Engineering Commons^™

Barge Traffic On Kentucky Rivers, Michael W. Whitney, Issam E. Harik, James J. Griffin, David L. Allen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky currently has the second longest navigable inland waterway system in the United States. Prior to the design of a bridge at a specific location on a river, a thorough investigation of barge traffic at that location ust be conducted. This report investigates the barge traffic on all navigable waterways in Kentucky. This report provides the data necessary to develop the risk assessment procedures for Kentucky vessel impact design problems in accordance with the AASHTO Guide Specification and Commentary for Vessel Collision Design of Highway Bridges design Method II. Method II is more rigorous to apply than Method I, but …

Automated Manpower Rostering: Techniques And Experience, C. M. Khoong, Hoong Chuin Lau, L. W. Chew

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

We present ROMAN, a comprehensive, generic manpower rostering toolkit that successfully handles a wide spectrum of work policies found in service organizations. We review the use of various techniques and methodologies in the toolkit that contribute to its robustness and efficiency, and relate experience gained in addressing manpower rostering problems in industry.

The Response Of Dispersion-Strengthened Copper Alloys To High Fluence Neutron Irradiation At 415⁰C, Danny J. Edwards, Joseph William Newkirk, Frank A. Garner, Margaret L. Hamilton, A. Nadkarni, P. Samal

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Various oxide-dispersion-strengthened copper alloys have been irradiated to 150 dpa at 415°C in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). The Al₂O₃-strengthened GlidCop™ alloys, followed closely by a HfO₂-strengthened alloy, displayed the best swelling resistance, electrical conductivity, and tensile properties. The conductivity of the HfO₂-strengthened alloy reached a plateau at the higher levels of irradiation, instead of exhibiting the steady decrease in conductivity observed in the other alloys. A high initial oxygen content resulted in significantly higher swelling for a series of castable oxide-dispersion-strengthened alloys, while a Cr₂O₃ -strengthened alloys …

Inversion Of Light Scattering Measurements For Particle Size And Optical Constants: Experimental Study, Matthew R. Jones, Keng H. Leong, M. Quinn Brewster, Bill P. Curry

Faculty Publications

Measurements of the light scattered by a sample contain information regarding the physical properties of the sample. Laser light-scattering measurements can be made unobtrusively in environments that are inaccessible to other types of measurements, so laser light-scattering techniques have become an important tool in aerosol research. The primary difficulty associated with using light-scattering techniques to determine aerosol particle properties is inverting the measurements or extracting the desired information from the measurements. In this study we use a 15-channel polar nephelometer to measure the light-scattering patterns of monodisperse polystyrene spheres. The light-scattering measurements are inverted, and the particle size distribution function …

Inversion Of Light Scattering Measurements For Particle Size And Optical Constants: Theoretical Study, Matthew R. Jones, Bill P. Curry, M. Quinn Brewster, Keng H. Leong

Faculty Publications

We invert the Fredholm equation representing the light scattered by a single spherical particle or a distribution of spherical particles to obtain the particle size distribution function and refractive index. We obtain the solution by expanding the distribution function as a linear combination of a set of orthonormal basis functions. The set of orthonormal basis functions is composed of Schmidt-Hilbert eigenfunctions and a set of supplemental basis functions, which have been orthogonalized with respect to the Schmidt-Hilbert eigenfunctions by using the Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization procedure. We use the orthogonality properties of the basis functions and of the eigenvectors of the kernel …

Comparison Of The Environmental Effects Of Aerobic And Anaerobic Composting Technologies, Samuel A. Vigil, George Tchobanoglous

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The biological conversion of yard wastes and municipal solid waste by aerobic composting is an established technology. Anaerobic conversion of these wastes is less practiced but is being widely advocated for the next generation of bioconversion systems. Although the operational characteristics of both types of systems is well known, there is a lack of quantifiable data in the literature on the environmental effects of these technologies. It is widely assumed that they are environmentally benign, especially as compared to other processing and conversion technologies such as incineration or mechanical processing. The process microbiology, design, and operational characteristics of aerobic and …

Evaluating Strength & Energy Requirements For Workers Picking Vegetables, R. A. Cavaletto, J. Miles, J. Meyers, J. Mehlschau

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The paper discusses the need to obtain field data to evaluate the strength and energy requirements for workers picking a variety of vegetables. This information is central to the evaluation of hazards related to repetitive motion, excessive stress, and fatigue. Results can be used to select activities which should be targeted for future engineering design projects. Preliminary data from a commercial broccoli harvesting operation is included.

Grassland Basin Irrigation And Drainage Study, Stuart W. Styles, Dennis Westcot, Charles M. Burt, Ross Steensen

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This paper summarizes a project that analyzed the district irrigation efficiency for six subareas of the Grassland Basin roughly representing 80,000 acres on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley near Firebaugh, California. The objectives of this project were to: • Determine the district irrigation efficiency for the six subareas. • Update district drainage policies and water reuse. • Update the geographical information system (GIS). • Perform a pre-plant irrigation efficiency analysis. • Establish a relationship between the drainage volumes and the district irrigation efficiency. • Determine the maximum district irrigation efficiency attainable. • Determine the impact of optimizing …

High Shear Mixing Reactor For Glycerolysis, Hossein Noureddini

Papers in Biomaterials

lnrcreased ervironmental awareness and depletion of resources are driving industry to develop aiternative fuels from renewable resources that are environmentally more acceptable. Esters of fatty acids (biodiesel), derived from the transesterification of vegetable oils, have properties similar to cornponents of petroleum based diesel fuel. Cost has been a major factor in slowing down the commercialization of biodiesel. In order to improve the economy of this process two factors were investigated in this study: 1) use of beef tallow as raw material and 2) by-product utilization.

Glycerol is the by-product of the esterification process. In this work the feasibility of the …

Demonstration Of A Novel 3-D Autostereoscopic Display, M. W. Jones, Gregory P. Nordin, S. T. Kowel, J. H. Kulick, R. G. Lindquist, P. J. Nasiatka

Faculty Publications

We report what we believe is the first static implementation of the partial-pixel architecture, which provides a conceptual framework for the construction of real-time three-dimensional displays that are functionally equivalent to holographic stereograms (i.e., the simultaneous display of a series of stereoscopic images). The device is physically realized as a set of amplitude diffraction gratings on a chrome mask that was fabricated by standard photolithographic techniques. The intended three-dimensional object encoded in the display was strikingly visible on readout with an incoherent illumination source.

A Preliminary Model For Lot Sizing In Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tali F. Carmon, Steven Nahmias

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

No abstract provided.

Hydraulic Conditions Required To Move Unanchored Residue Materials, John E. Gilley, E. R. Kottwitz, G. A. Wieman

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Hydraulic conditions required to initiate movement of unanchored residue materials are identified in the present study. Selected amounts of corn, cotton, pine needles, sorghum, soybean, sunflower, and wheat residue are placed in a flume on a sand surface, and flow is then introduced at the top of the flume in progressive increments. The discharge rate and flow velocity necessary to cause residue movement are determined. The ratio of critical flow depth to residue diameter, critical Reynolds number, critical shear stress, dimensionless shear stress, and boundary Reynolds number are calculated from hydraulic measurements. Regression equations are developed to relate dimensionless shear …

Acuta Enews June 1994, Vol. 23, No. 6

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Board report

President's message

White papers/blue papers

TFS takes aim at toll fraud

ITFS Monograph review

Lost on the Information Highway?

Knowledge‐Based Expert System For Concrete Mix Design, Yong Bai, Serji N. Amirkhanian

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

In the United States, the American Concrete Institute method (ACI 211) is the most widely used concrete mix design. However, ACI 211 does not consider all factors regarding concrete mix design. The acceptance of a freshly mixed concrete depends on concrete quality control test results. If the results indicate that the concrete does not meet the specification, mix design adjustment must be made. Concrete mix design and adjustment are somewhat complicated and time‐consuming tasks that are performed best by experienced persons. In this project, a rule‐based expert system was developed to assist the user in concrete mix design, including the …

A Recursive Least Squares Training Algorithm For Multilayer Recurrent Neural Networks, Q. Xu, K. Krishnamurthy, Bruce M. Mcmillin, Wen Feng Lu

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Recurrent neural networks have the potential to perform significantly better than the commonly used feedforward neural networks due to their dynamical nature. However, they have received less attention because training algorithms/architectures have not been well developed. In this study, a recursive least squares algorithm to train recurrent neural networks with an arbitrary number of hidden layers is developed. The training algorithm is developed as an extension of the standard recursive estimation problem. Simulated results obtained for identification of the dynamics of a nonlinear dynamical system show promising results.

Identification Of Cutting Force In End Milling Operations Using Recurrent Neural Networks, Q. Xu, K. Krishnamurthy, Bruce M. Mcmillin, Wen Feng Lu

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The problem of identifying the cutting force in end milling operations is considered in this study. Recurrent neural networks are used here and are trained using a recursive least squares training algorithm. Training results for data obtained from a SAJO 3-axis vertical milling machine for steady slot cuts are presented. The results show that a recurrent neural network can learn the functional relationship between the feed rate and steady-state average resultant cutting force very well. Furthermore, results for the Mackey-Glass time series prediction problem are presented to illustrate the faster learning capability of the neural network scheme presented here

Hardware Assists For High Performance Computing Using A Mathematics Of Arrays, H. Pottinger, W. Eatherton, L. Mullin, T. Schiefelbein

Computer Science Technical Reports

Work in progress at the University of Missouri - Rolla on hardware assists for high performance computing and communication is presented. This research consists of a field programmable gate array based rapid prototyping environment (Chameleon) being used to evaluate hardware architectures for speedup of array partitioning and routing algorithms. These algorithms have been developed using a Mathematics of Arrays (MOA) and are optimal in the sense that they reduce normal array indexing operations to a series of primitive additions based on array shape. The method is simple yet powerful, produces algorithms which are provably correct, and are independent of dimensionality. …

Running With The Pack: Jit & Automation For Small Manufacturers, Thomas E. Phillips, John R. Ledgerwood

Publications

While both just in time (JIT) concepts and automation programs have been widely implemented and highly successful in large manufacturing companies, many smaller manufacturing companies have wondered whether it would be economically feasible to utilize these same techniques and derive these same benefits. When JIT is adopted by small manufacturers, it provides them with advantages over traditional manufacturing systems, such as lower cost, quality improvements, higher productivity, and less working capital tied up in inventory. Small US manufacturers must understand the basic principles and philosophy of JIT and update their production equipment if they are to be competitive in today's …

Maximum Surface Storage Provided By Crop Residue, John E. Gilley, Eugene R. Kottwitz

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Small ponds created by crop residue serve to store water on upland areas. The present study is conducted to identify the maximum surface storage provided by crop residue. Equations for estimating surface storage are derived assuming that residue elements were oriented end to end, at uniform intervals, in a direction perpendicular to flow. Separate equations are developed for conditions where average slope was greater than or equal to residue cover, or less than residue cover. Both equations relate average surface-storage depth to residue cover, residue diameter, and average slope. Data to test the reliability of the equations are obtained in …

An Fpga Based Reconfigurable Coprocessor Board Utilizing A Mathematics Of Arrays, H. Pottinger, W. Eatherton, T. Schiefelbein, L. Mullin, R. Ziegler

Computer Science Technical Reports

Work in progress at the University of Missouri-Rolla on hardware assists for high performance computing is presented. This research consists of a novel field programmable gate array (FPGA) based reconfigurable coprocessor board (the Chameleon Coprocessor) being used to evaluate hardware architectures for speedup of array computation algorithms. These algorithms have been developed using a Mathematics of Arrays (MOA) and are optimal in the sense that they reduce normal array cartesian indexing operations to a series of primitive additions and offsets based on array shape. The method is simple yet powerful, produces algorithms which are provably correct, and are independent of …

Evaluating The Design And Effectiveness Of Subsurface Drainage Layers, Bobby W. Meade, David Q. Hunsucker

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In recent years, the subject of open-graded drainage layers, often referred to as "drainage blankets", has been utilized increasingly for pavement drainage. This study addresses the use of drainage blankets in Kentucky. Study efforts have focused on construction, performance, materials, and design considerations of drainage blankets.

Study findings are that the Number 57 gradation provides the optimum drainage and structural stability of the standard gradations evaluated. Asphalt treated aggregate provides greater stability and a better working platform than untreated aggregate. Maintenance of collector system outlets is very poor. Daylighting of drainage blankets appears to be feasible. Drainage blankets can be …

Production And Decay Of D1 (2420)0 And D2* (2460)0, Avery, P.; Et Al., M. Thulasidas

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

No abstract provided.

A Current-Mode Fdnr Circuit Element Using Capacitive Gyrators, Vladimir I. Prodanov, Michael M. Green

Electrical Engineering

A current-mode implementation of a frequency-dependent negative resistance (FDNR) element is presented using a novel capacitive gyrator. This FDNR element lends itself well to the design of low-pass ladder filters and its use will result in a more efficient integrated circuit implementation than filters that simulate floating inductors using resistive gyrators.

Work Measurement Decision Diagram Development And Application At Nasa's Kennedy Space Center, Susan L. Murray, Amanda M. Mitskevich, Joseph J. Pignatiello Jr., Timothy S. Barth, William W. Swart

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents a decision flow diagram developed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for the selection of the appropriate work measurement methodologies for Space Shuttle processing.

Seismic Response Study Of The Us 101/Painter Street Overpass Using Strong Motion Records, Rakesh K. Goel, Anil K. Chopra

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Abutment stiffnesses are determined directly from the earthquake motions recorded at the US 101/Painter Street Overpass using a simple equilibrium-based approach without finite-element modeling of the structure or the abutment-soil systems. The calculated abutment stiffnesses, which include the effects of soil-structure interaction and nonlinear behavior of the soil, are used to investigate variation of the abutment stiffness with its deformation during the earthquake and torsional motions of the road deck. Also evaluated are the CALTRANS, ASSHTO-83, and ATC- 6 procedures for estimating the abutment stiffness. It is demonstrated that stiffness of the abutment depends significantly on its deformation during the …

Unzippable Polymer Mask For Screening Operations, Ravi F. Saraf

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Patents

The present invention relates to a dry process for forming patterns on a substrate. More particularly, the process contemplates coating an unzippable polymer film with a small amount of desirable UV if required on a substrate; laser ablating said film into a desired pattern or mask; screening a conductive or resistive paste onto the substrate through the ablated features of said mask; heating said substrate and mask to the unzipping temperature of said mask; and, vaporizing said mask and UV absorbing dye if present leaving behind the solid of said conductive or resistive past adhered to the substrate in the …

Method And Apparatus For Objective Evaluation Of Patent Ambulation, Balance And Weight Bearng Status, Eric B. Lancaster, Michael F. Kocher

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

A walker is provided which is equipped with detectors for measuring various loads and torques placed thereon by a user including right side and left side loads as well as torque loads on the handles of the walker and having time and distance detectors to allow the ambulation status of a user to be progressively monitored by medical personnel.

Electroless Metal Adhesion To Organic Dielectric Material With Phase Separated Morphology, Ravi F. Saraf

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Patents

Improved adhesion of electroless metal deposited on an organic dielectric layer with phase separated morphology is accomplished by the spontaneous formation of a morphologically and topographically rough surface. In one embodiment a ternary solution of a polar solvent and two polymer precursors of the same polymer which are separable in two phases of different order are cast in film on a substrate and heated to form two phases of different order to spontaneously produce a rough surface. Upon exposure to an alkaline solution, one phase is etched at a faster rate than the other. Seeding and electroless deposition of a …

Museum Committee Meeting May 1994, Tractor Museum

Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum: Planning and Development Documents

Revised by-laws Museum Studies master student Evaluation of Building Integrity

Acuta Enews May 1994, Vol. 23, No. 5

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Board Report

President's message

VTEL goes to Russia

Video at Univ. of Missouri

DC at a glance

Takin' care of business