Engineering Commons^™

Goes Imagery Fills Gaps In Montserrat Volcanic Cloud Observations, Mark A. Davies, William I. Rose

Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Publications

GOES satellite imagery offers great potential to lessen the risk of volcanic ash clouds to aviation, and the situation at Montserrat in the Caribbean is providing the proof. Many transatlantic, commercial, and private aircraft use airspace around Montserrat, where the Soufriere Hills Volcano has been erupting since 1995.

Worldwide over the last 15 years, more than 80 airplanes have reported encountering volcanic ash along flight paths. Encounters cannot be avoided because onboard radar cannot detect fine-grained ash particles—those with a radius of 15 microns or less. In recent years volcanic cloud encounters are estimated to have caused hundreds of millions …

Thin-Film Hermeticity: A Quantitative Analysis Of Diamond-Like Carbon Using Variable Angle Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, S. Orzeszko, Bhola N. De, John A. Woollam, John J. Pouch, Samuel A. Alterovitz, David C. Ingram

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we report on the successful application of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry to quantitative thin-film hermeticity evaluation. Secondly, it is shown that under a variety of film preparations and moisture introduction conditions water penetrates only a very thin diamondlike carbon (DLC) top surface-roughness region. Thus DLC is an excellent candidate for use as protective coatings in adverse chemical and aqueous environments.

Method And Apparatus For Conversion Of Coal In Situ, Ottfried J. Hahn

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Patents

A method for the electro-thermal and electrochemical underground conversion of coal into oil and by-products comprises the steps of inserting an underground probe into a bore hole until the probe is in close proximity to a coal seam. A mixture of air, steam, an electrolyte and a suitable catalyst is supplied to the probe, and the mixture is then sprayed directly on the coal seam through a passage in a nozzle. The probe is also energized with electricity applied to the nozzle to produce an arc between the coal and the probe, simultaneous with the spraying of the mixture on …

Acuta Enews October 1988, Vol. 17, No. 10

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

Administrative Director

President's Message

Party Line

User Groups

Anatomy of a Telecommunications Installation Part 3

Regional Meeting Reports

Load And Resistance Factor Design Of Cold-Formed Stainless Steel Statistical Analysis Of Material Properties And Development Of The Lrfd Provisions, Shin-Hua Lin, Wei-Wen Yu, Theodore V. Galambos

CCFSS Library (1939 - present)

INTRODUCTION 1.1 General Remarks The "Allowable Stress Design" method has long been used for the design of steel structures in the United States. 1,2,3 Recently, the probability-based load and resistance factor design (LRFD) criteria have been successfully applied to the structural design of hot-rolled steel shapes and built-up members. 4,5,6 The AISI LRFD Specification is being developed as well for the design of structural members cold-formed from carbon and low alloy steels. 7-17 These design criteria can provide a more uniform degree of structural safety to achieve consistent reliability for different design situations. The probability-based design method is developed on …

Impact Evaluation Of The Louisville-Shively-Jefferson County Traffic Alcohol Programs, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Patricia L. Hardyman, Knowlton W. Johnson, Richard Mccleary

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is an evaluation of alcohol enforcement programs conducted by the Louisville, Jefferson County, and Shively police agencies in the Louisville metropolitan area. The following four types of data were collected in order to evaluate the traffic alcohol programs; accident data, arrest and adjudication data, cost-effectiveness, and public opinion data.

Results from the before-and-after comparisons and time-series analysis show alcohol-related accidents decreased significantly during the study period, There was a 34.4 percent reduction in alcohol-related accidents during hours of special enforcement and a 30.4 percent reduction during all hours of the day. Time-series analysis of accident data showed a …

Fatigue Analysis Of The I-75 Bridge Over The Kentucky River At Clays Ferry, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Vishwas G. Oka

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Fatigue analysis was performed on AASHTO category E welded connections on the southbound I 75 bridge over the Kentucky River at Clays Ferry, Kentucky. That analysis was based on the stress-range histogram data provided by Law Engineering of Louisville, Kentucky. That data were obtained from strain gages installed at 6 test locations on the downstream truss.

The fatigue analyses consisted of safe-life and fatigue-crack growth analyses. Safe-life predictions were based on AASHTO fatigue design (SN) curves. To use those curves, equivalent constant-amplitude stresses were derived from the stress histograms. Those stresses and loading frequencies were modified to reflect anticipated increases …

Analysis Of Accident Data In Kentucky (1983-1987), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky has a systematic procedure to identify locations that have abnormal rates or numbers of accidents. This procedure utilizes average accident rates and numbers. A primary objective of this study was to determine average accident statistics in Kentucky. An annual safety program for Kentucky, which includes the identification, programming, budgeting, and evaluation of safety projects, is prepared each year. The data presented in this report may be included as the problem identification portion of Kentucky's Annual Highway Safety Plan.

Average and critical accident rates were calculated by highway type for rural and urban highways. A summary of results and recommendations …

1988 Usage Rates And Effectiveness Of Safety Belts And Child Safety Seats In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of the survey summarized in this report is to establish 1988 safety belt and child safety seat usage rates in Kentucky to compare to those determined from previous surveys. Also included in this report is an analysis of accident records evaluating the effectiveness of safety belts.

Statewide usage rates in the 19 cities previously surveyed in 1982 through 1986 showed that both driver safety belt usage and child safety seat and safety belt usage increased significantly in 1988 compared to previous years. The statewide usage rate of safety belts by drivers was 20.5 percent in 1988 compared to …

Comments On Proposed Transport Protocols, Anil Bhatia, James Sterbenz, Gurudatta M. Parulkar

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

Over the last few years, a number of research groups have made considerable progress on the design of high speed networks- on the order of a few hundred Mbps to the few Gbps. The emphasis of this work has been on the design of packet switches and on the design of network access protocols. However, this work has not yet addressed the internetworking and transport level issues in the high speed internet. As part of our effort on the design of VHSI model, we considered the appropriateness of recently proposed transport protocols, NETBLT and VMTP, as candidates for the transport …

Reflectance Of An Absorbing Substrate For Incident Light Of Arbitrary Polarization: Appearance Of A Secondary Maximum At Oblique Incidence, R. M.A. Azzam, A. M. El-Saba

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications

The reflectance of an absorbing substrate Rθ(ɸ) is considered as a function of the angle of incidence ϕ and an incident polarization parameter θ, where cos²θ and sin²θ give the power fractions of incident radiation that are p-and s-polarized, respectively. Taking GaAs as an example, we find that at certain wavelengths (e.g., 0.248 and 0.620 µm), the R_θ vs ɸ curve becomes oscillatory in a narrow range of θ > 45° with an unexpected secondary maximum appearing at oblique incidence. The extrema of the function R_θ(ɸ) are determined numerically, and their angular …

Variable Angle Of Incidence Spectroscopic Ellipsometric Characterization Of Tio2/Ag/Tio2 Optical Coatings, Kazem Memarzadeh, John A. Woollam, Abe Belkind

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Optical constants (3000–8000 Å) and layer thicknesses of TiO₂/Ag/TiO₂ optical coatings are determined using variable angle of incidence spectroscopic ellipsometry. Ellipsometrically determined silver layer thicknesses agree well with those obtained by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Also, spectral characteristics, absent in bulk silver data, are observed in n and k spectra for the thin silver layers. It is suggested that these structures may be caused by plasmon effects from the silver layers.

Development Of A Combined Quantity And Quality Model For Optimal Unsteady Groundwater Management, Richard C. Peralta, J. Solaimanian, C. L. Griffis

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Presented are alternative techniques for including conservative solute transport within computer models for optimizing groundwater extraction rates. Unsteady two-dimensional flow and dispersed conservative solute transport are assumed. Comparisons are made of the practicality of including modified forms of implicit and explicit finite difference solute transport equations within optimization models. These equations can be calibrated and subsequently used within a MODCON procedure. The MODCON modelling procedure consists of an integrated series of five optimization or simulation modules. The procedure is applicable for either an entire aquifer system or for a subsystem of a larger system. The first module, A, computes physically …

Test 1614: White 100 Diesel 18-Speed, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURE General Tractors are tested at the University of Nebraska according to the Agricultural Tractor Test Code approved by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Society of Automotive Engineers or official Nebraska test procedure. The manufacturer selects the tractor to be tested and certifies that it is a stock model. Each tractor is equipped with the common power consuming accessories such as power steering, power lift pump, generator, etc., if available. Power consuming accessories may be disconnected only when the means for disconnecting can be reached from the operating station. An official representative of …

Test 1615: White 120 Diesel And White Workhorse 125 Diesel 18-Speed, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURE General Tractors are tested at the University of Nebraska according to the Agricultural Tractor Test Code approved by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Society of Automotive Engineers or official Nebraska test procedure. The manufacturer selects the tractor to be tested and certifies that it is a stock model. Each tractor is equipped with the common power consuming accessories such as power steering, power lift pump, generator, etc., if available. Power consuming accessories may be disconnected only when the means for disconnecting can be reached from the operating station. An official representative of …

Are You Getting Your Money's Worth In Street Construction, Charles F. Scholer

Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Publications

A presentation on how to have an effective quality assurance program for street construction.

Test 1616: White 140 Diesel And White Workhorse 145 Diesel 18-Speed, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURE General Tractors are tested at the University of Nebraska according to the Agricultural Tractor Test Code approved by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Society of Automotive Engineers or official Nebraska test procedure. The manufacturer selects the tractor to be tested and certifies that it is a stock model. Each tractor is equipped with the common power consuming accessories such as power steering, power lift pump, generator, etc., if available. Power consuming accessories may be disconnected only when the means for disconnecting can be reached from the operating station. An official representative of …

Calcium Nitrite As A Corrosion Inhibitor In Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks, Theodore Hopwood Ii, David Q. Hunsucker, Edgar E. Courtney

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The use of calcium nitrite es a corrosion-inhibiting admixture in reinforced concrete hes been studied on two bridges· the Kentucky 152 Bridge in Washington County and the Gose Road Bridge in Boyle County. Calcium nitrite was added to concrete used in the slabs, diaphragms and barriers of the KY 152 bridge and only in the slab of the Good Road bridge.

Construction of both structures was monitored in the fall of 1986. Placement of concrete on both bridges was satisfactory; however, problems were experienced in finishing the concrete. The finishing problems were related to: 1) concrete 'stickiness', 2) use of …

Asphalt Surface Treatments For Local Roads And Streets, Ellis G. Williams

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Surface Treatments are thin applications of asphalt, with or without aggregate, to an existing pavement surface. There are many types to choose from when selecting a treatment for a specific purpose.

Because of the broad range of materials and methods available, surface treatments satisfy many needs in effective operation of road and street systems. They are major tools for preventive maintenance and also satisfy many corrective maintenance needs. They are widely and effectively used as the initial surfacing over granular bases. They are increasingly used over cracked, existing surfaces to reduce reflection cracking in asphalt overlays.

It is apparent that …

Relational Completeness Of Show And Tell Visual Programming Language, Takayuki Dan Kimura

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

In this paper we present the database applications of the Show and Tell Language (STL) and demonstrate the relational completeness of the language. STL is a visual programming language designed for novice computer users who are not familiar with keyboarding. A program can be constructed by using only a pointing device, except for textual data entry. A program can be constructed by using only a pointing device, except for textual data entry. Various programming concepts such as subroutine, iteration, recursion, concurrency, exception, and so forth are represented by two-dimensional graphic patterns and icons. The language is used to test the …

Estimation Of X-Band Scattering Properties Of Tree Components, David E. Pitts, Gautam D. Badhwar, Eddie Reyna, R. Zoughi, Linkim Wu, Richard K. Moore

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An X-band FM-CW very fine range resolution scatterometer was used to acquire backscattering data for individual branches for a number of tree species. Using a model to describe the scattering source function, dσ/dR = f(η, κ), and an experimental procedure for selected removal of plant parts, allows the estimation of η, the volume backscatter coefficient, and κ, the volume extinction coefficient. It is found that 1) leaves are strong attenuators as well as scatterers, 2) the albedo, ω = η/κ, at a given angle of incidence, is nearly independent of the tree type, 3) the tree …

Division-Of-Wave-Front Thin-Film Beam Splitter For Generating Binary Patterns Of Orthogonal Elliptical Polarization States, R. M.A. Azzam

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications

A division-of-wave-front thin-film beam splitter is described that reflects monochromatic light at oblique incidence with orthogonal elliptical polarization states. It consists of a metallic substrate partially covered with a transparent thin film that inverts the ratio ρ of the complex p and s reflection coefficients at the principal angle of the metal. Any pattern of coated and uncoated areas of the substrate is imprinted upon the reflected wave front as a corresponding two-dimensional spatial binary polarization pattern. A specific design is given that uses a Au substrate at a wavelength of 632.8 nm. The effects of small errors in the …

Test 1613: Caterpiller Challenger 65 Diesel 10-Speed, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURE General Tractors are tested at the University of Nebraska according to the Agricultural Tractor Test Code approved by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the Society of Automotive Engineers or official Nebraska test procedure. The manufacturer selects the tractor to be tested and certifies that it is a stock model. Each tractor is equipped with the common power consuming accessories such as power steering, power lift pump, generator, etc., if available. Power consuming accessories may be disconnected only when the means for disconnecting can be reached from the operating station. An official representative of …

Thin-Film Devices For Polarized Light- Introduction, R. M.A. Azzam, William H. Southwell

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Cotgame: Cotton Insect Pest Management Simulation Game, Kunter S. Akbay, R.W. Mcclendon, L. G. Brown

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

An interactive version of the Cotton and Insect Management (CIM) model was developed to aid individuals in improving their insect pest management decision making skills. This version, COTGAME, allowed the user to encounter situations and make decisions during the simulated cotton crop growing season. The intermediate results of these decisions were immediately delivered in the form of a report on the current status of the crop and insect populations. Based on the information presented in this status report, the user would make additional management decisions and take tactical actions. Once the harvest date had been reached, the economics of the …

Maximizing Reliable Crop Production In A Dynamic Stream/Aquifer System, Richard C. Peralta, K. Kowalski, R. R.A. Cantiller

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

A procedure for planning the optimal spatial distribution of crops to be reliably irrigated by conjunctive use of water resources is presented. The implicitly stochastic procedure utilizes. simulation/ optimization model of • stream/ aquifer system. The model utilizes linear optimization, hydrologic influence coefficients and time-varying crop water production functions. It appropriately simulates the time variant, interdependent responses of groundwater levels, stream nap and stream/aquifer interflow to groundwater pumping, and diversion of river water to nonriparian lands. It determines the temporally and spatially varying distribution of groundwater and diverted river water that should be utilized In order to maximizing annual crop …

Measurements Of Radar Backscatter From An Artificial Tree An Indication Of Azimuthal Variations And Polarisation Sensitivity Of Trees, Richard K. Moore, M. S. Osman, R. Zoughi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Measurements of radar backscatter from an artificial tree were made in the laboratory at 6 and 10 GHz at horizontal incidence. The system has resolution cylinder 18 cm in diameter and 11 cm long. The tree itself was only 30.5 cm high so about half the tree was within the beam. The scattering was azimuthally uniform. Tilted polarizations gave results favoring an angle corresponding with that of the branches. Measurements were made with and without leaves.

Highway Safety Research, Development, And Technology Transfer, John A. Deacon

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Late in 1987, the Federal Highway Administration assembled a seven-member panel which, guided by a primary contractor, Harrison Boyd & Associates, was charged with the task of developing a recommended five-year research, development, and technology transfer program for highway safety starting in the 1990s. As a part of the task, each panel member prepared an individual position paper to stimulate and focus panel discussions and, ultimately, to provide the basis for a consensus paper. This represents one such individual paper.

Although it is believed that significant safety gains can be achieved in the 1990s and beyond simply by more extensive …

Acuta Enews August 1988, Vol. 17, No. 8

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

President's Message

Party Line

User Groups

Telecommunications Systems, 19 times

Anatomy OF A Telecommunications Installation

Comparison Of Rigid Pavement Thickness Design Systems, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Rigid pavement thickness design systems investigated during this study were the 1986 AASHTO, American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA), Portland Cement Association (PCA), and Kentucky methods. The ACPA system is a computer program based upon the 1966 AASHTO design equation. It was difficult to evaluate and compare the Kentucky method to the PCA system because the input and analysis procedures differ greatly.

The Kentucky method is based upon the fatigue relationship involving the value of work at the bottom of the concrete pavement caused by the applied load and repetitions of an 18-kip single axleload. The AASHTO method was derived from …