Engineering Commons^™

Use Of Isotopes To Reduce Neutron-Induced Radioactivity And Augment Thermal Quality Of The Environment Of An Underground Nuclear Explosion, Nathaniel Fred Colby

Masters Theses

"The use of isotopes to include radioactive waste products to reduce the neutron-induced activity of an underground nuclear explosion and its application in the field of geothermal power stimulation is discussed. A shield composed of selected isotopes surrounding a fusion device will capture excess neutrons producing isotopes with short half-lives. Subsequent rapid decay will prolong the high temperature in the vicinity of the explosion and decrease the activity. Long-lived isotopes created by neutron capture in the host rock would be minimized. The investigation is conducted for strontium-90, cesium-137, cerium-144, technetium-99, rhodium-103 and -105. Of these, the first three appear to …

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

Masters Theses

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

Use Of Glass Separated From Municipal Refuse In Asphaltic Concrete, Thomas Eugene Keith

Masters Theses

"The recent interest in municipal refuse recycling has brought about the development of several systems for separation of the refuse into components. One of the components reclaimed is a glass-rich fraction which, although primarily glass, contains various non-glass materials which the system is not able to remove. Clean waste glass can be used as an asphaltic concrete aggregate, and it would be desirable to use this glass-rich fraction in a similar manner. However, the effect, if any, of the non-glass components on the properties of an asphaltic mixture must be determined in order to utilize the glass-rich fraction with a …

Drift Velocity Measurements Of Various Materials Floating On Water Waves, Paul Keith Scherrer

Masters Theses

"A study was conducted to determine the affects of deep water gravity waves on oil lenses and surface floats. The experiment was conducted in a wave tank equipped with a mechanical wave generator. The data obtained consisted of the measured velocities of oil lenses and thin plastic floats under the action of a variety of wave conditions. It was found that waves do cause a movement of the oil lenses and surface floats, and their velocity was found to be greater than the surface drift predicted by Stokes' theory of mass transport by waves in a single component fluid. For …

A Study On The Lateral Placement Of Automobiles Due To Restrictions On Two-Lane Rural Highways, Warren Chip Woods

Masters Theses

"The driver of an isolated vehicle on a given section of highway, whether it is urban or rural, will choose a path on the pavement that offers the least resistance to driver effort and which to him seems safest. Lateral obstructions, such as retaining walls, trees, bridge abutments, ect., which may cause him to deviate from the desired path represent some degree of hazard to the driver and should be removed, if practicle. The purpose of this investigation was to determine any change in the lateral placement of automobiles due to side restrictions on rural two-way, two-lane highways. Phase one …

An Analysis Of Single Wire Earth Return (Swer) System For Rural Electrification, Balwinder Singh Samra

Masters Theses

"The primary objective of this investigation was to determine the general applicability of Single Phase Earth Return(SWER) system for rural electrification where the load density is low, for example electrification of farms and small villages in emerging nations. The limitations of SWER system of distribution are many and it is necessary to make judicious use of such transmission. In this investigation the construction costs of transmission and distribution by SWER system is compared with single phase and three phase systems for loads of 25KVA and 50KVA. Phase converters are required to operate a three phase motor on a single phase …

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

Masters Theses

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

Feasibility Study Of Using A Steam Power System In A Small Garden Tractor, Niranjan Kumar Doshi

Masters Theses

"This thesis is a feasibility study of using a steam power system in a small garden tractor. The relative advantages of steam power are discussed and compared with the characteristics of internal combustion engines. A monotube boiler is designed where steam is generated in stacked tube spirals. The boiler generates 225 lbs/hr of dry saturated steam at 500 psia, which corresponds to an engine output of 20 IHpage A rotary positive displacement engine is employed to expand the steam to 16 psia. A rotor instead of a piston eliminates the conventional connecting rod and crank shaft. The engine developes 15 …

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

Masters Theses

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

Design And Test An Operational Amplifier Speed Transducer, Tung-Ming Huang

Masters Theses

"This thesis describes the design of an angular speed transducer. The purpose of this device is to provide a D.C. voltage which is proportional to the angular speed of a rotating shaft at any instant. The speed of the shaft is defined from a magnetic pickup monitoring a gear or similar device attached to the end of the shaft of a piece of rotating equipment. The signal from the magnetic pickup is modified and compared to a frequency generated in the feedback loop of the speed transducer and the error is sent to an integral type controller. The output of …

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

Masters Theses

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

Development Of A Sampling System And Characterization Of Stormwater Runoff From A Small Urban Area, William Clark Ford

Masters Theses

"Increasing urbanization and the demand for high quality water have directed attention to the problem of combined sewer overflows, while recent research has demonstrated that stormwater alone, without the influence of sanitary sewage, carries a significant pollutional load. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the quality and pollutional contribution of stormwater runoff from a small urban area, with specific emphasis on the development of a suitable sampling and flow recording system, the characterization of runoff and the correlation of runoff quality with local environmental factors and storm characteristics. The system developed consisted of an automatic sampler capable of …

Structural Test And Analysis Of A Vierendeel Steel And Concrete Composite Girder, Melvin Crews Oestreich

Masters Theses

"The results of the structural load testing of a unique type of steel and concrete composite girder are described. The structural system, referred to as a composite Vierendeel girder, is a hybrid type which incorporates features of a castellated beam and a Vierendeel truss. The performance of the composite girder agreed reasonably well with calculated values based on section properties for a prismatic beam. Observations indicated web stiffeners were required on the stub beams to prevent premature failure of the system. Failure of the girder was due to concrete crushing over a stub web beam. Design considerations for a structural …

Characterization And Staged Lagoon Treatment Of Swine Feedlot Waste, Abraham H. Loudermilk Jr.

Masters Theses

"Feedlot pollution is developing into a serious problem because of the trend toward intensive farming techniques and the increasing number of animals in confinement feeding operations. The purpose of this study was to characterize swine waste collected under a slotted feeding floor using a water-carriage system, and to evaluate the treatment of this waste in a staged lagoon system consisting of an anaerobic, a dual anaerobic-aerobic, and an aerobic lagoon. A small feeding floor unit capable of maintaining 3 separate groups of animals, and a pilot 3-lagoon system were designed, constructed, and operated for a period of approximately 4 months. …

Managerial Appraisals - A Systems View, James Thomas Hatlan

Masters Theses

"In the past decade much has been written concerning the performance appraisal which can be defined as the systematic analysis of the individual with respect to his performance on the job. The appraisal's importance lies in the fact that its impact is felt in the areas of control, promotion, and managerial development all of which are essential for the progressive firm. This study is an attempt to offer something new and something different. The author offers a systematic study of industry in general with specific help from key corporations and utilities. His investigations encompass the three elements of appraising and …

A Tensi-Volumetric Apparatus: Theory, Calibration, And Use In An Investigation Of The Oxygen Non-Stoichiometry Of Pure Batio₃, Glenn Jon Conger

Masters Theses

"The development of the tensi-volumetric apparatus has been traced to its current position of significance in studies relating to oxide non-stoichiometry. Components of the tensi-volumetric apparatus, especially the capacitance membrane manometer, were examined in detail as were the parameters affecting the performance of such an apparatus. Based on a careful consideration of components and performance, a tensi-volumetric apparatus has been designed, built, and its operation theoretically justified for its particular physical configuration. Results of existing studies of the oxygen non-stoichiometry of barium titanate have been used to predict its behavior during a tensi-volumetric study. Specific analytical procedures developed for use …

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

Masters Theses

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

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

Masters Theses

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

High Pressure Water Jet Cutting Of Rock, Richard Lee Henry

Masters Theses

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

Design Of A Torsional Vibration Machine, Prafulchandra Pragjibhai Desai

Masters Theses

"In this thesis the design of the major components of a torsional vibration machine is presented. The machine is a torsional vibration actuator which will deliver a mean output angular velocity with a superimposed harmonic component. This type of motion can be used to study the torsional vibration characteristics of models representing crankshafts, gear trains, torsional dampers, and other systems. The primary machine elements of the actuator are a power source, flywheel, and a Hooke's joint. The power source consists of a D.C. shunt motor and a drive transmission using 3 V-belts. Through the use of a Hooke's joint, approximate …

Equilibria Between Moo₂ And Liquid Molybdenum Oxide, Prakash Bakhru

Masters Theses

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

Calculation Of Buildup Factors For Multilayer Slab Shields Using The Monte Carlo Method, John Paul Kuspa

Masters Theses

"Gamma-ray beams normally incident upon slab shields of varying compositions are studied using a computer program based upon the Monte Carlo technique. Initial gamma energies of 1, 4, 6, and 8 MeV are considered. The shielding materials used were aluminum, iron, and lead. Both single and double material shields were investigated, at a variety of thicknesses up to a maximum of five mean free paths. Two secondary gamma processes are included in this simulation: annihilation gammas from pair production and bremsstrahlung from the electrons. The primary effort is the calculation of the dose, energy, and number buildup factors for these …

The Effects Of Intense Sound Levels And Steady Flow On The Propagation Of Plane-Waves In Air, Wuu Hao

Masters Theses

"This thesis is a theoretical investigation of the effects of intense sound levels and steady flow on the propagation of plane-waves in tubes of constant diameter. The analysis is limited to a study of the change of wave profile due to the intense sound levels, and steady flow. However, corrections for effects of viscous and heat conduction losses at tube walls are also presented. To simplify the analysis, the problem is treated by considering the steady flow and finite-amplitude-sound wave effects separately. For finite-amplitude sound only, two approaches are evaluated. The first uses small perturbations to derive a finite-amplitude wave …

Effect Of Biological Activity On Pesticide Desorption, Loh-Tien Chiang

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this research study was to investigate the effect of biological activities on the desorption of pesticides from humic acid solids. The pesticides selected in this study are dieldrin and heptachlor, both of which have been commonly used in agricultural applications. The humic acid adsorbent was extracted from a coal-like substance called "leonardite", which has a humus content of as high as 53 percent by weight. The first step of this study involved a proper cultivation of biological culture so that the culture could be adapted to a test environment containing a high concentration of humic acids. The …

The Electric Field Strength Dependence Of Neutron-Induced Defects In Silicon P-N Junctions, Paul Edward Johnson

Masters Theses

"The effect of high electric field strengths (10⁴ to 10⁵ V/cm) present during neutron radiation on the neutron-induced defects is determined by utilizing the high electric field strength inherent in the emitter-base transistion region of an n-p-n transistor. A method is presented for the separation of neutron and gamma effects. Previous theoretical work on the ratio of base current increase to collector current decrease is applied to experimental data. The variations of the space-charge region volume damage introduction rate with neutron fluence and the average electric field strength are determined experimentally in order to obtain a measure of this effect. …

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

Masters Theses

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

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

Force Analysis Of Involute Spur Gears, Janakkumar Girjashanker Dave

Masters Theses

"This study is devoted to the fundamental action which occurs between spur gears with involute tooth profiles when power is transmitted at a constant angular velocity ratio. Various aspects of the interaction between two mating teeth are considered. Analytic expressions for the variation of the force transmitted between two teeth are derived. Two cases are considered which include and exclude the effects of sliding friction between the teeth. The parametric equations of the involute curves for two mating teeth are derived in terms of body-fixed coordinates. Analytical expressions for Hertz compressive stresses in the teeth were also obtained. The same …

Preliminary Studies With A Variable Transfer Composite Polymer Membrane., Samuel Walter Dortch

Masters Theses

"A preliminary study was done to determine the feasibility of using a compressed fibrous teflon (PTFE) silicone polymer membrane in extracorporeal oxygenation devices. A series of composite membranes were fabricated, using different concentrations of a dimethyl silicone polymer dissolved in petroleum ether, to give membranes having variable oxygen transfer properties. A gas-gas system was chosen to obtain the necessary transfer data. Data were obtained by transferring pure oxygen through the membranes into a mixture of 47 mole percent oxygen and 53 mole percent carbon dioxide. All analyses were obtained by chromatographic techniques. The results of these experiments show that membranes …

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

Masters Theses

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

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

Concentration By Sorting : Feasibility Determination By Radial Distribution Analysis, Robert M. Doerr

Masters Theses

"A method was developed for determining certain factors for assessing the feasibility of sorting fragments of an inhomogeneous solid to concentrate a species. These factors are the typical size of zones in which the grade exceeds a selected value, and the recovery potentially achievable by sorting fragments of such size"--Abstract, page iii.