Engineering Commons^™

The Design, Construction, And Evaluation Of A Vortex Stabilized Plasma Generator, Ronald Ray Williams

Masters Theses

“This report presents the design, construction, and evaluation of a vortex stabilized arc plasma generation facility operating on argon.

The facility consisted of five basic systems; the plasma genera- tor, the electrical power system, the argon flow system, the cooling system, and instrumentation.

The facility was designed to meet four general requirements; stable arc operation, low electrode deterioration, low cost of construction, and provisions for determination of the operating characteristics and thermal properties of the plasma.

Experimental results obtained in the laboratory agreed well with the design conditions. The rate of energy dissipated in the electric arc varied from 7. …

The Design, Construction, And Calibration Of An Angular Accelerameter., Walter Earl Palm

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this work was to design, construct, and calibrate an angular accelerometer for continuous operation. The design uses four symmetrically placed springs connecting a ring and hub. Strain gages are mounted on the springs in a Wheatstone bridge arrangement. When the entire unit is subjected to an angular acceleration, the ring deflects causing an output voltage. This voltage is proportional to the deflection which is shown to be a function of the angular acceleration. The accelerometer was constructed to operate at frequencies up to 120 cps. The calibration was accomplished by using a simple harmonic motion input"-- Abstract, …

A Preliminary Study Of The Controlled Crystallization Of A Bottle Glass., Narayan M. Sedalia

Masters Theses

The effect of addition of Ti0₂ as a nucleating agent was studied with a bottle glass composition of 74 weight percent Si0₂, l percent Al₂O₃, 5.4 percent Cao, 3.7 percent MgO, 15. 3 percent Na₂O, and 0.6 percent K₂O as a base or original composition. The addition of titanium dioxide ii varied from 3 to 20 weight percent. The composition of this bottle glass was changed by increasing the following ingredients and keeping the other ingredients in the same ratios:

1. Increased 5 weight percent of Al₂O …

Compensator Design For Unity Feedback Systems Using An Analytical Method, Chang-Yu Wu

Masters Theses

“In control systems engineering it is frequently necessary to compensate a fixed plant whose transfer function cannot be changed. Usually the characteristics of the resulting system are established in terms of steady-state and transient performance specifications. Generally it is necessary to insert a compensator which insures stability as well as satisfies the specifications.

In this thesis an analytical method is developed to determine the transfer function of the compensator in order to satisfy the following set of specifications. The fixed system is assumed to contain one non-linearity, saturation. The input to the saturable device is constrained in a statistical …

Compaction Characteristics Of Fine Grained Soils., Lewis Clyburn Sowell

Masters Theses

"The existing theories of compaction of soi Is are reviewed. The effect of varying the compactive effort on dry density, optimum moisture content, and compressive strength for three fine grained soils is investigated. These samples consist of si I ty clay (CL), plastic clay (CH), and loess (ML). The test results indicate that compactive effort has an important effect on the shape of the moisture density curve and that a potential for over compaction increases with a higher plastic index and c l ay content. At water contents above the Standard AASHO optimum value, the compressive strength is not appreciably …

Theoretical Investigation Of Steam Jet Cleaning, Jaswant T. Lotwala

Masters Theses

"Steam cleaning methods are used by industries to remove mass of dirt and grease deposits from machine parts and other surfaces. It is necessary to know the rate at which this mass can be removed from a surface. The present investigation was made to determine this rate of mass removal. The mass transfer rate is influenced by two phenomena; namely, heat transfer and momentum transfer. Both of these were discussed and the results obtained from the analysis were used in determining the total mass transfer rate. The effects of various parameters, such as density and velocity of the cleaning fluid, …

High Order Bang Bang Control System., Shing-Chou Pi

Masters Theses

"The problem undertaken in this thesis is to find a representation of a nonlinear controller to minimize the response time of a limited input plant whose transfer function has N negative real poles. The extension of the phase-space method to automatic control systems described by high-order differential equations with a general high-order input is considered.

The design utilizes a maximum effort controller whose switching time is determined by the concept of switching hypersurfaces of the system in N-dimensional phase space and the concept of a distance function, which is & geometric length between the initial state point and the switching …

Investigations Of The Feasibility Of Transporting Ore In Open-Flumes., Kirtikant R. Sheth

Masters Theses

"Considerable effort has been expended and many data are published on developing the technologies of pipeline transportation and hydraulic hoisting. However, comparatively little information is available on the techniques of hydraulic mining, and nearly none ii is reported on conveying slurries in open flumes. For this reason, the author chose to investigate some of the parameters that influence open-flume transport.

It was found that Durand has assembled the findings of several investigators into a simple mathematical expression which is accepted as a standard for designing slurry pipelines. ·Further investigation by the writer revealed that Durand's formula, with only minor modification, …

The Effect Of A Lubricant On Tool-Workpiece Interface., Kenneth Eugene Spencer

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of cutting fluids and the method of application to an orthogonal cutting process.

The cutting operation was performed on a lathe. The fluids use d were compressed air and a solution of emulsifiable oil and water.

The flooding of the area was produced by directing a copious supply of fluid over the cutting a rea. The directed stream was obtained by pumping the fluid through a small hole drilled into the tool holder, immediately above and behind the tool face, which directed the fluid at the tool-chip interface.

The results …

Anodic Dissolution And Disintegration Of Indium, Thallium, And Indium-Cadmium Solid Solutions And Valency Of The Ions Going Into Solution., Richard Lloyd Martin

Masters Theses

"Indium was found to form only In⁺³ ions when dissolving anodically in aqueous acid solutions. Thallium dissolves anodically in acid solutions giving Tl⁺¹ ions only. The reason why Faraday's law is not being formed is that the anode undergoes partial disintegration producing small metallic particles.

Disintegration of these anodes depends on several factors: the nature and concentration of the corrosive medium, the surface condition of the anode, the current density, and the temperature of the corrosive solution. Disintegration may be due to different mechanisms depending on the nature of the electrolyte" -- Abstract, p. ii

Mass Transfer To Droplets: Effect Of Non-Newtonian Continuous Phase., Hsin Chih Wu

Masters Theses

"Since non-Newtonian fluids are frequently encountered in the chemical and process industries, it is important that the transport processes which are commonly encountered be thoroughly investigated. Although studies of fluid mechanics and heat transfer with these fluids have been reported, virtually no work has been reported in the study of mass transfer. This is particularly true of mass transfer in turbulent flow.

The purpose of this investigation is to study the liquid-liquid mass transfer phenomenon in turbulent flow associated with single droplets in non-Newtonian continuous phases. The results are compared with those obtained in Newtonian systems. The data obtained will …

Velocity And Kinetic Energy Distribution Of A Submerged Jet., Patrick Shepard Couch

Masters Theses

"The velocity distribution in a cylindrically bounded region of water induced by a submerged axisynnnetric jet of water, has been investigated. Velocity profiles at successive levels were constructed. The continuity equation was shown to be only approximately verified by the velocity profiles.

The kinetic energy for each level was computed and given mathematical expression"-- Abstract, p. 2

A Study Of Cation Exchange And Soil Properties, Arthur G. Follett

Masters Theses

“The objective of this investigation is to study the effect of clay content and cation exchange capacity on the liquid and plastic limits of a soil system in the natural, flocculated, and dispersed states. Putnam and Clarksville natural soils found extensively in Missouri and a synthetic soil composed of Kaolin clay and Clarksville fine sand and silt were tested.

The results of the investigation indicate that a general relationship exists between the high cation exchange capacity of a soil and the extreme variances of the liquid and plastic limit values for the flocculated and the dispersed states. The cation exchange …

The Toxic Effects And Fate Of Selected Pesticides In Natural Water., Donald Lee Evans

Masters Theses

"The extensive application of synthetic organic pesticides in the United States has created many problems, particularly with respect to fish life. While a number of investigations have been undertaken to determine the toxicity of several pesticides to various species of fish, a great deal of research work is needed before the problem is completely understood.

The individual toxicities of DDT, BHC, 2.,4-D, and Sevin to western golden shiners were determined by means of the bioassay procedure at a t empera t ure Of 16oc. The four chemicals studied were found to be toxic to the test fish with Median Tolerance …

A Study Of Crystallization Of Synthetic Fluor-Glaucophane Compositions, Kartini Tjokroatmodjo

Masters Theses

"The ability to form a stable glass and the crystallization properties of four compositions close to that of glaucophane, Na₂Mg₃Al₂Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂ studied. Three glasses were compared with a fourth glass containing no fluorine. The crystallization products of all four glasses were examined between the temperature range 600 - 1200°C. The crystallization products of the three fluorine containing glasses were similar, consisting of mica below 1000°C and of mica, fluor-glaucophane, enstatite and forsterite above 1000°C. In the fluorine free glass, enstatite was the only crystalline phase present below 1000°C, however, forsterite …

Estimating Bench Design Parameters For Open-Cut Excavation, Rajni K. Gandhi

Masters Theses

"There are no direct relationships available that provide a basis for bench design of multiple-bench, open-cut earth excavations in competent materials when power shovels are employed. This study was undertaken to determine if mathematical design expressions could be developed when the production rate, material's properties, and equipment operating characteristics were known.

It was found that all bench dimensions were a function of the bench height, which in turn was controlled by the required rate of production. The investigation revealed that suitable relationships could be developed to guide in the control of bank stability, choice of shovel capacity, determination of the …

The Anodic Dissolution And Disintegration Of Gallium And Aluminum And The Initial Valency Of The Ions Entering Aqueous Solutions., Kenneth Anderson Poush

Masters Theses

Gallium dissolved very slowly in dilute acids like HC1, H₂SO₄and HCIO₄. The rate was substantially accelerated if the metal was connected with a platinum electrode in the same solution. From the volume of the hydrogen developed the trivalency of gallium ions going into solution was calculated. This same ionic charge was obtained from coulometric measurements using gallium-amalgam as the anode. The initial ionic charge of aluminum dissolving from an aluminum amalgam anode was evidenced as being plus three by coulometric measurements.

Gallium and aluminum anodes were found to partially disintegrate while the current flowed. …

Optimalization By Peak-Holding, Curtis W. Dodd

Masters Theses

"The problem presented is a study of the peak-holding method of optimalization. This method applies to a system that has an extremum.

After describing how the complete system, consisting of the controller and the controlled system, works; variations in the controller are presented. These variations are changes in the final stage of the controller, the servo. A phase-plane analysis shows how the output of the controlled system varies with its rate of change. Limitations are presented which tell why the system cannot be kept at its peak value at all times. Finally an analog simulation is used to study the …

Real Time Testing With A Time Scaled Analog Computer., Wayne F. Balsman

Masters Theses

"A present limitation to the testing of a physical subsystem within an analog simulation is that the analog computer must compute in real time. If it is necessary to time scale the simulation of the complete system, a physical subsystem of the complete subsystem may not be tested within the simulation. Therefore, a means of changing the time scale of the analog signal is needed to test a physical subsystem within a time scaled analog computer simulation.

In this thesis a means of time conversion by sampling the analog signal at one rate, storing the samples, and reading the samples …

Solid-Phase Welding Of Nodular Iron To Low Carbon Steel., Scott H. Carriere

Masters Theses

“This paper presents an experimental investigation of the possibility of using solid-phase welding to join nodular iron to low carbon steel. Included is a review of available literature on solid-phase welding, tracing its origin from early Egypt to the present day. There was no previously reported work found on the welding of nodular iron to steel.

Experiments were performed to determine what temperature-pressure combination gave the greatest ultimate tensile strength These experiments resulted in the best welds being produced with an end load of 7000 pounds (35.700 psi) on a half inch diameter sample. The majority of these welds proved …

Separation Of Cationic And Colloidal Fractions Of Radioactive Fission Elements By Electrodialysis., Ronald Dean Mitchell

Masters Theses

"The rapid increase in radioisotope applicat i ons necessitates improved technology for separation and purification of the fission product elements. Electrodialysis techniques employing Permutit anion exchange membranes (3148) and cation exchange membranes (3142) were used to separate strontium from cesium and to fractionate cerium from promethium. The methods were based upon organic complex formations in basic solution.

Separations of radio strontium and radio cesium were affected with both anion and cation exchange membranes in a three-cell electro dialyzer with EDTA as a chelating agent at a pH of 11.0o Fractionation of radiocerium and radio promethium were affected with anion exchange …

Investigation Of The Effect Of The Wall Thickness On The Residual Stresses Developed In Thick Wall Cylinders Due To Water Quenching From The Outside Surface., Ghanshyam Chandubhai Patel

Masters Theses

"This investigation has been made to determine the residual stresses in thick wall cylinders by the use of strain gages.

The cylinders were quenched from their outer surface i n water from a temperature of 1000°F, and the resulting residual stresses were determined by Sachs boring-out method. The effect of the wall thickness of the cylinders on the residual stresses and the error developed due to the boring operation were discussed"--Abstract, p. ii

Densification Studies Of Three-Component Refractory Grog Systems., Jerome Dale Patterson

Masters Theses

"The bulk density and crushing strength properties of three-component refractory grog systems that were formed by mechanical impact or by mechanical vibration were determined.

Aqueous alkali silicate solutions of various types, concentrations, and amounts were investigated as room temperature binders for these grog systems. Compositions having maximum bulk densities were determined for each of six different three-component refractory grog systems. The densification rate curves for systems formed by mechanical impact were determined"--Abstract, p. ii

The Effects Of Surface Flaw Density And Configuration On Fracture Stresses Of A Triaxial Porcelain., William H. Daniels

Masters Theses

"The fracture behavior of a model brittle solid containing artificial surface flaws was studied. An industrial ceramic porcelain body was employed as the model brittle material. Sample groups of specimens containing 6, 11, 24, 49,. and 90 sharp surface notches uniformly distributed over a four inch length were broken under pure bending. The fracture data we-re compared to those of an identically treated control group containing no artificial flaws.

The mean strengths of the two groups of lowest flaw density were identical, both being significantly less than that for the control group. Further increases in flaw density resulted in increased …

The Electrical Analogy Of Critical Speed For The Transverse Vibrations Of A Shaft With One, Two And Three Masses, Ashok Z. Patel

Masters Theses

"The object of this thesis is to determine the critical speed of a shaft by an electrical analogy. The shaft considered is of constant diameter and is simply supported at the ends by fixing it in self aligning bearings. The weight of the shaft is assumed to be proportionally distributed in the attached masses.

The original system is first of all converted to an equivalent simple spiring mass system by calculating the influence coefficients and hence frcan these determining the spring constants. The spring mass system obtained is then converted to an equivalent electrical circuit.

A sine-square wave frequency generator …

Solid Solubility Of Sodium Oxide In Tricalcium Aluminate, Joel A. Conwicke

Masters Theses

"The tie line connecting the compounds 3CaO·Al₂O₃ and Na₂O·8CaO·3Al₂O₃ in the ternary system CaO-Al₂O₃-Na₂O was studied at 1250° Celsius.

It was determined that Na₂O can exist in crystalline solution with 3CaO·Al₂O₃ in percentages of about 2.3% or less without any apparent change in the structure of 3CaO·Al₂O₃. X-ray diffraction peaks in the back-reflection region shifted to lower d-spacing values on increasing Na₂O contents.

At a Na₂O content of about 2.7%, each major x-ray …

A Study Of The Separation Of A Mixture Of Carbon Dioxide And Hydrogen By Means Of An Orifice., Larry Gene Bauer

Masters Theses

"The purpose of the investigation was an attempt to verify a statement made by Partridge in an effort to discover a new method of separating gaseous mixtures. Partridge stated that when a constant pressure is applied on two gases of different specific gravity, a larger volume of the l igl1ter gas is forced through the orifice. Orifices of 1.016, 0.319, and 0.222 millimeter in diameter were used in the course of the investigation.

It was found that with the apparatus used in the research endeavor, no separation of the mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide could be obtained"--Abstract, p. i

Effect Of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose On Properties Of Concrete At Early Ages., Vipinchandra R. Shah

Masters Theses

"In this investigation, hydroxyethyl cellulose was used as an admixture in plain concrete. The admixture was tested for its effect on the compressive strength of plain concrete cylinders and for its effect on the flexural strength of plain concrete beams. Specimens were also tested for freeze-thaw durability and shrinkage.

The test results indicated that hydroxyethyl cellulose has the effect of increasing the compressive strength and decreasing the flexural strength of plain concrete. The rapid freezing and thawing tests showed that the durability increases with increase in amount of admixture.

The tests were carried out in the Materials Laboratory of the …

The Effect Of Plastic Deformations On Grain Boundaries., Jayendra Jamnadas Shah

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the plastic deformations on the grain boundaries and the grain structure of mild steel. Five beams tested were of A-36 steel and of 6 WF 20 rolled section. Central loading was used to develop a plastic tinge at the cent1:1r.

At the center, where a plastic hinge was formed, the effect of the plastic deformations on the grain structure was severe in all the samples taken from the tension side of all plastically or partially plastically loaded beams. In fully plastically loaded beams this effect had spread on both …

Effect Of Internal Pressure On Compressive Buckling Stress Of A Cylindrical Shell Under Eccentric Loading, Chao-Ping Chu

Masters Theses

“In this paper, an investigation was made of a thin- walled cylindrical shell under compressive load with various eccentricities and internal pressures to study the effect of the internal pressure on the compressive buckling stress of the shell.

So far, theoretical methods have not been devised to solve this problem; therefore, an experimental study was carried out. The experimental results indicated that the buckling load of the shell decreases as the eccentricity increases, that the buckling stress increases as the eccentricity increases, and that the change in buckling stress increases with an increase of internal pressure and is very nearly …