D. Wormington

Masters Theses

"A digital computer model of an FMFB demodulator has been used to study the effects of radio frequency interference on the detection of a sinusoidally modulated carrier. The effectiveness of selecting the feedback factor to suppress the interference for three values of modulation index is investigated. Also, the required IF bandwidth for the minimization of the mean-square error of the loop output between a signal corrupted by interference and the same signal without interference was investigated. More work is required before the effects of Gaussian noise plus interference on loop operation can be ascertained"--Abstract, page ii.

Data Compression Design Considerations For Airborne Test Vehicles, Kenneth Carlyle Pittman

Masters Theses

"The design goals for a data compression system are developed using previous studies as a cornerstone. Sampling theory is touched on with qualitative coverage of its effects. Consideration is given to various methods of data compression with the advantages and disadvantages of each noted. The requirement for buffering is discussed along with various methods that may be employed to achieve specific buffering goals. The impact of data reconstruction and how it may affect the choice of compression techniques is briefly covered. Selected compression algorithms and ways of increasing system effectiveness through alterations to their basic structures are described in detail. …

Sensitivity Analysis In Active Rc Bandpass Circuits, Robert Bentzinger

Masters Theses

"This thesis is concerned with the analysis and cataloguing of sensitivity functions of some selected active RC bandpass networks. The sensitivity functions of primary interest are the sensitivities of the quantities ω_o and Q with respect to changes in the element values of each circuit.

An introduction is provided to give background information on how each circuit is realized. Each circuit is then analyzed and the pertinent sensitivity functions catalogued. Some comments are made as to the approximations which are involved in several of the realizations and the validity of any sensitivity analysis made on these approximate realizations. The …

A Hardware And Software Interface Between A Magnetic Tape Unit And A Nova Mini-Computer, Thomas Dean Steury

Masters Theses

"This thesis is concerned with the general operation of the Kennedy Model 1400R incremental write/continuous read magnetic tape unit and the hardware design and software implementation needed to make it compatible for use with the Data General Nova 800 mini-computer.

The hardware design was developed around a General Purpose Interface Board which provides a standard set of logic needed for interfacing any external device to the Nova. The hardware consists of decode networks, mode selection networks, and I/0 timing networks. Special circuits needed to implement the hardware design and perform voltage conversions between the tape unit and the Nova computer …

A Geochemical Reconnaissance Of Puerto Rican Beach Sands, Louis Meinecke Iii

Masters Theses

"Twenty-four beach sand samples from the island of Puerto Rico were collected in 1964 by Dr. Ernst Bolter as part of a radiometric survey conducted by him. These samples were given to the author in 1969 for chemical analysis.

The purpose of this investigation was to conduct a geochemical reconnaissance study of the beach sands in order to determine the geochemical background and possible anomalies. This information could aid in offshore mineral exploration and source area determination.

This thesis presents the results of a quantitative chemical analysis for copper, lead, zinc, iron, manganese, aluminum, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and strontium …

Wind Tunnel Modeling Of The Atmospheric Boundary Layer, Sreemanth Pagadala

Masters Theses

"The importance of simulating atmospheric flows in wind tunnels has been well established. Experiments were conducted in the Modified Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel to determine the suitability of this wind tunnel for simulating atmospheric flows and the degree to which various aspects of modeling could be fulfilled. A temperature profile to simulate the inversion aloft was generated inside the test section, and then an appropriate velocity profile was built in by means of screen mesh arrangements. The turbulence characteristics of the flow were measured. The validity of the temperature, velocity and turbulence fields were examined. It was found that while the …

Adsorption And Desorption Of Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Pesticides By Organic Humic Sludge, Fu-Sheng Chien

Masters Theses

"This research study was undertaken to investigate the fundamental sorption and desorption of selected organic pesticides by organic humic acids under laboratory-controlled conditions. Emphasis was placed on the evaluation of both the rate and the equilibrium of adsorption and desorption. Two types of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides were employed in this study. These are dieldrin and heptachlor, both of which are commonly used in today's agricultural applications. The adsorbent of organic humic acids was extracted from a coal-like substance called "leonardite," which has a humus content as high as 53 percent by weight. The experimental work of this study was conducted …

Parametric Analyses Of Regenerative Steam Power Cycles, Vallabh Vithalbhai Vaghani

Masters Theses

"This study analyzes the effect of inlet pressures, internal turbine efficiencies, pump efficiencies, extraction pressures and number of open feedwater heaters on the thermal efficiency of regenerative steam power cycles. Combinations of inlet and extraction pressures were introduced into digital computer programs in order to find the optimum extraction pressures for maximum thermal efficiency. The scope of study covered regenerative steam cycles with one, two, three, four, and five open feedwater heaters. One of the principle objectives of the study was to determine if there is some turbine extraction pressure or set of pressures which give maximum thermal efficiency for …

Mechanism Of Ual₃ To Ual₄ Transformation, Ling Ping Lee

Masters Theses

"The UAl₄ compound which forms during the peritectic reaction, Liquid + UAl₃ - UAl₄ , has a long needle-like shape and a characteristic morphology of fish-tail when cut along the long axis. It has an internal core of another phase when cut perpendicular to the needle axis. Because of the interesting similarity between UAl₃ and UAl₄ crystal structures, the peculiar UAl₄ morphology could be explained. The mechanism of UAl₃ to UAl₄ transformation is identified as shear and diffusion controlled transformation"--Abstract, page ii.

Application Of Transmission Matrices To Describe Transverse Vibrations Of Non-Uniform Bernoulli-Euler Beams, Dean Irle Parker

Masters Theses

"This report investigates the application of transmission Matrices to determine natural frequencies of non-uniform Bernoulli-Euler beams. The classes of non-uniform beams considered includes: truncated wedges, truncated cones, and truncated rectangular pyramids. Two transmission matrices were derived from solutions to the Bernoulli-Euler equation. One was an exact closed form solution which was applicable for the above classes of beams excluding uniform and nearly uniform beams. The second solution was an approximate one limited to the use for nearly uniform beams, but which does give the correct solution to the uniform beam in the limiting case. The transmission matrix has two advantages: …

Measurement Of Turbulence In An Annular Jet, George Philip

Masters Theses

"An experimental investigation was conducted for an annular jet which consisted of a circular jet and a concentric wake. The annular air jet mixed with quiescent atmospheric air. The jet velocity was kept constant at 137.0 feet per second which corresponds to a Reynolds Number of 73,200. Using the technique of hot-wire anemometry, mean velocities, turbulence intensities and Reynolds stresses were measured in the longitudinal and lateral directions. Two distinct flow regimes, the free stream jet regime and the diffusing jet regime, are observed. In the free stream jet regime, higher turbulence intensity and shear stress occur in the inner …

On The Complex Index Of Refraction For Liquids, Juan Guillermo Ochoa Sierra

Masters Theses

"Methods for determining the optical constants, the real and the imaginary part of the complex index of refraction, for weakly and strongly absorbing liquids are reviewed and evaluated. Both reflection and transmission methods were considered and preliminary steps are taken for determining the optical constants for both water and oil in the visible region (0.45 - 0.65 microns) of the spectrum. A low resolution spectrometer was used and the transmission measurements through fuel oil, number 1 through 6, and crude oil were performed. The imaginary part of the complex index of refraction was deduced from the above measurements and appears …

The Analog Simulation Of Heat Transfer Devices For The Smoothing Of A Fluctuating Fluid Temperature, Le Thai Son

Masters Theses

"Equations are written to describe a heat exchanger with electrical energy input and also a large tank system which can have electrical energy input. The output temperatures were sampled and fedback to define the energy input to the two systems. These systems were simulated on an analog computer and the ability of the two systems to smooth a fluctuating temperature input was tested. The testing of the systems included trying different types of controllers in the control system as well as different size tanks for the tank system. A satisfactory smoothing of the output temperature was demonstrated after some modifications"--Abstract, …

An Investigation Of Stage I Fatigue Crack Growth In Fcc, Bcc, And Hcp Metals, Marion Anthony Russo

Masters Theses

"The objectives of this investigation were to 1) determine if Stage I mode or fatigue crack growth could be extended beyond the 45 degree maximum shear plane in metals having a face-centered, body-centered and hexagonal close pack crystal structure; 2) identify the crystallographic planes or crack propagation in Stage I growth in each crystal structure; 3) characterize the fracture surface topography or Stage I growth in each crystal structure. The test material used for this investigation consisted of alpha brass (70% Cu, 30% Zn), Armco iron and commercially pure titanium which are representative of FCC, BCC, and HCP crystal structures …

Analysis Of A Substitute For The Impact Damper To Damp Near-Resonant Mechanical Vibrations, Nguyen Khanh Van

Masters Theses

"This report investigates a substitute for the impact damper which, although highly effective in reducing vibration amplitudes of near-resonant mechanical systems, in operation causes often unacceptable intensive noise. The present damper consists of a piston free to move in a cylinder, at either end of which is a ball valve set to open at a preset pressure, and in the middle along its length an intake port. An approximate analytical study is made to determine the conditions for the existence of "noiseless periodic operation" of the damper, periodic operation without the occurence of impacts. This approach is based on the …

Design And Preliminary Testing Of A Rotary Internal Combustion Engine, Frank Darrell Statkus

Masters Theses

"With the advent of legislation against pollution, and rising wage, manufacturing, and materials costs, the prime mover industry is presently intent on developing new economical, non-polluting methods of power. It was the hope of the author that the engine described herein would provide an advancement towards meeting the new requirements. The design and resulting prototype is an eight cylinder rotary internal combustion engine, weighing approximately sixty pounds, and operating on the tour stroke principle. Theoretical calculations were made to determine ideal horsepower, mean effective pressure, and efficiency. Ideal horsepower ranged from 38.7 to 62.8. A dynamic analysis of the pistons …

Experimental Study Of Neutron Reflection From A Cylindrical Surface, Dale Lee Holtzscher

Masters Theses

"The reflection patterns for an elliptical neutron beam impinging upon cylindrical and planar surfaces were measured. The flux intensity as a function of distance from the surface of either planar or cylindrical reflectors decreased monotonously with distance. No "focusing" of the neutron beam appeared in the case of the cylindrical reflectors but the flux did not decrease as rapidly as in the planar case. For the elliptical neutron beam the experimentally determined neutron flux distribution agrees with calculation"--Abstract, page ii.

Experimental Studies Of Supporting Wire Disturbances In The Near Viscous Wakes Of Slender Supersonic Bodies, Kenneth Anthony Mirly

Masters Theses

"Wires have often been used as a means of mechanically supporting a model so that its wake will be relatively free of support interference. Such support systems have many advantages over stings and are less costly than magnetic suspension systems. Investigations into the disturbances caused by these supporting wires have been carried out with the use of a two-dimensional flat plate and a wire supported slender cone. The tests were conducted in the University of Missouri-Rolla axisymmetric, supersonic wind tunnel at Mach 3.15, and at a Reynolds number of 2.14 X 10⁶ per inch. Schlieren photography, pitot and static pressure …

Computerized Registration For High Schools, Kenneth Lee Fore

Masters Theses

"The guidance personnel in a high school are often burdened with the duty of hand scheduling the student's courses. Using the computer as a sub-optimizing tool in the registration of students, however, can cut scheduling time dramatically and relieve the guidance department of an onerous chore. The technique described in this investigation uses a conflict matrix that schedules the student's request and keeps the class load level within the course sections. A search of the schedule array for each course request may uncover a conflict. If no conflict occurs the course is scheduled and the remaining courses for this student …

High Pressure Water Jet Cutting Of Rock, Richard Lee Henry

Masters Theses

"Three experiments are described that investigate the impingement of high pressure water jets on rock. The effect of jet pressure, stand-off distance, and time of impact on penetration and specific energy of rock removal are determined on Berea sandstone, Georgia marble, and Missouri granite. Pressures range from 5,000 psi to 25,000 psi, stand-off distances from 2.0 inches to 4.0 inches and time from 0.1 seconds to 5.0 seconds. The nozzle diameter used was 0.023 inches. The effect of nozzle speed and number of passes over the same area on depth of cut and specific energy are investigated on the above …

Equilibria Between Moo₂ And Liquid Molybdenum Oxide, Prakash Bakhru

Masters Theses

"The oxygen pressure over solid molybdenum dioxide in equilibrium with liquid molybdenum oxide was determined by transpiration and solid electrolytic galvanic cell methods at 950ºC and 900º, 950º and 1000ºC respectively. The results were compared to those expected from thermodynamic data on the Mo-O system. Possible reactions between MoO₂ and SiO₂ were studied at different oxygen pressures up to 1550ºC. No compound formation or solid solution between MoO₂ and SiO₂ was detected by x-ray diffraction techniques. The phase boundary between MoO₂ and liquid molybdenum oxide was checked by microscopic examination of quenched samples. Equilibration runs were carried out in silica …