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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Image Perception Wavelet Simulation And Enhancement For The Visually Impaired, Lemuel Ray Myers Jr. Dec 1994

Image Perception Wavelet Simulation And Enhancement For The Visually Impaired, Lemuel Ray Myers Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This research delves into the area of image enhancement for the visually impaired. Binocular macular degeneration a visual impairment, affects many Americans; since this condition could not be corrected with conventional glasses the literature suggested using an enhancement system which used a pre-emphasis algorithm to enhance the input image for output to the observer. The work of Dr. Eli Peli, a pioneer in the field of image enhancement, is examine and reproduced. Since his work concentrated mainly on frequency analysis of images, the bulk of this research involves using discrete wavelet analysis to augment that work. A biorthogonal wavelet set …

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Computing Norad Mean Orbital Elements From A State Vector, Dwight E. Andersen Dec 1994

Computing Norad Mean Orbital Elements From A State Vector, Dwight E. Andersen

Theses and Dissertations

NORAD maintains and disseminates mean orbital elements on Earth-orbiting satellites in the form of Two-Line Element Sets (TLE). Five mathematical propagator models were developed for NORAD's use to predict the position and velocity using TLEs. This study investigated two approaches, Newton's method and direct iteration, to inverting this process by iterating to obtain NORAD-compatible mean orbital elements from a position and velocity state vector and the drag term. The Newton's iteration method was developed but not tested. The less computationally intensive direct iteration method was developed, coded in FORTRAN, and tested. The initial guess and subsequent corrections in the iterative …

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Generic Satellite Monitoring Expert System, Loretta A. Kelemen Dec 1994

Generic Satellite Monitoring Expert System, Loretta A. Kelemen

Theses and Dissertations

Air Force Satellite Operations is undergoing major changes. Operators no longer receive detailed satellite training, instead they are taught basic fundamentals of satellite operations and expected to control multiple multimillion dollar satellites. The need is clear. An efficient and economical automated system is necessary to assist the satellite operator in his daily tasks of maintaining these DOD priority resources. Satellite intelligent controllers been under R&D since the early 1980s to this need. These systems, however, have focused on the control of one constellation of satellites. In a military striving for efficiency and lower costs, developing a unique intelligent controller for …

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Analysis Of Hypersonic Boundary Layer Second Mode Instability Over A 7° Cone, Richard A. Dennery Dec 1994

Analysis Of Hypersonic Boundary Layer Second Mode Instability Over A 7° Cone, Richard A. Dennery

Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents the results of the analysis of Mach 8.0 flow over a seven degree half-angle cone. The purpose of this analysis was to develop techniques to examine boundary layer transition at hypersonic velocities. The specific objectives were to look for second mode instability waves characteristic of the transition process and to quantify the percentage of turbulent flow. Two sets of data were used in this analysis. The first set of data was taken at several axial positions at a freestream Reynolds number 4.265 million per meter. This data was used to develop the analysis techniques. The second set …

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Experimental Investigation Of The Effects Of Relative Physical Orientation Between Evaporator And Condenser For A Loop Heat Pipe, Brad R. Thompson Dec 1994

Experimental Investigation Of The Effects Of Relative Physical Orientation Between Evaporator And Condenser For A Loop Heat Pipe, Brad R. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the effects on performance of varying angular orientation and height differences between evaporator and condenser for a loop heat pipe. Performance was defined as the difference in temperature between evaporator and condenser (DELTA T). The pipe was evaluated at varying input power (Qin) for: varying evaporator and condenser angles, different coolant temperatures, and varying relative height differences. All analysis included only steady state operation. The performance was influenced by condenser angles, with an optimal condenser angle for best performance being +45 degrees from horizontal. Additionally, the evaporator angles were found to influence performance only at low Qin …

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An Investigation Of The Afit 2-Inch Shock Tube As A Flow Source For Supersonic Testing, Kevin M. Vlcek Dec 1994

An Investigation Of The Afit 2-Inch Shock Tube As A Flow Source For Supersonic Testing, Kevin M. Vlcek

Theses and Dissertations

An investigation of the AFIT high pressure shock tube was conducted to determine how closely it followed ideal shock tube theory and to determine the available test times for an attached Mach 3 nozzle. The driver section was five feet (1.52 m) long and the driven section was 25 feet (7.62 m) long. The driver gas used for this study was helium while the driven gas was atmospheric air. The pressure rise measured behind the incident shock wave was, on average, 30% lower than predicted by the ideal shock tube relations. Behind the reflected shock, the pressure rise was 65% …

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Fatigue Behavior Of A Cross-Ply Metal Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature Under Strain Controlled Mode, Leon B. Dennis Dec 1994

Fatigue Behavior Of A Cross-Ply Metal Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature Under Strain Controlled Mode, Leon B. Dennis

Theses and Dissertations

This research extends the existing knowledge of cross-ply metal matrix composites (MMC) to include fatigue behavior under strain-controlled fully reversed loading. This study investigated fatigue life, failure modes and damage mechanisms of the SCS-6-Ti-15-3, [O-9O]2s, MMC. The laminate was subjected to fully reversed fatigue at elevated temperature (427° C) at various strain levels. Stress, strain and modulus data were analyzed to characterize the macro-mechanical behavior of the composite. Microscopy and fractography were accomplished to identify and characterize the damage mechanisms at the microscopic level. Failure modes varied according to the maximum applied strain level showing either mixed mode …

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Stall Precursor Study Of High Frequency Data For Three High Speed, Swept Compressor Rotors, James F. Anderton Dec 1994

Stall Precursor Study Of High Frequency Data For Three High Speed, Swept Compressor Rotors, James F. Anderton

Theses and Dissertations

The frequency spectra of three single stage, high speed compressor rotors were derived and analyzed from experimental data. The compressor rotors included straight, backward-swept, and forward-swept blade designs. Data was acquired from four pressure transducers located on the compressor casing and arranged axially between locations 40% of blade chord upstream of the rotor face to just over the leading edge of the blades. Each rotor was throttled to stall at two constant speeds between 90% and 100% of design speed. Data digitization at 20 kHz revealed multiples of the rotor frequency up to and beyond a dominant blade passing frequency. …

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Characterization Of Fatigue Behavior Of 2-D Woven Fabric Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Daniel J. Groner Dec 1994

Characterization Of Fatigue Behavior Of 2-D Woven Fabric Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Daniel J. Groner

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the fatigue behavior and associated damage mechanisms in notched and unnotched enhanced Sic-SiC ceramic matrix composite specimens at 1100°C. Stiffness degradation, strain variation, and hysteresis were evaluated to characterize material behavior. Microscopic examination was performed to characterize damage mechanisms. During high cycle-low stress fatigue tests, far less fiber-matrix interface debond was evident than in low cycle-high stress fatigue tests. Notched specimens exhibited minimal stress concentration during monotonic tensile testing and minimal notch sensitivity during fatigue testing. Damage mechanisms were also similar to unnotched.

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An Experimental Investigation Of Sandwich Flat Panels Under Low Velocity Impact, Timberlyn M. Harrington Dec 1994

An Experimental Investigation Of Sandwich Flat Panels Under Low Velocity Impact, Timberlyn M. Harrington

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the failure modes and mechanisms associated with increasing face sheet thickness of flat sandwich panels under low velocity impact. The sandwich panels were fabricated using 1.27 cm thick, 145 kg-m3 (9 lb-ft3), 3.175 mm (1-8 in.) cell size Nomex honeycomb core, FM 300-2 film adhesive and AS4-3501-6 graphite-epoxy face sheets. The thickness of the core remained 1.27 cm, and the thickness of the adhesive remained 0.25 mm. The thickness of the face sheets varied using the following stacking sequences: [0-90]s, [0-90]2s, [0-90]4s, [0-90]8s, and [0-90]12s …

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Fatigue Behavior Of A Cross-Ply Ceramic Matrix Composite Subjected To Tension-Tension Cycling With Hold Time, Scott A. Grant Dec 1994

Fatigue Behavior Of A Cross-Ply Ceramic Matrix Composite Subjected To Tension-Tension Cycling With Hold Time, Scott A. Grant

Theses and Dissertations

This study was carried out to investigate the elevated temperature behavior of the SiC-MAS5 cross- ply [0-90]4S ceramic matrix composite manufactured by Corning Inc. to fatigue with loading waveforms that combine the characteristics of stress rupture and high cycle fatigue. The test results were compiled in the form of S-N (cycles to failure), S-T (exposure time versus cycles to failure), S-S (energy exposure versus cycles to failure), normalized modulus degradation, strain progression, and hysteresis loop progression. From the mechanical behavior demonstrated by these curves, relationships between the effect of the environment and loading waveform were developed. In addition, a …

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Telepresent Spacecraft Docking With Object-Based Bilateral Control (Obbc), Paul Woznick Dec 1994

Telepresent Spacecraft Docking With Object-Based Bilateral Control (Obbc), Paul Woznick

Theses and Dissertations

The concept of object-based control is extended to the field of teleoperation, specifically to accomplish the task of spacecraft docking via a bilateral manual controller. An object-based controller with bilateral feedback controls the motion of the grasped object, not the trajectory of the manipulator. For this reason it can be designed with feedback that is intricately linked with the task kinematics. The benefits derived from anthropomorphicity and force feedback are possible without kinematically-geometrically similar master-slave systems, complex calibration and joint mapping schemes, or expensive, high degree-of-freedom force reflection. Object-based control is ideal for low-level telerobotic interfaces. A hand controller and …

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A Comparison Of The Neal-Smith And ΩSpΤΘ2, ΣSp, ΤΘ Flying Qualities Criteria, Brian A. Kish Dec 1994

A Comparison Of The Neal-Smith And ΩSpΤΘ2, ΣSp, ΤΘ Flying Qualities Criteria, Brian A. Kish

Theses and Dissertations

Aircraft pitch response is a vital element of piloted vehicle flying qualities. There has been controversy over both the form and the substance of the requirements for short-term pitch response. Currently, MIL-STD- 1797A offers six different methods for evaluating short-term pitch response. These six methods often give conflicting results. Two methods are analyzed in this thesis - the Neal-Smith criteria and the ωspΤθ2, ςsp, τθ criteria. Domains from both criteria are mapped into each other identifying regions of conflict and regions of agreement. Parametric studies are performed and evaluated for trends. Further, a …

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A Gain Scheduling Optimization Method Using Genetic Algorithms, Robert C. Martin Iv Dec 1994

A Gain Scheduling Optimization Method Using Genetic Algorithms, Robert C. Martin Iv

Theses and Dissertations

Gain scheduling. the traditional method of providing adaptive control to a nonlinear system, has long been an ad hoc design process. Until recently; little theoretical guidance directed this practitioners' art. For this reason a systematic study of this design process and its potential for optimization has never been accomplished. Additionally, the nonlinearities and the large search space involved in gain scheduling also precluded such an optimization study. Traditionally, the gain scheduling process has been some variation of a linear interpolation between discrete design points. By using powerful non-traditional optimization tools such as genetic algorithms there are ways of improving this …

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Compressible Turbulence Measurements In A Supersonic Boundary Layer Including Favorable Pressure Gradient Effects, Raymond S. Miller Dec 1994

Compressible Turbulence Measurements In A Supersonic Boundary Layer Including Favorable Pressure Gradient Effects, Raymond S. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The effect of a favorable pressure gradient on the turbulent flow structure in a Mach 2.9 boundary layer (Re/m approx. 1.5 x 107) is investigated experimentally. Conventional flow and hot film measurements of turbulent fluctuation properties have been made upstream of and along an expansion ramp. Upstream measurements were taken in a zero pressure gradient boundary layer 44 cm from the nozzle throat in a 6.35 cm square test section. Measurements are obtained in the boundary layer, above the expansion ramp, 71.5 cm from the nozzle throat. Mean flow and turbulent flow characteristics are measured in …

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A New Drag Measurement System For Wind Tunnel Testing Of The Racing Bicycle And Rider To Determine A Low Drag Configuration, Brian A. Parker Dec 1994

A New Drag Measurement System For Wind Tunnel Testing Of The Racing Bicycle And Rider To Determine A Low Drag Configuration, Brian A. Parker

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the application of splitter plate effects to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the racing bicycle and rider system. A sensitive, low-force, beam-type, single-component balance was developed to provide drag measurements accurate to within 0.053 N (0.012 lbf). The performance of the new system was verified by comparing the measured drag on a three-dimensioaal, right-circular cylinder model, 0.127 m (5.0 in) in diameter and 0.610 m (24 in) long, with the results from a commercial balance and a other similar data. The bicycle and rider model consisted of a full-scale mannequin comprising only the hips, legs …

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Performance Characterization Of A Highly-Offset Diffuser With And Without Blowing Vortex Generator Jets, Michael B. Senseney Dec 1994

Performance Characterization Of A Highly-Offset Diffuser With And Without Blowing Vortex Generator Jets, Michael B. Senseney

Theses and Dissertations

The effect of blowing vortex generator jets (VGJs) on the performance of a highly-offset (s-duct) diffuser was investigated experimentally. VGJs are pitched, skewed jets which generate streamwise vortices as well as injecting high-momentum fluid into the boundary layer. Diffuser performance with and without VGJs was measured for an inlet Mach number of 0.6 (Re/x = 1.27x107 per cm). Pitot static and hot-film instrumentation was used to measure flow properties at the diffuser inlet and exit planes. Without blowing, the flow on the lower surface of the diffuser was massively separated. Blowing at 0.48% mass flow ratio through three lower-surface …

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Investigation Of Tension-Compression Fatigue Behavior Of A Notched Cross-Ply Metal Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Matthew W. Yocum Dec 1994

Investigation Of Tension-Compression Fatigue Behavior Of A Notched Cross-Ply Metal Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Matthew W. Yocum

Theses and Dissertations

This research extends the existing knowledge of MMC fatigue damage mechanisms by studying the tension-compression fatigue behavior of a notched cross-ply laminate MMC at elevated temperature. A [0-90]2S SCS-6-Ti-15-3 laminate with a center hole was subjected to tension-compression fatigue at 427 °C (800 °F). Stress and strain data was taken to evaluate macro-mechanic behavior of the material. Microscopy and fractography were performed to characterize the damage on a micro-mechanical level. Crack initiation and progression was monitored using acetate face replicas. Four cracks were found to develop around the periphery of the hole, two of which became dominant and proceeded …

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Next Generation Real-Time Systems: Investigating The Potential Of Partial-Solution Tasks, Robert E. J. Caley Dec 1994

Next Generation Real-Time Systems: Investigating The Potential Of Partial-Solution Tasks, Robert E. J. Caley

Theses and Dissertations

While the cyclic executive and fixed-priority scheduling strategies have been sufficient to handle traditional real- time requirements. they are insufficient for dealing with the complexities of next-generation real-time systems. New methods of intelligent control must be developed for guaranteeing on-time task completion for real-time systems that are faced with unpredictable and dynamically changing requirements. Implementing real-time processes as partial-solution tasks is one technique that may be beneficial. This type of task. when combined with intelligent control, has the potential for increasing pre-runtime schedulability, system maintainability. and runtime robustness. This research investigates the benefits of partial-solution tasks by experimentally measuring the …

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The Photo-Realistic Afit Virtual Cockpit, Milton E. Diaz Dec 1994

The Photo-Realistic Afit Virtual Cockpit, Milton E. Diaz

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has pursued research in virtual environments since 1988. This research expands the current capabilities of the AFIT Virtual Cockpit (VC) by increasing the realism of the cockpit environment and improving the pilot's command interface. Realism is improved creating console elements from texture maps and polygonal models; these elements include working dials, switches and circuit breakers. The pilot command interface is improved in part by adapting the AFIT Information Pod using a two-dimensional mouse input to the virtual three-dimensional environment. This immersive virtual environment is also improved by modifications to the Head Mounted Display …

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An Experimental Investigation Of The Time-Dependent Separation Of Tangent Bodies In Supersonic Flow, Neal A. Mosbarger Dec 1994

An Experimental Investigation Of The Time-Dependent Separation Of Tangent Bodies In Supersonic Flow, Neal A. Mosbarger

Theses and Dissertations

An experimental, time-dependent separation of tangent bodies was performed in a supersonic wind tunnel (Mach 1.5 and 1.9) to investigate the significance of transient effects and the suitability of using steady-state assumptions to predict a dynamic even. The model configurations consisted of two bodies placed in a near tangent position. A stationary body, plate or ogive, was instrumented to obtain dynamic surface pressures, while a second body, a wedge attached to an air cylinder, was plunged in a constrained motion away from and towards the stationary model. Three-dimensional flow expansion around the edge of the wedge reduced the strength of …

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Analysis Of Modal Behavior At Frequency Cross-Over, Robert N. Costa Jr. Nov 1994

Analysis Of Modal Behavior At Frequency Cross-Over, Robert N. Costa Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The existence of the mode crossing condition is detected and analyzed in the Active Control of Space Structures Model 4 (ACOSS4). The condition is studied for its contribution to the inability of previous algorithms to successfully optimize the structure and converge to a feasible solution. A new algorithm is developed to detect and correct for mode crossings. The existence of the mode crossing condition is verified in ACOSS4 and found not to have appreciably affected the solution. The structure is then successfully optimized using new analytic methods based on modal expansion. An unrelated error in the optimization algorithm previously used …

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Design And Analysis Of Constrained Layer Damping Treatments For Bending And Torsion, Kimberly J. Balkema Sep 1994

Design And Analysis Of Constrained Layer Damping Treatments For Bending And Torsion, Kimberly J. Balkema

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, different aspects of constrained layer damping treatments on beams of various geometries are studied. First, the optimal length of a constrained layer damping treatment mounted on a surface in linear strain is identified as a function of the relative stiffnesses of the damping layers and the non-uniformity of the surface stain. The analysis extends previous work that considered the case of uniform surface strain. Sixth order sandwich beam theory is then modified for use with a rectangular beam covered with a segmented constrained layer damping treatment. Non-dimensional variables are used to simplify the form of the problem. …

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A Numerical Analysis Of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics, David A. Fulk Sep 1994

A Numerical Analysis Of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics, David A. Fulk

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation studies the numerical method of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics SPH as a technique for solving systems of conservation equations. The research starts with a detailed consistency analysis of the method. Higher dimensions and non-smooth functions are considered in addition to the smooth one dimensional case. A stability analysis is then performed. Using a linear technique, an instability is found. Solutions are proposed to resolve the instability. Also a total variation stability analysis is performed leading to a monotone form of SPH. The concepts of consistency and stability are then used in a convergence proof. This proof uses lemmas derived …

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Optimal Pulsed Pumping For Aquifer Remediation When Contaminant Transport Is Affected By Rate-Limited Sorption: A Calculus Of Variation Approach, Richard T. Hartman Sep 1994

Optimal Pulsed Pumping For Aquifer Remediation When Contaminant Transport Is Affected By Rate-Limited Sorption: A Calculus Of Variation Approach, Richard T. Hartman

Theses and Dissertations

The remediation of groundwater contamination continues to persist as a social and economic problem due to increased governmental regulations and public health concerns. Additionally, the geochemistry of the aquifer and the contaminant transport within the aquifer complicates the remediation process to restore contaminated aquifers to conditions compatible with health-based standards. Currently, the preferred method for aquifer cleanup pump-and-treat has several limitations including, the persistence of sorbed chemicals on soil matrix and the long term operation and maintenance expense. The impetus of this research was to demonstrate that a calculus of variations approach could be applied to a pulsed pumping aquifer …

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Application Of A Risk Model To Quantify Relative Risk Of Remedial Actions, Timothy L. Fuller Sep 1994

Application Of A Risk Model To Quantify Relative Risk Of Remedial Actions, Timothy L. Fuller

Theses and Dissertations

To properly manage the Installation Restoration Program (IRP) in the future, Air Force remedial project managers (RPMs) need a metric to assist in the selection of remedial alternatives for the safe and effective clean up of waste contamination sites. If the baseline site risk assessment indicates that it is necessary to remediate a waste contamination site, it is important to the RPM that the selection process for remediation alternatives considers the potential human health and ecological risks associated with the proposed remediation process. In some instances, the risks may be significant when compared to the baseline conditions. The Air Force …

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Development Of An Analytical Hierarchy Process (Ahp) Model For Siting Of Municipal Solid Waste Facilities, Dimasalang F. Junio Sep 1994

Development Of An Analytical Hierarchy Process (Ahp) Model For Siting Of Municipal Solid Waste Facilities, Dimasalang F. Junio

Theses and Dissertations

Deciding on locations for municipal solid waste facilities is a difficult problem where qualitative criteria compete with quantitative economic and engineering criteria, in an environment that is highly political and emotional. State guidelines often describe different methodologies but fall short in offering a solution or a methodology in arriving at a solution. This study develops a decision modeling procedure, based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), that can be used by public sector decision makers to locate and site municipal solid waste facilities. The applicability of the procedure is demonstrated at the City of Springfield, Clark County, Ohio. Research efforts …

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Modeling Trihalomethane Formation Potential From Wastewater Chlorination, Carol A. Mccormick Sep 1994

Modeling Trihalomethane Formation Potential From Wastewater Chlorination, Carol A. Mccormick

Theses and Dissertations

The deletion of federally mandated fecal coliform limits has led many states to review and modify their wastewater disinfection requirements. One issue in analyzing wastewater disinfection is the discharge of potentially carcinogenic halogenated organics formed during the chlorination process. This research investigates the formation of one class of the halogenated organics, the trihalomethanes. The applicability of using drinking water trihalomethane formation models for use with wastewater effluent is examined. Three models are compared for predictive capability by using measured trihalomethane values from previous research data. The results show that a previously developed model is applicable for use based on assumptions …

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Optimal Utilization Of Field Generated Analytical Data For Site Characterization And Remedial Decision Making, Ronald J. Lester Sep 1994

Optimal Utilization Of Field Generated Analytical Data For Site Characterization And Remedial Decision Making, Ronald J. Lester

Theses and Dissertations

This study developed data quality standards for assessing environmental analytical data quality and its use in remedial decision making, specifically in risk assessment calculations. The primary purpose was to increase the use of field generated data in environmental site investigations versus the continued reliance on costly and time consuming EPA Contract Lab Program data. Increased reliance on field lab data could significantly reduce remedial investigation costs. The standards developed are based on regulatory criteria for data useability, achievable quality in a CLP lab setting, and basic statistical methods. The standards were applied to sets of Volatile Organic Compound data in …

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Economics Of Chlorofluorocarbon (Cfc) Machine Replacement, Geoffrey D. Rudderow Sep 1994

Economics Of Chlorofluorocarbon (Cfc) Machine Replacement, Geoffrey D. Rudderow

Theses and Dissertations

Continued use of chlorofluorocarbon CFC refrigerants may have a severe financial as well as operational impact on the users of air-conditioning and other refrigeration equipment as price increases continue and production is phased out. With production of CFCs coming to a halt on 31 December 1995, the two major refrigerants that have been used in commercial and industrial cooling applications will no longer be available. The phase out of production is a result of national and international agreement that these, as well as other CFCs, are a primary cause of the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. To help the …

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