Engineering Commons^™

The Structural Reliability Of Bridges Subject To Time-Dependent Deterioration, Colin C. Caprani, C. Mcnally, E. J. O'Brien, A. Bordallo-Ruiz

Conference papers

The reliability of the structural performance of any given structure is affected by both in-service loading and material deterioration due to environmental attack. They must be evaluated at any given time in order to compute lifetime probability of failure. This paper presents an innovative methodology to derive the structure lifetime load effect due to existing traffic using a statistical tool known as Predictive Likelihood. Loss of resistance due to corrosion originated by chloride ingression is also taken into account. Finally the lifetime probability of failure is evaluated via the application of a time-discretization strategy.

Engineering Science As Opposed To Natural Science, Eugene Coyle, Mike Murphy, William Grimson

Books/Book chapters

In exploring the epistemology of engineering science, we propose a model of engineering. This model incorporates the goals of engineering, the approach to engineering (also called the engineering method) and the role of experience in engineering. The basis for understanding the nature of engineering science will be explored, and will be contrasted with natural science. To begin, a large-scale engineering project that was successfully completed in Ireland many years ago is discussed - specifically, the development of a megalithic passage tomb as an exemplar of the engineering method in structural design, project management and aesthetics. This exemplar firmly demonstrates that …

The Mathematical Analysis Of T-Norms Is Logically Non-Trivial, Sandor Jenei, Vladik Kreinovich, David Ponevac, Yaffa Al Bayyari

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

It is well-known that t-norms are widely applicable in certain models, which describe human reasoning about uncertainty, and that for different applications, different t-norms fit better. Thus, given a practical problem, it is important to be able to find a t-norm which is the most suitable for that particular problem. To solve such optimization problems, it would be desirable to know the structure of the class of all possible t-norms. Toward this -- probably unreachable -- goal there are many interesting open problems. If the corresponding mathematical problems are expressed in terms of quantifiers and logical connectives, then we get …

General Irrigation Consumer Bill Of Rights, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Cal Poly ITRC, together with various irrigation industry leaders and the Irrigation Dealers Association of California, plus with assistance from the California Energy Commission and Pacific Gas & Electric Co., developed the Irrigation Consumer Bill of Rights (ICBR) in 1994.

Delivering Core Engineering Concepts To Secondary Level Students, Jenny Daugherty, Yong Zeng, Martin Westrick, Rodney L. Custer, Chris Merrill

Reports of Center Studies

Within primary and secondary school technology education, engineering has been proposed as an avenue to bring about technological literacy (Dearing & Daugherty, 2004; Lewis, 2005).Different initiatives such as curriculum development projects (i.e., Project ProBase and Project Lead The Way) and National Science Foundation funded projects such as the National Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE) have been developed to infuse engineering into primary and secondary education. For example, one key goal of the Technology Teacher Education component of NCETE is to impact the focus and content of the technology education field at the secondary level (National Center for Engineering …

Should There Be A National Curriculum For Technological Literacy?, Laura J. Hummell, Ethan B. Lipton, Melissa Morrow, Jerry Streichler, Karen Zuga

Publications

The author discusses her belief that the United States should have a national curriculum for technological literacy. The author asserts that there are huge discrepancies and deficiencies existing in technology-based curricula, and as a result students in the United States are being ill-prepared for living and working in a globally based economy and society. The author believes that if a national curriculum for technological literacy is developed it should resemble the Standards for Technological Literacy (2000/2002), which was created by the International Technology Education Association. The author points out that in order for such a curriculum to be successful it …

Resources: Student Friendly Modeling Materials, Todd R. Kelley, Jared Berrett

Publications

The article presents cost-effective materials for elementary classrooms that allow students to create models. These materials include card stock, clay, cable or zips ties, fasteners and bolts, and commercially manufactured building kits such as LEGOs, Erector Sets, Tinkertoys and K'Nex. In addition, the author asserts the importance of using such materials in promoting student learning of technology and engineering.

Resources: Building Big (And Small), Todd R. Kelley

Publications

The article offers a set of videos and web resources for elementary teachers to help them explore five different structures, including bridges, domes, skyscrapers, dams, and tunnels, that have been built big to meet the human needs and wants. It includes the miniseries video "Building Big" by David Macaulay and the website www.pbs.org/buildingbig.com.

Weak Base Dispiro-1,2,4-Trioxolanes: Potent Antimalarial Ozonides, Yuanqing Tang, Yuxiang Dong, Sergio Wittlin, Susan A. Charman, Jacques Chollet, Francis C. K. Chiu, William N. Charman, Hugues Matile, Heinrich Urwyler, Arnulf Dorn, Saroj Bajpai, Xiaofang Wang, Maniyan Padmanilayam, Jean M. Karle, Reto Brun, Jonathan L. Vennerstrom

United States Army: Publications

Thirty weak base 1,2,4-dispiro trioxolanes (secondary ozonides) were synthesized. Amino amide trioxolanes had the best combination of antimalarial and biopharmaceutical properties. Guanidine, aminoxy, and amino acid trioxolanes had poor antimalarial activity. Lipophilic trioxolanes were less stable metabolically than their more polar counterparts.

Synthesis And Antimalarial Activity Of New Isotebuquine Analogues, Olga V. Miroshnikova, Thomas H. Hudson, Lucia Gerena, Dennis E. Kyle, Ai J. Lin

United States Army: Publications

Amodiaquine (AQ) and tebuquine are 4-aminoquinoline antimalarials with Mannich base side chain and are highly effective against chloroquine (CQ)-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Clinical use of AQ has been severely restricted due to hepatoxicity and agranulocytosis side effects associated with its long term use. Lysosomal accumulation and bioactivation to generate reactive quinoneimine metabolite are implicated to be the cause of the observed AQ toxicities. To avoid the quinoneimine formation and thus the toxicity, a series of isotebuquine analogues and their N^ω-oxides with hydroxy group meta to the amino rather than in para position of the aniline moiety …

An Electrospray-Based, Ozone-Free Air Purification Technology, Gary Tepper, Royal Kessick, Dmitry Pestov

Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Publications

A zero-pressure-drop, ozone-free air purification technology is reported. Contaminated air was directed into a chamber containing an array of electrospray wick sources. The electrospray sources produce an aerosol of tiny, electrically charged aqueous droplets.Charge was transferred from the droplets onto polar and polarizable species in the contaminated air stream and the chargedcontaminants were extracted using an electric field and deposited onto a metal surface. Purified air emerged from the other end of the chamber. The very small aqueous electrospray droplets completely evaporate so that the process is essentially dry and no liquid solvent is collected or recirculated. The air purification …

Medical Rehabilitation Robotics, David Kennedy, Philip Deering, James Conlon

Conference Papers

Robotic Rehabilitation is a novel field of bio engineering combining precise mechanical design with control technology through the interaction of Medical and Engineering professionals to produce a new tool in medical rehabilitation. Paralysis is one of the common symptoms of a stroke sufferer; a medical condition causing weakness in one side of the body. It is treatable with a course of physiotherapy and Interactive Robotics can greatly accelerate this recovery. Although Robotic Rehabilitation is a relatively new technology its benefits are well recognized. The objective of this research work was to develop an interactive robot for the medical rehabilitation of …

Air Power, St. Olaf College

Aeronautics

Photographs of a display of government documents from St. Olaf College, Minnesota.

Spline Based Geometry For Printed Monopole Antennas, Matthias John, Max Ammann

Articles

A novel Bezier spline-based geometry for printed monopole antennas is presented. Quadratic curves are used to describe the outline of the radiating element. The geometry is optimised by a genetic algorithm. A small number of control points are used to define the geometry, ensuring a small search space for the GA. The resulting antenna has an impedance bandwidth from 1.44 to 14.7 GHz

Curricular Value And Instructional Needs For Infusing Engineering Design Into K-12 Technology Education, David K. Gattie, Robert C. Wicklein

Publications

An overarching objective of Technology Education in the U.S. is to improve technological literacy among K-12 students (DeVore, 1964; Savage and Sterry, 1990; International Technology Education Association, 1996, 2000, 2003). This is addressed in part through a focus on end-product technology and the use and importance of various technologies in society (Savage and Sterry, 1990). While such a focus is certainly necessary, it may not be sufficient if the objective is to infuse engineering into the technology education field. Current efforts at the University of Georgia propose adjusting the focus of Technology Education to a defined emphasis on engineering design …

Critical Features Of Engineering Design In Technology Education, Paul A. Asunda, Roger Hill

Publications

The purpose of this study was to find critical features of engineering design that can be incorporated within technology education learning activities, and develop a rubric for assessing these features. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three professors actively involved in engineering education. Supporting documents such as engineering design course outlines and rubrics were also examined. Using a phenomenological approach, this study identified the concept of engineering design, key features of the engineering design process, and critical elements that should be assessed in an engineering design activity in the context of technology education. A key product of the study …

Features Of Engineering Design In Technology Education, Paul A. Asunda, Roger Hill

Reports of Center Studies

The purpose of this study was to find critical features of engineering design that can be incorporated within technology education learning activities, and develop a rubric for assessing these features. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three professors actively involved in engineering education. Supporting documents such as engineering design course outlines and rubrics were also examined. Using a phenomenological approach, this study identified the concept of engineering design, key features of the engineering design process, and critical elements that should be assessed in an engineering design activity in the context of technology education. A key product of the study …

Critical Inquiry Into Urban African American Students' Perceptions Of Engineering, Cameron D. Denson, Zanj K. Avery, John W. Schell

Reports of Center Studies

The purpose of this study was to critically examine the perceptions that African- American high school students have towards engineering. A qualitative research design using criterion sampling and snowballing was used to select seven African-American students from urban high schools to participate in the research. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from participants attending urban high schools on the east and west coast. Using Critical Race Theory (CRT) as the theoretical framework, the study was able to produce “emergent themes” from collected data. Findings from this study will help researchers understand how African-American students may perceive the field of …

Cognitive Processes Of Students Solving Technical Problems, Todd Kelley, Roger Hill

Reports of Center Studies

The purpose of this study was to better understand cognitive strategies used by high school technology education students who have participated in technology education instruction with an engineering design focus. Specifically, this study evaluated the cognitive strategies of students participating in Project Lead the Way curriculum programs compared with students participating in technology education programs partnering with the National Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE). High school students from these two groups were studied as they worked through an ill-defined problem: moving drinking water in developing countries. The data collected from these protocols was analyzed using a coding process …

Identifying The Essential Aspects And Related Academic Concepts Of An Engineering Design Curriculum In Secondary Technology Education, Cameron Smith, Bob Wicklein

Reports of Center Studies

Technology education is a fi eld of study which seeks to promote technological literacy for all students. Some recent research in the fi eld has focused on integrating content and methodology from engineering design into technology education classes, particularly at the secondary level. This study contributes to the research base in technology education on the subject of incorporating the engineering design process into the technology education curriculum. It addressed the need for the development of a framework for understanding engineering design and the related academic concepts that can be used by professionals in the fi eld of technology education seeking …

Young Women’S Perceptions Of Technology And Engineering: Factors Influencing Their Participation In Math, Science And Technology?, Leah C. Roue

Reports of Center Studies

The current number of women in technology and engineering only represents a fraction of today’s workforce. Technological innovation depends on our nation’s best and brightest, representing all segments of our diverse society. Sanders (2005), in talking about women in technology and engineering, stated that women’s lack of participation can only be measured in jobs not filled, problems not solved, and technology not created. Research in the area of how young women view technology will provide insights into how to better encourage and prepare them for careers in technology and engineering.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine four …

Position And Orientation Correction For Pipe Profiling Robots, Andrew John Dettmer

Doctoral Dissertations

Sewer pipelines are prevalent, important, valuable, unnoticed, and often in a state of disrepair. Pipeline inspection is essential for effective management of wastewater systems and is now mandated for many municipalities complying with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement 34 and EPA regulations. Pipe inspection robots are routinely used to inspect underground pipelines for cracks, deformations, leaks, blockages and other anomalies to prevent catastrophic failure and to ensure cost effective maintenance and renewal. Most existing pipe inspection robots only collect video footage of pipe condition. Pipe profiling technology has recently been introduced to allow for measurement of the internal coordinate …

Identifying Trends In Underground Coal Mine Incidents Caused By Roof Falls, Cary Cooper

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Current technology and safety practices generally provide today's underground coal miner with a safe workplace in an unpredictable environment. However, incidents still occur and until the number of incidents resulting in injury or loss of life reaches zero, there will always be room for improving methods and technology used by the modern coal miner. This study analyzes underground coal mine incidents caused by roof falls. Information provided by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) was analyzed for trends in factors that contribute to roof fall fatalities in underground coal mines. Identification of major contributing factors will allow for a …

Mechanical Characterization Of Spherical Hydrogels: Contact Diameter Measurement, Joshua Bunch

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

In an effort to develop new ophthalmic treatments revolving around the ocular lens, the mechanical characteristics of natural ocular lenses and synthetic models must be determined and compared. One mechanical characteristic that is necessary when making comparisons is the variation of contact circle diameter or contact area with varying strains. A method was used in this experiment to measure the varying contact circle diameter of spherical hydrogels at strains up to 15%. This method could be used to estimate the varying contact diameter of other similar materials such as natural ocular lenses if the precision of the method is improved. …

Parallel Machine Tool Development, Adam Bunton

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The work done during this OURE centered on the parallel machining center that is under development by a research group led by Dr. R. Landers. The specific tasks associated with this research involved the design of several parts, documentation of the processes for assembly and operation, procurement of some materials and stock parts, and involvement with experiments with the machine tool. These various aspects are outlined in the following report, with emphasis on the design of components.

Development Of Single Chamber Solid Oxide Fuel Cells With Porous Samaria Doped Ceria Electrolytes, Nathaniel Goss

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Single chamber solid oxide fuel cells generate electricity using hydrogen and hydrocarbon fuel mixed with oxygen at intermediate temperatures (400-800°C) without using seals to separate the gases. A single-chamber solid oxide fuel cell was fabricated with a porous samaria doped ceria (SOC) electrolyte, nickel oxide anode, and a lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxide (LSCF) cathode. Instead of separately sintering the different components at different temperatures, the electrolyte and electrodes were co-sintered at 1100°C. The porous SOC electrolyte approached 84% theoretical density when sintered at 1100° C. The fuel cell had a maximum open circuit voltage of .65 V at 550°C. …

Telangiectasia Detection In Dermoscopy Images, David Erdos

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Melanoma lesions that exhibit irregular linear vessels can be misdiagnosed due to the fact that their clinical appearance can often closely resemble other skin conditions. Detection these irregular linear blood vessels, or telangiectasia could improve the accuracy of melanoma diagnosis. An algorithm that detects telangiectasia has been developed; it initially searches for color drops in an image in various directions and then uses various post processing techniques to improve the accuracy. The feasibility of using classifiers such as neural networks to further improve the accuracy has also been investigated.

Microstructures And Viscoelastic Properties Of Anisotropic Magnetorheological Elastomers, Lin Chen

Articles

The microstructures and viscoelastic properties of anisotropic magnetorheological elastomers were investigated in this paper. The measurement results show that their mechanical properties are greatly dependent on the magnetic flux density applied in preparation. A finite-column model was proposed to describe the relations between the microstructures and the viscoelastic properties. The simulation results agree well with the experimental results.

Atmospheric Turbulence Compensation Of Point Source Images Using Asynchronous Stochastic Parallel Gradient Descent Technique On Amos 3.6 M Telescope, Mikhail Vorontsov, Jim F. Riker, Gary W. Carhart, Venkata S. Rao Gudimetla, Leonid A. Beresnev, Thomas Weyrauch

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The Stochastic Parallel Gradient Descent Technique-based Adaptive Optics (SPGD-AO) system described in this presentation does not use a conventional wavefront sensor. It uses a metric signal collected by a single pixel detector placed behind a pinhole in the image plane to drive three deformable mirrors (DMs). The system is designed to compensate the image for turbulence effects. The theory behind this method is described in detail in [1]. However this technique, while widely simulated and tested in the laboratory, was not yet verified in astronomical field site experiments. During the month of May 2007, a series of experiments with SPGD-AO …

User Security Behavior On Wireless Networks: An Empirical Study, Tim Chenoweth, Robert Minch, Sharon Tabor

IT and Supply Chain Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming ubiquitous but are often insecure and leave users responsible for their own security. We empirically study whether users are successfully securing their client computers when using wireless networks. Automated techniques are used that scan users' machines after they associate with a university wireless network. This determines whether a firewall is being used and what TCP ports are open. Results show that over 9% of 3,331 unique computers scanned were not using a properly configured firewall. In addition, almost 9% had at least one TCP port open, with almost 6% having open ports with significant security …