Engineering Commons^™

High-Impact, Energy-Absorbing Vehicle Barrier System : United States Patent 7,410,320 B2, Ronald K. Faller, Dean L. Sicking, John R. Rohde, John D. Reid, Robert W. Bielenberg, James C. Holloway, Karla A. Polivka

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

A high-impact, energy-absorbing vehicle barrier system generally includes a substantially rigid outer containment wall coupled via strap assemblies with an energy-absorbing inner impact wall, and energy-absorbing cartridges strategically positioned between the impact wall and containment wall. The impact wall is constructed of a number of tubes coupled with one another to present a substantially smooth, unifonn surface to passing vehicles. The energy-absorbing cartridges generally consist of a foam member or a number of foam sheets which compress and crush between the containment wall and impact wall to absorb energy from an errant vehicle striking the face of the impact wall, …

Self-Encoded Spread Spectrum Synchronization And Cooperative Diversity, Kun Hua

Department of Computer Electronics and Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This dissertation research concerns a novel self-encoded spread spectrum. It provides a feasible practical implementation for random spreading codes. The traditional transmit and receive PN code generators are not needed. Instead, the spreading codes are extracted from the user's information bits itself. Comparing to conventional CDMA, SESS completely abandons the use of pseudo-random spreading codes. The code variability doesn't depend on the spreading length like pseudo-random codes.

But because the self-encoded spreading sequence is random and time varying, data recovery requires that the despreading sequence be identical with the spreading sequence at the start of the transmission. Synchronization is one …

Department Of Biological Systems Engineering Newsletter, Volume 4, Number 1, August 2008

BSE Department Magazine

Contents:
New Biomedical Lab Makes Debut
From the Department Head
The Dean's List
Meet the Faculty
Alumni News
Student News
UCARE
Graduates
John Miller: A Success Story
Discover Your Career: Mechanized Systems Management
Alumnus Profile
Faculty and Staff News
Comings and Goings
Spreading the word about No-till

Exploring Potential U.S. Switchgrass Production For Lignocellulosic Ethanol, Ethan B. Davis, Henriette I. Jager, Tristram O. West, Robert D. Perlack, Craig C. Brandt, Stan D. Wullschleger, Latha M. Baskaran, Erin G. Wilkerson, Mark E. Downing, Carla A. Gunderson

United States Department of Energy: Publications

In response to concerns about oil dependency and the contributions of fossil fuel use to climatic change, the U.S. Department of Energy has begun a research initiative to make 20% of motor fuels biofuel based in 10 years, and make 30% of fuels bio-based by 2030. Fundamental to this objective is developing an understanding of feedstock dynamics of crops suitable for cellulosic ethanol production. This report focuses on switchgrass, reviewing the existing literature from field trials across the United States, and compiling it for the first time into a single database. Data available from the literature included cultivar and crop …

Acuta Enews August 2008, Vol. 37, No. 8

ACUTA Newsletters

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Report from the 37th Annual Conference & Exhibition

From the President.......Corinne Hoch, Columbia Univ., ACUTA President

Board Report............ Riny Ledgerwood, San Diego State Univ., ACUTA Secretary/Treasurer

Tech Talk: Disks Will Fail, but how Do You Know When?.......... ...Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR

lnfo Links ............. Randy Hayes, Univ. of Northern Iowa

DC Update ...........Dove Ostrom, Washington State University

Welcome New Members

Check lt Out: RFls/RFPs, Job Postings, Press Releases

Conference Sessions Online

Treasure Chest Winners

Green Survey Winner

Strategic Plan For Industrial And Management Systems Engineering, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Reports

The role of this strategic plan is to map out a range of department goals, offer objectives for achieving each goal, and list potential strategies for meeting an objective. It also lists performance metrics for measuring progress for each goal. Each year, a subset of goals and objectives will be identified by the IMSE department as a priority for the coming year. Detailed metrics for measuring improvement for the department’s priorities areas will then be defined. The department committee to develop the plan consisted of Paul Savory (committee chair), Susan Hallbeck, and Erick Jones.

Implementing Scc Technology In Nebraska—All About Working Together, Mark D. Lafferty

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

In October 2001, Concrete Industries, Inc. (CI) was working with its admixture supplier to improve our form finish for precast concrete products. They brought us a new product and before long the concrete slump became a 26‐in. (660‐mm) diameter circle. Obviously, this generated a lot of excitement with our production personnel, but we also had to consider what it would take to get architects and engineers comfortable with using it.

A Design Aid For Determining Width Of Filter Strips, Michael G. Dosskey, M. J. Helmers, Dean E. Eisenhauer

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Watershed planners need a tool for determining width of filter strips that is accurate enough for developing cost-effective site designs and easy enough to use for making quick determinations on a large number and variety of sites. This study employed the process-based Vegetative Filter Strip Model to evaluate the relationship between filter strip width and trap¬ping efficiency for sediment and water and to produce a design aid for use where specific water quality targets must be met. Model simulations illustrate that relatively narrow filter strips can have high impact in some situations, while in others even a modest impact cannot …

Preparing, Characterizing, On-Line Digital Image Processing Of Residence Time Distribution And Modeling Of Mechanical Properties Of Nanocomposite Foams, Siew-Yoong Lee

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The objectives of this research were to prepare, characterize and to study the effects of organoclay and extrusion variables on the physical, mechanical, structural, thermal and functional properties of tapioca starch (TS)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposite foams. On-line digital imaging processing was used to determine residence time distribution (RTD). Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was used to model the mechanical properties of nanocomposite foams.

Four different organoclays (Cloisite 10A, 25A, 93A, 15A) were used to produce nanocomposite foams by melt-intercalation. The properties were characterized using Xray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetric, and Instron universal testing machine. The properties were …

Method And Apparatus For Noncontact Relative Rail Displacement, Track Modulus And Stiffness Measurement By A Moving Rail Vehicle: Us Patent No. Us 7,403,296 B2, Shane Farritor, Richard Arnold, Chris Norman

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

An on-board, noncontact measurement system and method is disclosed for measuring track quality, vertical track stiffness and vertical track modulus for a portion of track underlying the rail vehicle. The system comprises first and second optical emitters mounted to the vehicle and configured to emit beams of light that are detectable on the underlying surface; a camera mounted to the vehicle for recording the distance between the beams of light as the vehicle travels along the surface, a mechanism for measuring the distance between the beams of light for a particular portion of the surface; and a mechanism for determining …

Randomly Generating Manufacturing Flow Line Models Using Mathematica, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

To test heuristic algorithms and techniques, researchers need numerous datasets so as to measure effectiveness and improve approaches. This paper discusses using Mathematica, a mathematical programming language, for randomly generating the specifications for manufacturing flow line models. Important issues include determining an arrival rate to a flow line, the number of flow line stations, the number of parallel servers for each production station, and specifying the service time distributions and their associated parameters. The paper concludes with a discussion on generating more general types of simulation models.

Facilitating Use Of The Odor Footprint Tool By Nebraska Pork Producers, Rick R. Stowell

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The goal of this project was to make Odor Footprint Tool (OFT) resources readily usable by pork producers and their technical advisors as a planning and screening tool when siting swine facilities. Detailed odor footprints for five specified sizes of swine facilities were developed for twenty-four locations throughout Nebraska: six regional sites and three “localized” sites within each region. Each odor footprint shows the predicted odor annoyance-free frequency as a function of the distance from the facility. Footprints developed using localized weather data differed only slightly from footprints produced using weather data from a regional site when the general topography …

Effects Of Narrow Grass Hedges On Nutrient Transport From Land Application Areas, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, David B. Marx

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

The placement of stiff-stemmed grass hedges on the contour along a hill slope has been shown to decrease runoff nutrient transport. This study was conducted to measure the effectiveness of a narrow grass hedge in reducing runoff nutrient transport from plots with a range of soil nutrient values. Composted beef cattle manure was applied at dry weights of 0, 68, 105, 142, and 178 Mg ha^-1 to a silty clay loam soil and then incorporated by disking. Soil samples were collected 243 days later for analysis of water-soluble phosphorus (WSP), Bray and Kurtz No.1 phosphorus (Bray-1 P), NO_{3 …}

Climate Models: An Assessment Of Strengths And Limitations, David Bader, Curt Covey, William Gutowski, Isaac Held, Kenneth Kunkel, Ronald Miller, Robin Tokmakian, Minghua Zhang

United States Department of Energy: Publications

Scientists extensively use mathematical models of Earth’s climate, executed on the most powerful computers available, to examine hypotheses about past and present-day climates. Development of climate models is fully consistent with approaches being taken in many other fields of science dealing with very complex systems. These climate simulations provide a framework within which enhanced understanding of climate-relevant processes, along with improved observations, are merged into coherent projections of future climate change. This report describes the models and their ability to simulate current climate.
The science of climate modeling has matured through finer spatial resolution, the inclusion of a greater number …

Integrated Science Assessment For Oxides Of Nitrogen — Health Criteria, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to meet requirements set forth in Sections 108 and 109 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). These sections require the EPA Administrator (1) to list widespread air pollutants that reasonably may be expected to endanger public health or welfare; (2) to issue air quality criteria that assess the latest available scientific information on the nature and effects of ambient exposure to the criteria pollutants; (3) to set “primary” NAAQS to protect human health with adequate margin of safety and to set “secondary” NAAQS to protect …

Nebraska Water Map

Nebraska Water Center: Administrative Materials

Nebraska Water is a full-color, 24"x36" poster, that is appropriate for educational use. The information presented on the maps is the best available as of July 2008. The content and level of detail of each map is based on available space and map scale.

Design And Evaluation Of A Low-Tension Cable Guardrail End Terminal System, Rebecca A. Hitz, Kirk J. Molacek, Cody S. Stolle, Karla A. Polivka, Ronald K. Faller, John R. Rohde, Dean L. Sicking, John D. Reid

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of Conductive Concrete For Deicing (Roca Bridge), Christopher Y. Tuan

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Design Evaluation Of A Low-Tension Cable Guardrail End Terminal System, Cody S. Stolle, Karla A. Polivka, Ronald K. Faller, John R. Rohde, Dean L. Sicking, Rebecca A. Hitz, Kirk J. Molacek, John D. Reid

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Critical Flare Rates For The Midwest Guardrail System, Cody S. Stolle, Karla A. Polivka, Ronald K. Faller, Robert W. Bielenberg M.S.C.E., E.I.T., Dean L. Sicking, John R. Rohde, John D. Reid

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Nutrient And Microbial Transport From Feedlot Surfaces, John E. Gilley, Elaine D. Berry, Roger A. Eigenberg, David B. Marx, Bryan L. Woodbury

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

Nutrient and microbial transport by runoff may vary at different locations within a beef cattle feedlot. If the areas making the largest contributions to nutrient and microbial transport can be identified, it may be possible to institute site-specific management practices to reduce runoff nutrient and microbial transport. The objectives of this study were to: a) measure selected feedlot soil properties, and nutrient and microbial transport in runoff from various feedlot locations b) compare the effects of unconsolidated surface materials (USM) (loose manure pack) and consolidated subsurface materials (CSM) (compacted manure and underlying layers) on nutrient and microbial transport, and c) …

Sample Analysis Methodology Utilizngelectromagnetic Radation, John A. Woollam, Corey L. Bungay, Thomas E. Tiwald, Martin M. Liphardt, Ronald A. Synowicki, Gregory K. Pribil, Craig M. Herzinger, Blaine D. Johs, James N. Hilfiker

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Simultaneous use of wavelengths in at least two ranges Selected from RADIO, MICRO. FIR, IR, NIR-VIS-NUV. UV, DUV, VUV EUV, XRAY in a regression procedure to evaluate parameters in mathematical dispersion structures to model dielectric functions.

Sample Analysis Methodology Utilizing Electromagnetic Radiation, John A. Woollam, Corey L. Bungay, Thomas E. Tiwald, Martin M. Liphardt, Ronald A. Synowicki, Gregory K. Pribil, Craig M. Herzinger, Blaine D. Johs, James N. Hilfiker

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Simultaneous use of wavelengths in at least two ranges selected from RADIO, MICRO, FIR, IR, NIR-VIS-NUV, UV, DUV, VUV, EUV, XRAY in a regression procedure to evaluate parameters in mathematical dispersion structures to model dielectric functions.

Acuta Enews June 2008, Vol. 37, No. 6

ACUTA Newsletters

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From the President........ Walt Magnussen, Texas A&M Univ., ACUTA President

Board Report ............Riny Ledgerwood, Son Diego State Univ., ACUTA Secretary/Treasurer

Audio Seminar: Strategic Views of VolP and Staffing

Tech Talk: lf Only Aspirin Worked for Network Headaches.......... Kevin Tanzillo, Dux PR

Renewed Your Membership?

DC Update .........Jeanne Jansenius, Sewanee, The University of the South

More on FERPA Supporting higher education

Making the Most of ACUTA Resources...................... Dave Wirth, Princeton University

Video over lP

Thanks to PAETEC technology

ACUTA Conference Blog

More Green Incentives................................ Gray Audi, Delphi, Inc.

lnfo Links................. Randy Hayes, Univ. of Northern Iowa

Welcome New …

Pavement Quality Indicators Study, Cody Kluver, Wayne Jensen

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Asphalt Pavement Analyzer Testing Program In Nebraska, Minki Hong

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Automatic Guidance System Development Using Low Cost Ranging Devices, Santosh Pitla, Joe D. Luck, Scott A. Shearer

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

Autonomous guidance of agricultural vehicles for various field operations serves to increase productivity. Low cost infra-red ranging devices were used in this study to estimate the guidance directrix (offset distance (d) and heading error angle (Ø)). Two kinds of tracks were used for evaluating the performance of the infra-red sensors, one track was made of a cardboard in the laboratory and the other track was made of wheat crop in the field. The cardboard track consisted of straight parallel and non parallel edges whereas the wheat crop track had a series of different edges including few curves. From the results …

Sensor Ranging Technique For Determining Corn Plant Population, Joe D. Luck, Santosh Pitla, Scott A. Shearer

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

Mapping of corn plant population can provide useful information for making field management decisions. This research focused on using low cost infra-red sensors to count plants. The voltage output data from the sensors were processed using an algorithm developed to extract plant populations. Preliminary investigations were conducted using sensors mounted on a stationary track for laboratory testing and on a row crop tractor for field testing. Repeated measurements were taken on a manually counted corn row. Visual inspection of the data from the field test indicated the potential to identify corn stalks based on approximate physical widths of the stalks. …

Test 006: Case 10-20, Tractor Museum

Case-New Holland

Test 006: Case 10-20

All tractors tested at the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory were certified by their manufacturers as being stock model machines, conforming to specifications filed with the application for test. No special or high-test fuels were used except as recommended by the manufacturer as necessary.

All results within the official tractor test report were actually attained in tests and are without correction or allowances for friction, temperature, altitude, etc. The results were initially accomplished with the tractor in charge of skilled operators employed by the University.

Unless otherwise noted, each tractor was apparently in good condition at the …

Chemisorption Of Oxygen Onto Activated Carbon Can Enhance The Stability Of Biological Perchlorate Reduction In Fixed Bed Biofilm Reactors, Young Chul Choi, Xu Li, Lutgarde Raskin, Eberhard Morgenroth

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Fixed bed biofilm reactors with granular activated carbon (GAC) or glass beads as support media were used to evaluate the influence of short-term (12 h) and long-term (23 days) increases of influent dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations on biological perchlorate removal. The goal was to evaluate the extent by which chemisorption of oxygen to GAC can enhance the stability of biological perchlorate reduction. Baseline influent concentrations were 50 μg/L of perchlorate, 2 mg/L of acetate as C, and 1 mg/L of DO. Perchlorate removal in the glass bead reactor seized immediately after increasing influent DO concentrations from 1 to 4 mg/L …