Engineering Commons^™

Three-Dimensional Endothelial Spheroid-Based Investigation Of Pressure-Sensitive Sprout Formation, Min Song

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

This study explored hydrostatic pressure as a mechanobiological parameter to control in vitro endothelial cell tubulogenesis in 3-D hydrogels as a model microvascular tissue engineering approach. For this purpose, the present investigation used an endothelial spheroid model, which we believe is an adaptable microvascularization strategy for many tissue engineering construct designs. We also aimed to identify the operating magnitudes and exposure times for hydrostatic pressure-sensitive sprout formation as well as verify the involvement of VEGFR-3 signaling. For this purpose, we used a custom-designed pressure system and a 3-D endothelial cell spheroid model of sprouting tubulogenesis. We report that an exposure …

Characteristics And Composition Of Magnetic Concentrates Of Bottom Ash Samples From Two Types Of Thermal Power Plants In Odisha, India, Subir Kumar Das

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Aluminosilicate bottom ash samples were examined from a thermal power plant in Talcher (sample NT-BA) and in Sambalpur (sample HR-BA), Odisha, India, to determine magnetic particle morphology, internal structure, mineralogy, mineral chemistry, ash fusion temperature, chemical composition, and leaching characteristics. The Talcher plant has adopted pulverized coal combustion, whereas the Sambalpur plant uses circulating fluidized bed combustion boiler technology. For NT-BA, most magnetic particles were ideal solid spheres (ferrospheres) with diverse morphological features (smooth, granular, dendritic and skeletal, porous, spotted, polygonal, and hollow [magnetite cenospheres]). For HR-BA, magnetic particles were subspherical, oval, and angular and showed widely varying surface morphologies, …

Distribution Of Uranium And Other Radionuclides In Coal And Coal Combustion Products, With Discussion Of Occurrences Of Combustion Products In Kentucky Power Plants, James C. Hower, Shifeng Dai, Greta Eskenazy

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Uranium and thorium are part of the mineral assemblages within coals. Uranium can also occur in organic associations, particularly in low-rank coals. While the average U concentration in coals is 2.9 ppm for low-rank coals and 1.9 ppm for bituminous and higher rank coals, high concentrations are known from certain low-rank and thin coals and from coals in areas associated with U mineralization. No high-U coals are mined for power production in the United States. Uranium and Th in coal combustion products are found in amounts more or less in proportion to their concentrations in the feed coal. Not being …

Behavior Of Rc Beams Strengthened In Flexure With Spliced Cfrp Rod Panels, Akram Rasheed Jawdhari

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

FRP laminates and fabrics, used as an externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) to strengthen or repair concrete members, have proven to be an economical retrofitting method. However, when used to strengthen long-span members or members with limited access, the labor and equipment demands may negate the benefits of using continuous EBR FRP. Recently, CFRP rod panels (CRPs) have been developed and deployed to overcome the aforementioned limitations. Each CRP is made of several small diameter CFRP rods placed at discrete spacing. To fulfill the strengthening length, CRP’s are spliced together and made continuous by means of overlaps (or finger joints).

In …

3d Infrastructure Condition Assessment For Rail Highway Applications, Teng Wang

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Highway roughness is a concern for both the motoring public and highway authorities. Roughness may even increase the risk of crashes. Rail-highway grade crossings are particularly problematic. Roughness may be due to deterioration or simply due to the way the crossing was built to accommodate grade change, local utilities, or rail elevation. With over 216,000 crossings in the US, maintenance is a vast undertaking. While methods are available to quantify highway roughness, no method exists to quantitatively assess the condition of rail crossings. Conventional inspection relies on a labor-intensive process of qualitative judgment. A quantifiable, objective and extensible procedure for …

Development Of A Statistical Theory-Based Capital Cost Estimating Methodology For Light Rail Transit Corridor Evaluation Under Varying Alignment Characteristics, Anthony J. Catalina

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

The context of this research is the investigation and application of an approach to develop an effective evaluation methodology for establishing the investment worthiness of a range of potential Light Rail Transit (LRT) major system improvements (alternatives). Central to addressing mobility needs in a corridor is the ability to estimate capital costs at the planning level through a reliable and replicable methodology. This research extends the present state of practice that relies primarily on either cost averages (by review of cost data of implemented LRT projects) or cost categories in high and low cost ranges. The current methodologies often cannot …

Underwater Explosion Energy Dissipation Near Waterborne Infrastructure, Paul R. Smith

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Underwater explosions pose a significant threat to waterborne infrastructure though destructive pressure waves that can travel significant distances through the water. However, the use of bubble screens can attenuate the peak pressure and energy flux created by explosions to safe levels. This study investigates the prediction of pressure wave characteristics based on accumulated data, the damage potential of underwater explosions based on applied loads and effective material strength, and the bubble screen parameters required to prevent damage. The results were compiled to form a procedure for the design and implementation of a bubble screen the protection of waterborne infrastructure.

The Rheological Impact Of Cell Activation On The Flow Behavior Of Neutrophils, Nolan M. Horrall

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

Previously, it was reported that the morphological changes (pseudopod projection) that circulating neutrophils adopt due to cell activation raises peripheral vascular resistance by disrupting microvascular rheology. Studies utilized murine muscle preparations to link neutrophil pseudopod formation to cell activation and a viscous impact on hemodynamic resistance. But because of the complexity associated with the organization of the vasculature and microvasculature in tissues, it was unclear whether the effects of neutrophil activation on hemodynamic resistance were associated with the macro-/micro- circulation. This research describes an in vitro analysis using viscometry and microvascular network mimics (microporous membranes) to assess the rheological impact …

Transient-Based Risk Analysis Of Water Distribution Systems, Steven Hoagland

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Water distribution system utilities must be able to maintain a system’s assets (i.e., pumps, tanks, water mains, etc.) in good working condition in order to provide adequate water quantity and quality to its customers. Various asset management approaches are employed by utilities in order to make optimal decisions regarding the renewal of system components. Part of a good asset management approach is performing a comprehensive risk analysis which consists of considering all potential ways in which the system may fail, the likelihood failure of for each scenario, and the consequences of said failure. This study investigates a water distribution system’s …

Estimation Of Annual Average Daily Traffic On Local Roads In Kentucky, William Nicholas Staats

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Annual average daily traffic (AADT) is used to estimate intersection performance across Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) currently collects AADTs for state maintained roads, but lacks this information on local roads. A method is needed to estimate local road AADTs in a cost-effective and reasonable manner. A literature review was conducted on AADT models and found no models suitable to Kentucky. Therefore an AADT model using non-linear regression was developed for local roads in Kentucky

This model divided the state into three regions utilizing Kentucky’s highway districts. This partitioning accounted for geographic and socioeconomic variability across the state. Each …

Bridge End Settlement Evaluation And Prediction, Jiwen Zhang

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

A bridge approach is usually built to provide a smooth and safe transition for vehicles from the roadway pavement to the bridge structure. However, differential settlement between the roadway pavement resting on embankment fill and the bridge abutment built on more rigid foundation often creates a bump in the roadway. Previous work examined this issue at a microscopic level and presented new methods for eliminating or minimizing the effects at specific locations.

This research studies the problem at a macroscopic level by determining methods to predict settlement severity to assist designers in developing remediation plans during project development to minimize …

Enhancing The Strength Properties Of Fly Ash By Adding Waste Products, Alfred J. Susilo

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

For this study, the main material to be investigated is Class F fly ash that originates from the combustion of Appalachian coal. Alone, fly ash exhibits poor strength properties and is susceptible to liquefaction when subject to dynamic loading. This research is focused on investigating the effect of adding materials that would otherwise be considered as waste products to the fly ash. Materials to be considered include crumb rubber, shredded carpet and shredded paper. The benefits from this research are twofold. First, provide a method to stabilize fly ash. For large masses of fly ash such as those found at …

Tier 1 Highway Security Sensitive Material Dynamic Risk Management, Steven Douglas Kreis

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Each year, over 2 billion tons of hazardous materials are shipped in the United States, with over half of that being moved on commercial vehicles. Given their relatively poor or nonexistent defenses and inconspicuousness, commercial vehicles transporting hazardous materials are an easy target for terrorists. Before carriers or security agencies recognize that something is amiss, their contents could be detonated or released. From 2006 to 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recorded 144,643 incidents involving a release of hazardous materials. Although there were no known instances of terrorism being the cause, accidental releases …

The Influence Of Cholesterol-Related Membrane Fluidity On The Shear Stress Control Of Neutrophil Adhesion And Its Implications In Hypercholesterolemia, Michael L. Akenhead

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease and is associated with chronic leukocyte adhesion in the microvasculature. While the underlying mechanisms behind this have yet to be determined, it may be possible that hypercholesterolemia impairs the fluid shear stress (FSS) inactivation of neutrophils through the rigidifying effect of cholesterol on membrane fluidity. FSS restricts surface expression of CD18 integrins through cathepsin B (ctsB) proteolysis, which minimizes neutrophil adhesivity. If hypercholesterolemia blocks FSS mechanotransduction, then the inhibition of CD18 cleavage may link pathologic blood cholesterol elevations with dysregulated neutrophil adhesion. We hypothesized that elevated cholesterol contributes …

Modeling The Compressibility Behavior Of Hard Red Wheat Varieties, Aaron P. Turner, Michael D. Montross, Samuel G. Mcneill, Michael P. Sama, Mark E. Casada, Josephine M. Boac, Rumela Bhadra, Ronaldo G. Maghirang, Sidney A. Thompson

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The bulk density of grain in a storage structure varies vertically and horizontally due to the overburden pressure created by the cumulative weight of the overlying material. As the overburden pressure increases, the stored material compacts. This compaction is believed to be caused by rearrangement of kernels along with higher intergranular stress between particles, leading to kernel deformation. This compaction is of primary concern when estimating the amount of grain in a storage structure. In this comprehensive study, confined uniaxial compression tests were conducted on 27 different samples of hard red winter wheat, at three moisture levels, over the range …

Error Analysis Of Stored Grain Inventory Determination, Aaron P. Turner, Michael D. Montross, Joshua J. Jackson, Samuel G. Mcneill, Mark E. Casada, Josephine M. Boac, Rumela Bhadra, Ronaldo G. Maghirang, Sidney A. Thompson

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Estimation of the quantity of stored grain is important for crop insurance, financial statements, and inventory control. Traditionally, the height of grain has been measured using weighted tape measures, and the volume is subsequently computed using standard geometric shapes (cylinders and cones) along with visual correction of the grain surface. Field measurements by four trained USDA Farm Service Agency and crop insurance agents on older farm-sized bins (8.2 to 11.0 m, or 27 to 36 ft, in diameter) resulted in standard deviations between 0.02 and 0.30 m for the equivalent height when the grain surface was not level. The largest …

Correlating Bulk Density (With Dockage) And Test Weight (Without Dockage) For Wheat Samples, Rumela Bhadra, Mark E. Casada, Josephine M. Boac, Aaron P. Turner, Sidney A. Thompson, Michael D. Montross, Ronaldo G. Maghirang, Samuel G. Mcneill

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

In grain bins, the compaction of stored grain is caused by the overbearing pressure of the bulk material in the bin. To predict the amount of grain in the bin, compaction values must be determined based on the average bulk density (BD) of the stored material. However, BD is determined following the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) guidelines for measuring test weight (TW), which require that dockage be removed prior to measuring wheat TW. Thus, this creates a problem for predicting grain compaction and conducting inventory studies, because the average BD of the grain in a bin for these calculations …

As-Applied Estimation Of Volumetric Flow Rate From A Single Sprayer Nozzle Series Using Water-Sensitive Spray Cards, Michael P. Sama, John T. Evans, Aaron P. Turner, Surya Saket Dasika

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of using coverage measurements from water-sensitive spray cards to estimate the volumetric flow rate at an individual sprayer nozzle. TeeJet VisiFlow Even Flat Spray Tips were selected due to their uniform distribution of coverage. Spray distribution for each nozzle was validated using a spray patternator table with 2.5 cm sampling widths. A rotary test fixture translated water-sensitive spray cards through the spray dispersion (water at ambient conditions) at a constant angular velocity and a radius of 1.2 m. The test fixture measured volumetric flow and pressure at the nozzle and …

A Review Of Non-Destructive Methods For Detection Of Insect Infestation In Fruits And Vegetables, Nader Ekramirad, Akinbode A. Adedeji, Reza Alimardani

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Insect damage in fruits and vegetables cause major production and economic losses in the agriculture and food industry worldwide. Monitoring of internal quality and detection of insect infestation in fruits and vegetables is critical for sustainable agriculture. Early detection of an infestation in fruits can facilitate the control of insects and the quarantine operations through proper post-harvest management strategies and can improve productivity. The present review recognizes the need for developing a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable insect infestation monitoring system that would lead to advancements in agriculture and food industry. In this paper, an overview of non-destructive detection insect damages …

Nozzle Sensor For In-System Chemical Concentration Monitoring, Joseph S. Dvorak, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Yongbo Wan

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Chemical concentration is a vital parameter for determining appropriate chemical application. This study describes the design and testing of a sensor that attempted to monitor concentration of chemicals upstream from each nozzle body. The sensor is based on an LED and photodiode pair. Its ability to detect chemical concentration within the main carrier was tested with a 2,4-D formulation, a glyphosate formulation, and a powdered Acid Blue 9 dye. The liquid herbicide formulations of glyphosate and 2,4-D were tested across common application concentrations of 0% to 12.5% by volume. The powdered dye produced a much stronger effect on the sensor …

Electron Beam Induced Deposition Of Highly Conductive Copper Nanowires From Bulk Liquids, Amjad M. Syam

Theses and Dissertations--Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electron-beam induced deposition (EBID) is a position-controlled technique that can directly fabricate nanometer-sized structures in functional materials. In the standard process, a gaseous precursor delivers the desired substance to the substrate for deposition. However, the material purity from these precursors is typically poor, which often negatively affects the functional properties of the deposit. Recently, bulk liquid precursors have been investigated as promising reactants for high purity deposition without the need for post-processing. In this work, EBID from bulk liquids is shown to yield highly conductive nanowire deposits. Aqueous solutions containing copper sulfate (CuSO₄) and sulfuric acid (H_{2 …}

Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Studies On Fly Ash Zeolites, Denitza Zgureva

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

In this study, the potential of fly ash zeolites (FAZ) Linde (LTA) and faujasite (FAU) to adsorb carbon dioxide (CO2) was investigated in view of the results of implementation in postcombustion carbon-capture technologies. Adsorption isotherms of selected samples were measured at 273.15 K by a Micromeritics Tristar II 3020 surface analyzer. The highest adsorption capacity was obtained for FAZ with a FAU structure synthesized by a two-stage fusion hydrothermal process from fly ash (FA) that was composed of 65 wt% amorphous components. The adsorption capacity for this sample reached a value of 136.40 mg CO2/g FAZ at atmospheric pressure, a …

Analysis Of Scientific Investigations Related To Reclamation Of Surface Mining Control And Reclamation Act Permitted Coal Mines With Coal Combustion By-Products, Kimery C. Vories

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

In the United states, the placement of coal combustion by-products (CCBs) (i.e., fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, flue gas desulfurization material, and fluidized bed combustion material) in coal mines has been an area of controversy. Federal and state governments, universities, the National Energy Technology Laboratory, and industrial research organizations have taken an active role in encouraging and promoting technological advances, research, and technology transfer related to the use of CCBs at coal mines. CCBs have been placed at Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) permitted mines since 1977 to serve the following purposes: (1) a seal …

Coal Ash By-Product From Shanxi Province, China, For The Production Of Portland–Calcium Sulfoaluminate, Tristana Y. Duvallet, Thomas L. Robl, Kevin R. Henke, Yongmin Zhou, David Harris

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Twenty bulk samples were collected from ponded coal combustion ash in Shanxi Province, China, as part of an investigation of their beneficiation potential. The samples were shipped to the University of Kentucky, where they were chemically analyzed. The samples were highly consistent in chemistry, falling within the ASTM C-618 class F compositional range. The particle size of the ponded ash was relatively coarse, with only ,7% by weight on average, falling below 200 mesh (75 mm) particle size. The bulk of the material (.80%) was within 50 by 200 mesh (equivalent to 300 by 75 mm). X-ray diffraction investigation combined …

Effect Of Coal Fly Ash Leachate On The Bioluminescence Intensity Of Vibrio Fischeri, Shiro Ikeda, Irena Kostova, Hideaki Sekine, Yoshika Sekine

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

Coal fly ash is a residue of coal-fired thermoelectric power plants (TPPs) and is mostly dumped in ash ponds or landfill sites, even though it potentially contains significant amounts of water-soluble hazardous contaminants. Bioassay using the bioluminescent bacterium *Vibrio fischeri* is known to be applicable for assessing the short-term and sublethal toxicity of complex mixtures without the need for precise chemical characterization. However, this type of bioassay is potentially adversely influenced by the pH-induced protein denaturation of cells. Because coal fly ash leachates often have alkaline or acidic properties, when applying the *V. fischeri*-based bioassay to the samples, we need …

Influence Of Coal-Fired Power Plant Emissions Regulations And Consequent Engineering Controls And Coal-Supply Modifications On Fly Ash Chemistry And Petrology: Examples From Kentucky Power Plants, Madison M. Hood, John G. Groppo, Michelle N. Johnston, James C. Hower, Herek L. Clack, Diego S. De Medeiros, Silvio R. Taffarel, Cesar M.N.L. Cutruneo, Luis F.O. Silva

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

The chemistry and petrology of fly ash are controlled by a number of factors: (1) chemistry of the feed coal (and added fuels, such as petroleum coke, tires, biomass, etc.), (2) particle size of the fuel feed (controlled by pulverized fuel vs. cyclone combustion, maintenance of pulverizers, etc.), (3) design of the boiler and pollution-control system, and (4) temperature of the flue gas at the collection point. In general, for any electrostatic precipitator or baghouse system, the concentrations of volatile trace elements in fly ash will increase with a drop in the flue gas temperature and a decrease in the …

Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute Annual Technical Report Fy 2015, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

KWRRI Annual Technical Reports (USGS’s 104b Grant Program)

The 2015 Annual Technical Report for Kentucky consolidates reporting requirements for the Section 104(b) base grant award into a single document that includes: 1) a synopsis of each student research enhancement project that was conducted during the period, 2) citations for related publications, reports, and presentations, 3) a description of information transfer activities, 4) a summary of student support during the reporting period, and 5) notable awards and achievements during the year.

No funds were requested for general program administration activities. However, travel funds were provided to support the participation of the director and associate director in the annual meeting …

Phase I Inspection Of The Stay Cable System On The Us 231 William H. Natcher Bridge Over The Ohio River, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Sudhir Palle, Danny Wells, Bobby W. Meade, Jared Fairchild, Christopher Goff

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The US 231 Natcher Bridge was opened in 2002. By 2006 cracking was observed in the plastic piping that protected the stay cable strands from the environment at both the deck and tower anchorages. Over time the extent of cracking increased and an investigation was initiated to assess the types of deterioration impacting the cables, their causes and their impacts on the integrity of the stay cables.

From 2012-2015, a series of in-depth field inspections were performed using visual and nondestructive testing. Most of this work focused on the piping at the deck anchorages. The inspections disclosed voids in cable …

Experimental Rapid Renewal Project (Bridge Construction), Bobby W. Meade, Sudhir Palle, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to develop specifications and contract language and to monitor the implementation them to effectively use rapid reconstruction and extended service life concepts in new bridge construction. Through the use of A + B bidding, a duplex protective coating system using Hot Dipped Galvanizing (HDG) and paint, and preservation techniques such as concrete sealers and stains the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet attained those goals.

Pore Pressure Measurement Instrumentation Response To Blasting, Kylie M. Larson-Robl

Theses and Dissertations--Mining Engineering

Coal mine impoundment failures have been well documented to occur due to an increase in excess pore pressure from sustained monotonic loads. Very few failures have ever occurred from dynamic loading events, such as earthquakes, and research has been done regarding the stability of these impoundment structures under such natural seismic loading events. To date no failures or damage have been reported from dynamic loading events caused by near-by production blasting, however little research has been done considering these conditions. Taking into account that current environmental restrictions oblige to increase the capacity of coal impoundments, thus increasing the hazard of …