Engineering Commons^™

Critical Assessment Of The Operator-Splitting Technique In Solving The Advection-Dispersion-Reaction Equation: 1. First-Order Reaction, Jagath J. Kaluarachchi, Jahangir Morshed

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Operator-splitting technique (OST) is a common mathematical approach used in the solution of the advection-dispersion-reaction equation (ADRE), especially in the presence of biological decay, where the scales of transport and biological decay are far apart. The OST introduces a time-lag between the advection-dispersion and reaction stages by splitting the ADRE causing a breakdown of the physics of the problem, thus limiting its applicability. In this work, the applicability of the operator splitting technique is studied in parts. This first manuscript addresses the critical limitations of the operator-splitting technique as related to first-order decay, and the second manuscript extends the work …

Critical Assessment Of The Operator-Splitting Technique In Solving The Advection-Dispersion-Reaction Equation: 2. Monod Kinetics And Coupled Transport, Jahangir Morshed, Jagath J. Kaluarachchi

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

In the first manuscript of this two-part series, the behavior of the inherent time-lag error in the operator-splitting technique has been discussed. However, the discussion has been limited to the advection-dispersion-reaction equation with first-order kinetics. In this manuscript, the discussion is extended to address the applicability of the operator-splitting technique in solving the advection-dispersion-reaction equation with Monod kinetics. The discussion also considers the two-species coupled transport problem. The results of the analysis show that the behavior of the time-lag error causing a mass balance error is rather similar to those observed with first-order kinetics. The time-lag error directly depends on …

Design Factors For Improving The Efficiency Of Freeproduct Recovery Systems In Unconfined Aquifers, Jagath J. Kaluarachchi, R. Elliot

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Free-product recovery system designs for light hydrocarbon recovery were investigated to evaluate the effects of multiple-stage pumping, delayed startup, and uncertainty of key residual oil saturation input data using a vertically integrated three-phase flow model, ARMOS. The results obtained from a single well recovery system subjected to a given well location and uniform soil properties suggested that multiple-stage water pumping can enhance the recovery and provide optimal design conditions if cost and recovery oil volume are the targets. However, if containment of the spill area with simultaneous recovery is the target, then single-stage pumping still provides the optimal design. Delayed …

Optimal Pumping Strategies To Maximize Dissolved Tce Extraction At Central Base Area, Norton Afb, California, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Norton Air Force Base (NAFB) is located in the San Bernardino Valley, part of the California Peninsular Range geomorphic province (Figure 1). The elevation at NAFB is about 1,100 feet above mean sea level (msl). The ground slopes gradually to the southwest.

Evaluation Of Synthetic Unit Hydrograph Techniques For Utah Probable Maximum Flood Determinations, Ashraf Mohammed Shammet

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Every dam must be capable of safely passing a predetermined flood magnitude. For high-hazard dams, it is a common practice to require that this flood be the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). The determination of the PMF starts with the determination of the Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP). We used the generalized estimates of the PMP as outlined in Hydrometeorological Report (HMR) 49. In this study we used the storm event model approach to convert the PMP into PMF. Different synthetic unit hydrograph (SUH) techniques were then used in the conversion process. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number method was used …

Lake Evaporation: A Model Study, Jumah Amayreh

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Reliable evaporation data are an essential requirement in any water and/or energy budget studies. This includes operation and management of both urban and agricultural water resources. Evaporation from large, open water surfaces such as lakes and reservoirs may influence many agricultural and irrigation decisions. In this study evaporation from Bear Lake in the states of Idaho and Utah was measured using advanced research instruments (Bowen Ratio and Eddy Correlation). Actual over-lake evaporation and weather data measurements were used to understand the mechanism of evaporation in the lake, determine lake-related parameters (such as roughness lengths, heat storage, net radiation, etc.), and …

Nonparametric Stochastic Generation Of Daily Precipitation And Other Weather Variables, Rajagopalan Balaji

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Traditional stochastic approaches for synthetic generation of weather variables often assume a prior functional form for the stochastic process, are often not capable of reproducing the probabilistic structure present in the data, and may not be uniformly applicable across sites. In an attempt to find a general framework for stochastic generation of weather variables, this study marks a unique departure from the traditional approaches, and ushers in the use of data-driven nonparametric techniques and demonstrates their utility.

Precipitation is one of the key variables that drive hydrologic systems and hence warrants more focus. In this regard, two major aspects of …

Spatial Variability And Error Limits Of Reference Evapotranspiration Estimates, Thomas W. Ley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The overall objective of this research was to develop a methodology for assessing the spatial variability and error limits of reference evapotranspiration (ET_r) estimates from a weather station network. Likely errors introduced into ET_r estimates due to sensor measurement variability and nonstandard site conditions were investigated. Temporal and spatial correlation structures of the weather variables used to compute ET_r and of ET_r data collected over a three-year period by an operational agricultural weather station network were studied.

Results indicated that ET_r errors are minimal compared to inherent model error when sensors (of the type …

Advanced Rover Chassis, Eric Alan Poulson, Collin Lewis, Todd Graves

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Background:

The six wheeled rover vehicle detailed in this design is intended as an upgrade test bed for the sensor array and autonomous navigation algorithms in use by Utah State University's Center for Self-Organizing and Intelligent Systems (CSOIS). The CSOIS's sensor suite can successfully detect and avoid unnavigable obstacles up to five vehicle lengths in front of the vehicle. The center presently uses a modified RC type chassis and only supports two wheel drive. This chassis was adequate to bring the CSOIS's algorithms to a proof-of-principles state, but in order to place the system in any practical application, a full …

Us/Remax (Vs 2.70): Software For Optimizing Management Of Stream/Aquifer Systems Using The Response Matrix And Related Methods, Richard C. Peralta, Alaa H. Aly

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

US/REMAX is designed to assist water managers in developing optimal groundwater and/or surface water strategies for a wide range of management problems. US/REMAX uses the response matrix method, which assumes that physical system response to stimuli is linear. However, US/REMAX can also address nonlinear systems via cycling. In one application, a strategy computed using US/REMAX required 40% less pumping than one obtained via a normal simulation model. US/REMAX also easily computes tradeoffs for multiobjective problems.

Optimizing Irrigation Management For Pollution Control And Sustainable Crop Yield, Ghassan R. Musharrafieh, Richard C. Peralta, Lynn M. Dudley, Ronald J. Hanks

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Irrigation strategies which maximize crop yield while preventing salt from leaching to the groundwater or undesirable salt increases in the root zone are computed by using a one-dimensional simulation/optimization management model. The included constraint equations maintain a water volume balance and salt transport in the unsaturated zone. Implicit finite difference forms of the unsaturated water flow equation (Richards' equation), the diffusion-convection solute transport equation, functions describing the hydraulic properties of the medium, a root extraction function, and other constraints are used. The model uses a large discretization in time. A cyclic prediction and correction type of approach is adopted to …

Modeling For Optimal Management Of Agricultural And Domestic Wastewater Loading To Streams, Muhammad Shafqat Ejaz, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

A simulation/optimization (S/0) model to aid managing multiobjective wastewater loading to streams while maintaining adequate downstream water quality is presented. The conflicting objectives are to maximize the human and dairy cattle populations from which treated wastewater can be discharged to the river system. Nonindustrial municipal (domestic) wastewater undergoes primary and secondary treatment by a sewage treatment plant (STP) before entering as a steady point source. Dairy wastewater is treated by overland flow (OLF) land treatment before entering the stream as a controlled steady diffuse source. Maximum dual-source loading strategies which do not degrade downstream water quality beyond specified limits are …

Maximizing Tce Removal From A Contaminated Aquifer, Richard C. Peralta, Alaa H. Aly

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

A methodology for developing pumping strategies to maximize contaminant extraction is presented. The methodology consists of approximating the mass removal integral using a quadrature rule. Contaminant mass extraction is expressed as a function of the extraction rates. The relation of contaminant extraction to pumping rates is used as one of several constraints within a simulation/optimization model. The implementation and application of the methodology are described. The result is a set of pumping rates which are optimal in the sense that they maximize the mass of contaminant removed by the extraction system for a posed management scenario.

Preliminary Pumping Strategy Analyses For Southeastern Cache Valley, Utah And River Baseflow Impacts, Shyamal B. Chowdhury, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

US/REMAX, a linear optimization model for groundwater management, is used to compute preliminary optimal sustained groundwater pumping increases for southeastern Cache Valley. US/REMAX employs the response matrix method of representing system response to stimuli as constraint equations within an optimization problem. The management objective is to maximize groundwater extraction at four specified locations subject to constrai~ts on aquifer potentiometric head, aquifer/river interflow, and the water level in the uppermost aquifer layer. Four scenarios (constraint sets) are presented. The results are most sensitive to the aquifer/river interflow constraints. Interflow is deemed important because baseflows are crucial to satisfying fish, aquatic life, …

Considering Ecological Constraints While Optimizing Sustained Groundwater Yield, Pahvant Valley, Utah, Getachew Belaineh, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Concern for groundwater quality and availability is increasing in Pahvant Valley. Ground-water levels are declining due to intense groundwater extraction for irrigation; water having high total dissolved solids concentration is flowing from the southwest toward the pumping sites; and discharge from natural springs in a wildlife refuge is declining. Transient simulation of aquifer response to 20 years of the 1985 pumping rates (beginning with 1985 groundwater level) predicted that spring discharge would decrease by as much as 87% from 1985 rates. Presented are preliminary pumping strategies that maximize sustainable, steady-state groundwater extraction without unacceptably reducing discharge from the springs. A …

Proceedings Of The 1995 Annual Symposium On Engineering Geology And Geotechnical Engineering (No. 31), Joseph A. Caliendo

Reports

No abstract provided.

Assuring A Long Term Groundwater Supply: Issues, Goals And Tools, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Groundwater is a hidden, but important resource. We can practicably define groundwater as water beneath the ground surface that can be extracted by wells. Other water in the ground that is not considered to be available for man’s direct use is commonly called “subsurface water.” Subsurface water includes moisture within the root zone.

Scanning Electron Microscopy Studies Of Ceramic Layers And Interfacial Regions For Calcium Phosphate-Coated Titanium Dental Implants, W. A. Brantley, E. Tufecki, J. C. Mitchell, D. W. Foreman, E. A. Mcglumphy

Cells and Materials

The surface and cross-section characteristics of the plasma-sprayed calcium phosphate coatings, along with the microstructures and elemental compositions near the titanium alloy interface, were investigated by scanning electron microscopy for two different dental implants of proprietary compositions: Integra!® (Calcitek) and BioVent ® (Dentsply). Elemental concentrations (Ca, P, Ti, AI, and V) near the interfaces were obtained by X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Coating surfaces exhibited a splat deposition topography of greatly differing microstructural scale for the two implants, along with other features characteristic of the plasma-spraying process; cross-sections of the coatings revealed minimal porosity. Some interdiffusion of principally titanium and calcium was …

In Vitro Characterization Of Transforming Growth Factor-Ss1-Loaded Composites Of Biodegradable Polymer And Mesenchymal Cells, S. B. Nicoll, A. E. Denker, R. S. Tuan

Cells and Materials

A porous, biodegradable polymer composite was fabricated from poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) using a solvent- casting particulate-leaching technique, and loaded with recombinant human transforming growth factor ß-1 (TGF-ß1). Tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) and PLLA disks loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA) served as controls. Polymer specimens were seeded at high cell density with C3H10T1/2 cells, a mouse embryonic cell line capable of differentiating into various connective tissue cell types. The polymer matrices degraded slowly in physiological saline over four weeks, with a sustained yet sporadic release of active TGF-ß1; a more controlled release of TGF-ß1 was observed in serum-containing culture medium …

Design And Construction Of An Active Alignment Demonstrator For A Free-Space Optical Interconnect, G. C. Boisset, B. Robertson, Harvard Scott Hinton

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

An x-y active alignment system based on Risley beam steerers is described. The demonstrator features a quadrant detector which detects the misalignment error between the center of a spot of light and the center of the quadrant detector. This misalignment error is then used by a new algorithm to calculate the rotational displacement required for the two Risley beam steerers to steer the spot of light to the center of the quadrant detector. The experimental results indicate that any spot misaligned by up to 160 μm on the quadrant detector will be systematically centered by the demonstrator system.

An Optical Backplane Demonstrator System Based On Fet-Seed Smart Pixel Arrays And Diffractive Lenslet Arrays, D. V. Plant, B. Robertson, Harvard Scott Hinton, W. M. Robertson, G. C. Boisset, N. H. Kim, Y. S. Liu, M. R. Otazo, D. R. Rolston, A. Z. Shang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

We have demonstrated a representative portion of an optical backplane using FET-SEED smart pixels and free-space optics to interconnect printed circuit boards (PCB's) in a two board, unidirectional link configuration. 4×4 arrays of FET-SEED transceivers were designed, fabricated, and packaged all the PCB level, The optical interconnection was constructed using diffractive microoptics, and custom optomechanics. The system was operated in two modes, one showing high data throughput, 100 MBit/sec, and the other demonstrating large connection densities, 2222 channel/cm2.

Evaluation Of Biological Treatability Of Soil Contaminated With Manufactured Gas Plant Waste, J. S. Ginn, Ronald C. Sims, I. P. Murarka

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

The biological treatability of subsurface soil contaminated with manufactured gas plant (MGP) waste was evaluated. Mineralization assays incorporating ¹⁴C-phenanthrene were used to evaluate the biotransformation potential of indigenous microorganisms at the site. Multi-phase laboratory microcosms were used to evaluate the interphase transfer potential and chemical mass distribution of phenanthrene. The Microtox™ bioassay was used to evaluate detoxification trends at the site. Mineralization results indicated that indigenous microorganisms at the site were capable of transforming phenanthrene, a component of coal-tar creosote. Results also indicated that spiked ¹⁴C-phenanthrene mineralization was influenced by nutrient addition and by the amount of contamination. …

Treatment Of Pentachlorophenol With Manganese Oxide Addition To Biotic And Abiotic Sediments, R. Petrie, J. E. Mclean, Ronald C. Sims

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Laboratory microcosms containing subsamples of a complex environmental sediment were used to evaluate the addition of oxidized manganese as the primary electron acceptor in the presence of pentachlorophenol (PCP) as the primary electron donor. Manganese oxide (MnO₂) particles were added to poisoned abiotic and non-poisoned biotic microcosms and incubated at 11°C in the presence of sediment samples that were shown capable of mineralizing PCP with indigenous microorganisms. Reduction in PCP concentration and production of reduced manganese was measured for both abiotic and biotic systems.

PCP was observed to be transformed most rapidly and to the greatest extent in …

Mn-Catalyzed Oxidation Of Naphthalenediol, G. Whelan, Ronald C. Sims

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

This study investigates the effects that manganese(IV) dioxide particles have on 2,3-naphthalenediol at varying pH levels (i.e., initial pH of 4.58, 5.85, and 8.75) and under different organic concentration conditions (4×¹⁰⁻³, 4×¹⁰⁻⁴, and 4×¹⁰⁻⁵ M), and assesses the importance of Mn oxides on abiotic catalysis of the multiple-ringed aromatic compound. Proton concentration affected the rates of reductive dissolution; as the pH values increased, the rate of reductive dissolution decreased, as predicted by theory. Also, as the concentration of naphthalenediol increased, the rate of reductive dissolution increased, although not proportionally; thus indicating that a majority of …

Three-Dimensional Morphology And Platelet Adhesion On Pyrolytic Carbon Heart Valve Materials, S. L. Goodman, K. S. Tweden, R. M. Albrecht

Cells and Materials

Low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon (LTIC) is the preferred material for mechanical heart valve prosthetics due to its durability and good thromboresistance, although thromboembolic complications remain a significant clinical problem. LTlC morphology has been previously studied using scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). However, these microscopies have limitations with imaging rough surfaces. In this study, LTIC valve leaflets from CarboMedics, Inc. and St. Jude Medical, Inc. were prepared and polished exactly as used in clinical prosthetics, and examined at magnifications up to macromolecular resolution using stereo-pair low-voltage SEM (LV -SEM). LV -SEM reveals that LTIC …

Adsorption Of Bovine Serum Albumin Onto Octacalcium Phosphate And Its Hydrolyzates, O. Suzuki, H. Yagishita, M. Yamazaki, T. Aoba

Cells and Materials

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) has been advocated to be a precursor of biomineral s. Tn this report , we aimed at investigating OCP hydrolysis and the interaction of OCP and its hydrolyzates (apatitic products) with bovine serum albumin (BSA). A batch of synthetic OCP was allowed to hydrolyze either (a) in deionized water at 70°C or (b) in Tris buffer (pH 7.4) containing 2 ppm fluoride at 37°C. OCP hydrolysis was completed within reasonable experimental periods: after 48 hours at 70°C and after 10 days at 37°C in the presence of fluoride. The adsorption isotherms of BSA onto the original OCP …

Post-Operative Carbonate-Apatite Formation In Peo/Pbt Copolymers (Polyactive®), A. M. Radder, J. E. Davies, R. N. S. Sodhi, S. A. T. Van Der Meer, J. G. C. Wolke, C. A. Van Blitterswijk

Cells and Materials

Previous studies have stressed the importance of calcification of the polyethylene oxide (PEO) I polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) copolymer surface by establishing a direct relation with the occurrence of bone-bonding. Here, we characterized the morphology as well as the composition of this post-operative reaction product in PEOIPBT copolymers. X-ray · photoelectron spectroscopical results demonstrated the ability of PEOIPBT copolymers to rapidly adsorb calcium ions from fluids. After subcutaneous implantation in rats, it was shown that polymer calcification comprised plate-shaped crystals, whereas an electron-dense layer was frequently encountered at the interface. Cells with a characteristic morphology were directly apposed to abundantly calcified …

Bone Absorptiometry In Metabolic Bone Disease: Baseline Values And Long-Term Treatment With Calcitriol (Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis Versus Osteomalacia), A. Caniggia, B. Frediani

Cells and Materials

Total body bone absorptiometry reveals low mineral density in both postmenopausal osteoporosis and osteomalacia patients. The method was used to investigate the effect of calcitriol administration on patients suffering from one of these conditions. In osteomalacia, the administration of calcitriol resulted in a dramatic improvement in bone mineral density (sometimes up to 50% in 12 months), indicating the rapid mineralization of previously uncalcified bone tissue as a result of the normalization of the Ca x P product. In osteoporosis a similar treatment was seen to halt the progressive decrease in bone mineral levels and sometimes resulted in minor increases in …

Resorption Of Natural Calcium Carbonate By Avian Osteoclasts In Vitro, G. Guillemin, S. J. Hunter, C. V. Gay

Cells and Materials

Osteoclasts isolated from the endosteum of 2.5 to 3-week chick tibia were cultured on glass coverslips or natural CaC03 (Tridacna) wafers for 2 and 4 days. The cells were exposed to the pH-dependent dye, acridine orange, and fluorescence was measured by a light microscope photometer. Fluorescence intensity values were higher in cells adherent to Tridacna wafers than in those incubated on glass after 2 and 4 days of culture (three and two-fold, respectively). Moreover, osteoclasts on Tridacna wafers were more flattened and were found to produce resorption pits. Acid production by osteoclasts cultured on Tridacna wafers was stimulated …

Cell Adhesion To Crystal Surfaces: A Model For Initial Stages In The Attachment Of Cells To Solid Substrates, D. Hanein, B. Geiger, L. Addadi

Cells and Materials

This study addresses the mechanism of the chirally-restricted, ROD-independent adhesion of A6 epithelial cells to the {011} faces of calcium {R,R)-tartrate tetrahydrate crystals. The extensive and rapid adhesion of the cells to these surfaces, in the presence or absence of serum proteins, is distinctly different from the extracellular matrix-mediated adhesion to conventional tissue culture surfaces or to the {101} faces of the same crystals. The differences are manifested by insensitivity to ATP depletion, to disruption of microfilaments and microtubules and even to formaldehyde fixation of the cells. Furthermore, trypsin pretreatment does not affect cell attachment to the {011} faces, nor …