Engineering Commons^™

Composting Of Explosives Contaminated Soil Using The White Rot Fungus Phanerochaete Chrysosporium, Michael J. Mcfarland, Shashi Kalaskar, Eric Baiden

Reports

Bioaugmentation using the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium was found to be effective in enhancing TNT removal in lightly (i.e., below 100 mg/kg) contaminated soil. The percent reduction in TNT increased from 15% to 53% when soils were treated with fungal inoculated organic material. Maximum removal rates improved from 0.33 mg TNT/kg-day to 0.76 mg TNT/kg-day during the same treatment. Neither fungal inoculation nor organic amendment addition resulted in improving TNT removal kinetics in highly contaminated soils (i.e., above 1000 mg/kg). Executive Summary: Laboratory scale compost studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of bioaugmentation with the white rot fungus,

A Spatially Distributed Water Balance Based On Physical, Isotropic And Airborne Remotely Sensed Data, C. M.U. Neale, David G. Tarboton, J. J. Mcdonnell

Reports

Introduction: The objective of this research to develop a spatially distributed water balance model based on the integration of spatially distributed data. Progress this year has consisted of model development, instrument acquisition, installation and development of experimental procedures, and baseline data collection. The original research plan called for detailed observations related to the water balance over the year September 1991 to August 1992. The detailed measurements were to start with accumulation of the snowpack followed by melt and evapotranspiration measurements from March to August. The objective was to measure the energy balance parameters starting with the peak accumulation, through the …

Evaluation Of Bacterial Glycocalyx Preservation And Staining By Ruthenium Red, Ruthenium Red-Lysine And Alcian Blue For Several Methanotroph And Staphylococcal Species, Theresa A. Fassel, James E. Van Over, Christopher C. Hauser, Lorie E. Buchholz, Charles E. Edmiston, James R. Sanger, Charles C. Remsen

Cells and Materials

The cationic reagents, ruthenium red (RR), alcian blue (AB) and ruthenium red -lysine were compared for ultrastructural preservation and staining of the bacterial glycocalyx. En bloc RR, AB and RR-lysine procedures, and a glutaraldehyde/OsO4 fixation withou t cationic reagent, were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for several methanotroph and staphylococcal species. The glutaraldehyde/OsO4 fixation was totally ineffective in preserving or staining the glycocalyx material in all species studied. The RR procedure was more effective than the glutaraldehyde/OsO4 fixation but was generally less so than the RR-lysine procedure. By the RR-lysine procedure, extensive layers that were often filamentous or fibrous …

Performance Of Chemigation Backflow Prevention Assemblies, H. M. Munir, Dean E. Eisenhauer, John E. Gilley

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

When chemicals are applied using irrigation systems, there is potential for contamination of the water source by backflow if the irrigation system shuts off while unattended. This study was conducted to determine the operating and performance characteristics of new, i.e., unused, chemigation backflow prevention assemblies (CBPAs). Four manufacturer's models were tested in the laboratory. However, two of CBPAs have been modified since the testing was completed. In general, the CBPAs do not meet the standards established for municipal water suppliers and many industries. The backpressures required for the two current models to seal were 0.0 and 6.7 kPa (1.0 psi). …

Sediment Delivery On Rill And Interrill Areas, John E. Gilley, D. C. Kincaid, W. J. Elliot, J. M. Laflen

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Equations which relate sediment delivery to a power function of flow rate and slope gradient were evaluated in this study. The data used to parameterize the calculations were obtained from sites where crop residues had been removed, and moldboard plowing and disking had occurred. Measurements of sediment delivery resulting from simulated rainfall were obtained from preformed rills and interrill areas. The equations provided reliable sediment delivery estimates for selected soils located throughout the United States. To use the sediment delivery equations, soil-related parameter values must he identified. Multiple regression analyses were performed to relate parameter values used in the equations …

Management Of Feedlot Runoff Control Systems, Elbert C. Dickey, Gerald R. Bodman

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

During recent years, most open feedlot operators have found it desirable and, in some cases, necessary to install runoff control facilities. Even though the primary purpose of feedlot runoff control systems is the prevention of water pollution, many producers have found that good management of these systems also offers limited economic benefits in the form of fertilizer nutrients and supplemental irrigation water. Well managed runoff control systems also reduce weeds, odors, insects and muddy areas at or near feedlot edges. The runoff control system that has proved most satisfactory for all areas of the country is one consisting of clean …

Microchannel Fluid Flow In A Silicon Chip, Ronald R. Ulseth

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to analyze theoretically and experimentally the fluid characteristics of forced flow in microchannels. An apparatus was designed and constructed to allow microflow through a 450 μm wide by 17. 5 μm deep microchannel in a silicon chip. The flow through the chip was laminar with Reynolds numbers not exceeding 100. Tuckerman and Pease (1981) theorized that microscopic heat exchangers etched in the back of silicon chips could provide for efficient heat removal from the chips at rates much higher than the conventional methods could attain. The best technologies available provided for heat removal rates …

Emissions Of Hexavalent Chromium From Hard Chromium Plating Operations, Mitchell Scott Hall

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses emissions of hexavalent chromium mist from hard chromium electroplating operations. Most of these emissions are typically captured by a ventilation stack and directed to a pollution control device; those which escape capture are called fugitive emissions. Releases of toxic materials such as hexavalent chromium must be reported annually to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under provisions of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III of 1986 via the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), Form R. The objectives were: (1) to provide estimates of fugitive hexavalent chromium emissions for the completion of Form R; and (2) to …

Dynamics Of A Split Torque Helicopter Transmission, Majid Rashidi, Timothy Krantz

Scholarship Collection

A high reduction ratio split torque gear train has been proposed as an alternative to a planetary configuration for the final stage of a helicopter transmission. A split torque design allows a high ratio of power-to-weight for the transmission. The design studied in this work includes a pivoting beam that acts to balance thrust loads produced by the helical gear meshes in each of two parallel power paths. When the thrust loads are balanced, the torque is split evenly. A mathematical model was developed to study the dynamics of the system. The effects of time varying gear mesh stiffness, static …

Impulse, Holly Kleinsasser, Lois Hatton, Cindy Price, Steve Poessnecker

Impulse (Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Publication)

Features:
[Page 2] Eliminating pain through electronic impulses drives SDSU grad to success
[Page 4] South Dakota work ethic helps growth of Clear Lake plant
[Page 6] Company excels in refinery turnarounds
[Page 8] Schiller's work: with NASA
[Page 9] SDSU graduate directs Zytec to top award
[Page 10] Buckley book shows another side of dean

Departments:
Faculty:
[Page 12] Browning teaches telecourse statewide
[Page 13] Egyptian Fulbright Scholar updating homeland maps
[Page 13] Egyptian Fellow studies U.S. bridge design
[Page 13] Sander honored by local Chamber of Commerce
[Page 14] New faculty
[Page 15] Engineering professors gain emeritus status …

Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (Tirfm) Ii. Topographical Mapping Of Relative Cell/Substratum Separation Distances, George A. Truskey, Jeffrey S. Burmeister, E. Grappa, William M. Reichert

All Faculty Articles - School of Engineering and Computer Science

A simplified model of TIRF optics was used to quantitate the relative membrane/substratum separation distances from the spatial pattern of TIRF image brightness. Phase-contrast and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) images were collected of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) plated onto glass microscope slides for 15 min, 30 min and 24 h. BAEC adherent for 15 min showed an absence of a focal contact morphology, with the region of closest apposition beneath the cell center. After 30 min, multiple contacts with the surface were established and the morphology became more irregular. BAEC attached for 24 h showed well-defined focal …

Introduction To Sample Calculations, Mary P. Cardenas

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

A primary goal of this book--to familiarize the reader with detailed techniques used by industry in liquid-propellant rocket engine systems and component design--has engendered a set of realistic sample calculations. To promote an understanding of the interrelationship among major subsystems, principal calculations have been made for the engines of a hypothetical multistage space vehicle. These calculations and their associated designs were especially prepared for this book and are not related to existing or planned engines. Because the various subsystems of liquid-propellant rocket engines will be discussed in subsequent chapters, most of the supporting sample calculations throughout the book, will be …

Design Of Turbopump Propellant Feed Systems, Mary P. Cardenas

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

For high-thrust, long-duration liquid-propellant rocket engines, the use of turbopump-fed systems usually lowers system weight and raises performance as compared to pressurized-gas fed systems. Turbopump-fed systems require only relatively low pump-inlet pressures, and thus propellant-tank pressures, while the major portion of the pressure required at the thrust-chamber inlets is supplied by the pumps. This saves considerable tank weight, particularly in large vehicles.

Acuta: A Case For Change

ACUTA: Other Publications

In This Issue

Preface

Executive Summary

Societal Trends

The Information Age

The University of the 21st Century

Implications for Telecommunications Administrators

Cost Effective Stubble Retention Practices, Andrew Green, Ed Blanchard

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

To increase the rate of adoption of stubble retention farming systems the Grains Research and Development Corporation is funding a three-year project with the Farm Machinery Unit to develop low cost, stubble handling systems from harvest to seeding

Pesticide Application And Handling Technology: Decreasing Drift Potential During Application, G. A. Watkins, Samuel G. Mcneill, James R. Martin, S. A. Shearer

Agricultural Engineering Extension Updates

Accidental spray drift from pesticide applications can result in dangerous conditions for humans, animals, and the environment. It also can mean extra costs for the applicator due to wasted chemical and inefficient applications. Although complete elimination of spray drift is nearly impossible, drift problems and their effects on our environment can be minimized with proper application techniques and favorable weather conditions.

Energy-Related Feature Abstraction For Handwritten Digit Recognition, Thomas H. Fuller Jr.

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

Most handwritten character recognizers use either graphical (static) or first-order dynamic data. Our research speculates that the mental signal to write a digit might be partially encoded as an energy profile. We used artificial neural networks (ANN) to analyze energy-related features (first and second time derivatives) of handwritten digits of 20 subjects and later 40 subjects. An experimenal environment was developed on a NeXTstation with a real-time link to a pen-based GO computer. Although such an experiment cannot confirm an energy profile encoded in the writer, it did indicate the usefulness of energy-related features by recognizing 94.5% of the 600 …

A Partitioning-Based Approach To The Fitting Problem In Special Architecture Eplds, Steffan Goller

Dissertations and Theses

In this thesis, we describe an architecture-driven fitting algorithm for an Application-Specific EPLD, the CY7C361, from Cypress Semiconductor. Traditional placement and routing tools for PLDs perform placement and routing separately. Several placement possibilities are created and the router tries to realize the connections between the physical locations of the cells on the chip. The Cypress CY7C361 has a very unique chip architecture with a highly limited connectivity between the physical cells. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the mutability when the placement of cells is performed. The combination of the two stages is called fitting. The specific architecture-dependent constraints, imposed …

A New Method For Calculating The Economic Benefits Of Varying Degrees Of Power Factor Correction For Industrial Plant Loads, Mohammed Ishaque

Dissertations and Theses

A comparative study of the economic benefits that can be obtained from different degrees of power factor correction for medium and small scale industrial installations is shown. A new approach for precise calculation of kws and kvars required at different power factors is presented. These calculated values are used to find the return on investments for the capacitors needed for power factor correction. The developed method is easy to use, cost effective, accurate and will help electrical engineers with minimum knowledge of power systems to precisely determine the savings available by improving the power factor of an industrial load.

Multiplexed Pipelining : A Cost Effective Loop Transformation Technique, Satish Pai

Dissertations and Theses

Parallel processing has gained increasing importance over the last few years. A key aim of parallel processing is to improve the execution times of scientific programs by mapping them to many processors. Loops form an important part of most computational programs and must be processed efficiently to get superior performance in terms of execution times. Important examples of such programs include graphics algorithms, matrix operations (which are used in signal processing and image processing applications), particle simulation, and other scientific applications. Pipelining uses overlapped parallelism to efficiently reduce execution time.

Documented Aids Cases As The Basis For Projections Of Adolescence Hiv Infections In The Us, R. Ron Goforth, S. A. Goforth

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Twenty percent of AIDS cases in the U.S. occur in individuals in the age range 20 to 29. The mean incubation time, the time from infection to the onset of AIDS, is in the order of 8 years. Therefore, most of these AIDS cases represent HIV infections that occurred during mid- to late-adolescence. About 800 officially reported cases in the age group 13 to 19 have occurred in the U.S. This low occurrence of AIDS should not be a source of complacency in assessing the need to provide education and behavioral alternatives to this age group. As the predominate mode …

Studies Of High Field Conduction In Diamond For Electron Beam Controlled Switching, R. P. Joshi, M. K. Kennedy, K. H. Schoenbach, W. W. Hofer

Bioelectrics Publications

Experimental studies on a vertical metal‐diamond‐silicon switch structure have been conducted for potential pulsed power applications. Both the dc current‐voltage characteristics and the transient switching response have been measured for a range of voltages. With a 1 μm diamond film, the switch has been seen to withstand electric fields up to 1.8 MV/cm. Our results show a polarity dependence which can be associated with current injection at the asymmetric contacts. Polarity effects were also observed in the presence of e‐beam excitation, and arise due to nonuniform carrier generation near the diamond‐silicon interface. Our switching transients were seen to follow …

Bistable Behavior Of The Dark Current In Copper-Doped Semi-Insulating Gallium Arsenide, R. A. Roush, K. H. Schoenbach, R. P. Brinkmann

Bioelectrics Publications

The dark current characteristics of gallium arsenide doped with silicon and compensated with diffused copper were found to have a pronounced region of current controlled negative differential conductivity (ndc) similar to the characteristics of a thyristor. The resistivity of the semi‐insulating semiconductor was measured to be 10⁵ Ω cm for applied voltages up to 2.2 kV, which corresponds to an average electric field of 38 kV/cm. At higher voltages, a transition to a stable high current state was observed with a current rate of rise exceeding 10¹¹ A/s. There is evidence of the formation of at least one …

Effect Of Ultrasound On Acidified Brine Leaching Of Double-Kiln Treated Eaf Dust, J. A. Barrera-Godinez, Thomas J. O'Keefe, Johh L. Watson

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The U.S. steel industry produces approximately 500,000 tons/year of electric arc furnace (EAF) dust, which is classified as a hazardous waste. Increasing disposal costs of these dusts have encouraged studies to investigate treatment processes to render the material non-hazardous, and to possibly recover metal values. This research project was designed to examine the hydrometallurgical recovery of zinc from EAF dusts that have been treated by a double kiln fuming process. The test work consisted essentially of acidified brine leaching of the pelletized calcine to determine the influence of traditional conditions, such as acid concentration, temperature and agitation, plus the application …

Test 1658: Ford 7740 (16x4) Diesel 16-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 …

Chemical Percolation Model For Devolatilization: Ii. Temperature And Heating Rate Effects On Product Yields, Thomas H. Fletcher, Alan R. Kerstein, Ronald J. Pugmire, David M. Grant

Faculty Publications

The chemical percolation devolatilization (CPD) model describes the devolatilization behavior of rapidly heated coal based on the chemical structure of the parent coal. Percolation lattice statistics are employed to describe the generation of tar precursors of finite size based on the number of cleaved labile bonds in the infinite lattice. The chemical percolation devolatilization model described here includes treatment of vapor-liquid equilibrium and a cross-linking mechanism. The cross-linking mechanism permits reattachment of metaplast to the infinite char matrix. A generalized vapor pressure correlation for high molecular weight hydrocarbons, such as coal tar, is proposed based on data from coal liquids. …

Chemical Structure Of Char In The Transition From Devolatilization To Combustion, Thomas H. Fletcher, Mark S. Solum, David M. Grant, Ronald J. Pugmire

Faculty Publications

Coal devolatilization experiments are generally conducted separately from char oxidation experiments, and the relationship between the chars generated in the two types of research is often ignored. However, char is one of the most important products of coal devolatilization and must be characterized as a function of temperature and heating rate in a manner similar to that for gaseous devolatilization products. The chemical structure of the parent coal directly affects devolatilization behavior. In this work, the chemical structure of chars from five coals of different rank are examined, and implications on char reactivity are discussed. Chars were obtained as a …

Faa Storm Water Program, W. H. Espey Jr., Raymond Rose, George I. Legarreta

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

United states Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated regulations in November 16, 1991 pursuant to the Clean Water Act in the issuance of National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit application regulations for storm water discharge. These regulations concern certain municipal and industrial activities. Air transportation facilities are included in the industrial activity category. The EPA storm water regulations specifically target airport deicing operations as an industrial activity. These regulations may increase Airport Improvement Program (AlP) trust fund expenditures for storm water control improvements. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), therefore, initiated a storm water program to assist airport operators in complying …

Scour Evaluations Of Existing Bridges, Michael J. Fraher

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

The collapse of the Schoharie Creek Bridge on April 5, 1987 was a catastrophic instantaneous failure caused by scour of the bridge foundation. This particular collapse received wide media attention due to a home video of part of the collapse, the location on the New York State Thruway and the tragic loss of life. This particular collapse was not the first major interstate highway bridge failure attributed to scour of foundations. It is fair to say, however, that this was the event that finally brought stream stability and bridge scour issues to the attention of highway administrators and bridge engineers …

Magnitude Of The Scour Evaluation Program, Lawrence J. Harrison

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

Tens of millions of dollars have been spent over the years on Federal-aid highway system bridges damaged by floods. Nearly 500,000 of the 577,000 existing bridges within the National Bridge Inventory are over waterways. The screening of these bridges over waterways for scour susceptibility will be completed, for the most part, by October 1992. The Federal Highway Administration has established January 1997 as the completion date for the scour evaluations of all existing bridges identified as scour susceptible. A cost-effective means of determining the specifics of bridges with unknown foundations is not currently available. Pending the development of technology to …