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Portland State University

2013

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Articles 1 - 30 of 187

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Direct Coupling Of Photonic Modes And Surface Plasmon Polaritons Observed In 2-Photon Peem, Robert Campbell Word, Joseph Fitzgerald, Rolf Könenkamp Dec 2013

Direct Coupling Of Photonic Modes And Surface Plasmon Polaritons Observed In 2-Photon Peem, Robert Campbell Word, Joseph Fitzgerald, Rolf Könenkamp

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

We report the direct microscopic observation of optical energy transfer from guided photonic modes in an indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film to surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) at the surfaces of a single crystalline gold platelet. The photonic and SPP modes appear as an interference pattern in the photoelectron emission yield across the surface of the specimen. We explore the momentum match between the photonic and SPP modes in terms of simple waveguide theory and the three-layer slab model for bound SPP modes of thin metal films. We show that because the gold is thin (30- 40 nm), two SPP …


Modeling Fecal Bacteria In Oregon Coastal Streams Using Spatially Explicit Watershed Characteristics, Paul Bryce Pettus Dec 2013

Modeling Fecal Bacteria In Oregon Coastal Streams Using Spatially Explicit Watershed Characteristics, Paul Bryce Pettus

Dissertations and Theses

Pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms, are causing the majority of water quality impairments in U.S., making up ~87% of this grouping's violations. Predicting and characterizing source, transport processes, and microbial survival rates is extremely challenging, due to the dynamic nature of each of these components. This research built upon current analytical methods that are used as exploratory tools to predict pathogen indicator counts across regional scales. Using a series of non-parametric methodologies, with spatially explicit predictors, 6657 samples from non-estuarine lotic streams were analyzed to make generalized predictions of regional water quality. 532 frequently sampled sites in …


Identification And Characterization Of Fine Particulate Matter Hot Spots On An Urban Arterial Corridor Integrating Probe Vehicle, Traffic And Land Use Data, Katherine Eleanor Bell Dec 2013

Identification And Characterization Of Fine Particulate Matter Hot Spots On An Urban Arterial Corridor Integrating Probe Vehicle, Traffic And Land Use Data, Katherine Eleanor Bell

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the use of integrated probe vehicle, traffic and land use data to identify and characterize fine particulate matter (PM[subscript 2.5]) hot spot locations on urban arterial corridors. In addition, a preliminary analysis is conducted to consider volatile organic compound (VOC) hot spot locations. A pollutant hot spot is defined as a location on a corridor in which the mean pollutant concentrations are consistently above the 85th percentile of pollutant concentrations when compared to all locations along the corridor. In order to collect data for this study, an electric vehicle was equipped with …


Scenario Development And Analysis Of Freshwater Ecosystem Services Under Land Cover And Climate Change In The Tualatin And Yamhill River Basins, Oregon, Robert Wesley Hoyer Dec 2013

Scenario Development And Analysis Of Freshwater Ecosystem Services Under Land Cover And Climate Change In The Tualatin And Yamhill River Basins, Oregon, Robert Wesley Hoyer

Dissertations and Theses

Humans make decisions within ecosystems to enhance their well-being, but choices can lead to unintended consequences. The ecosystem services (ES) approach supports decision-making that considers all environmental goods and services. Many challenges remain in the implementation of the ES approach like how specific ES vary through space and time. We address this research problem using the Tualatin and Yamhill river basins in northwestern Oregon as a study area. Freshwater ES are quantified and mapped with the spatially-explicit ES modeling tool, Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST). In chapter II, we develop a simple urban land cover change modeling …


Soil Development And Vegetation Response To Removal Of A Small Dam, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, Stephanie Kay Rohdy Dec 2013

Soil Development And Vegetation Response To Removal Of A Small Dam, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, Stephanie Kay Rohdy

Dissertations and Theses

Dam removal is increasing as dams age, yet little is understood about the pedogenic response to dam removal. This study reports on the edaphic changes of reservoir sediments and vegetation cover one year following removal of a small earthen dam in Northern California. In August 2012, I sampled surface sediments from the former Dream Lake reservoir in Lassen Volcanic National Park, and compared their physical and chemical properties with soil samples from two reference sites. I also estimated percent cover of vegetation in the former reservoir and reference sites. My results show that the reservoir was under reduced conditions, as …


Capillary Channel Flow Experiments Aboard The International Space Station, Michael Conrath, P. J. Canfield, P. M. Bronowicki, Michael E. Dreyer, Mark M. Weislogel, A. Grah Dec 2013

Capillary Channel Flow Experiments Aboard The International Space Station, Michael Conrath, P. J. Canfield, P. M. Bronowicki, Michael E. Dreyer, Mark M. Weislogel, A. Grah

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the near-weightless environment of orbiting spacecraft capillary forces dominate interfacial flow phenomena over unearthly large length scales. In current experiments aboard the International Space Station, partially open channels are being investigated to determine critical flow rate-limiting conditions above which the free surface collapses ingesting bubbles. Without the natural passive phase separating qualities of buoyancy, such ingested bubbles can in turn wreak havoc on the fluid transport systems of spacecraft. The flow channels under investigation represent geometric families of conduits with applications to liquid propellant acquisition, thermal fluids circulation, and water processing for life support. Present and near future experiments …


A 4-Layer Method Of Developing Integrated Sensor Systems With Lab View, Jianghua Bai, Chen Jing-Wei, John L. Freeouf, Andres H. La Rosa Dec 2013

A 4-Layer Method Of Developing Integrated Sensor Systems With Lab View, Jianghua Bai, Chen Jing-Wei, John L. Freeouf, Andres H. La Rosa

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

System integrity is important for fast and accurate measurement and control. LabVIEW is widely used in education and industry. Many LabVIEW codes are hard to be read and shown because of their 2D topology. In order to simplify the programming, a 4-layer model of developing sensor or measurement systems with LabVIEW is proposed in this paper. The purpose of this paper is to show the readers how to design simple, clear and strong automated systems with LabVIEW. Using a Sensirion SHT75 humidity sensor and an NI USB6008 DAQ board as an example, this paper describes the steps of developing a …


The Distribution And Reproductive Success Of The Western Snowy Plover Along The Oregon Coast - 2013, David J. Lauten, Kathleen J. Castelein, J. Daniel Farrar, Melissa F. Breyer, Eleanor P. Gaines Dec 2013

The Distribution And Reproductive Success Of The Western Snowy Plover Along The Oregon Coast - 2013, David J. Lauten, Kathleen J. Castelein, J. Daniel Farrar, Melissa F. Breyer, Eleanor P. Gaines

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

From 26 March – 19 September 2013 we monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) along the Oregon coast. From north to south, we surveyed and monitored plover activity at Sutton Beach, Siltcoos River estuary, the Dunes Overlook, North and South Tahkenitch Creek, Tenmile Creek, Coos Bay North Spit, Bandon Snowy Plover Management Area, New River HRA and adjacent lands, and Floras Lake. Our objectives for the Oregon coastal population in 2013 were to: 1) estimate the size of the adult Snowy Plover population, 2) locate plover nests, 3) …


Improving Global Impact: How The Integration Of Remotely Reporting Sensors In Water Projects May Demonstrate And Enhance Positive Change, Evan A. Thomas Dec 2013

Improving Global Impact: How The Integration Of Remotely Reporting Sensors In Water Projects May Demonstrate And Enhance Positive Change, Evan A. Thomas

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This article argues that improved feedback on the actual impact of development programs may ensure the success of poverty reduction interventions such as water filters, water pumps, latrines, and cookstoves.


Investigation Of The Structure And Dynamics Of Regioisomeric Eu³⁺ And Gd³⁺ Chelates Of Nb-Dotma: Implications For Mri Contrast Agent Design, Benjamin Charles Webber Nov 2013

Investigation Of The Structure And Dynamics Of Regioisomeric Eu³⁺ And Gd³⁺ Chelates Of Nb-Dotma: Implications For Mri Contrast Agent Design, Benjamin Charles Webber

Dissertations and Theses

The detection of disease and abnormal pathology by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been aided significantly by the use of gadolinium (Gd3+)-based contrast agents (CAs) over the past three decades. MRI and MRI CAs play a critical role in diagnosing tumors and diseases of the central nervous system. The agents used clinically have been shown to safely increase MRI contrast despite the toxicity of Gd3+, owing to the high kinetic and thermodynamic stability of these chelates. However, current CAs enhance contrast at a small fraction of what is theoretically possible. This leads to the necessity of …


Molecular Fluorescence In The Vicinity Of A Charged Metallic Nanoparticle, H. Y. Chung, P. T. Leung, D. P. Tsai Nov 2013

Molecular Fluorescence In The Vicinity Of A Charged Metallic Nanoparticle, H. Y. Chung, P. T. Leung, D. P. Tsai

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

The modified fluorescence properties of a molecule in the vicinity of a metallic nanoparticle are further studied accounting for the possible existence of extraneous charges on the particle surface. This is achieved via a generalization of the previous theory of Bohren and Hunt for light scattering from a charged sphere, with the results applied to the calculation of the various decay rates and fluorescence yield of the admolecule. Numerical results show that while charge effects will in general blue-shift all the plasmonic resonances of the metal particle, both the quantum yield and the fluorescence yield can be increased at emission …


Gathering “Wild” Food In The City: Rethinking The Role Of Foraging In Urban Ecosystem Planning And Management, Rebecca J. Mclain, Patrick T. Hurley, Marla R. Emery, Melissa R. Poe Nov 2013

Gathering “Wild” Food In The City: Rethinking The Role Of Foraging In Urban Ecosystem Planning And Management, Rebecca J. Mclain, Patrick T. Hurley, Marla R. Emery, Melissa R. Poe

Institute for Sustainable Solutions Publications and Presentations

Recent “green” planning initiatives envision food production, including urban agriculture and livestock production, as desirable elements of sustainable cities. We use an integrated urban political ecology and human–plant geographies framework to explore how foraging for “wild” foods in cities, a subversive practice that challenges prevailing views about the roles of humans in urban green spaces, has potential to also support sustainability goals. Drawing on research from Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia, and Seattle, we show that foraging is a vibrant and ongoing practice among diverse urban residents in the USA. At the same time, as reflected in regulations, planning practices, …


Supplementary Balance Laws For Cattaneo Heat Propagation, Serge Preston Nov 2013

Supplementary Balance Laws For Cattaneo Heat Propagation, Serge Preston

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this work we determine for the Cattaneo heat propagation system all the supplementary balance laws (conservation laws ) of the same order (zero) as the system itself and extract the constitutive relations (expression for the internal energy) dictated by the Entropy Principle. The space of all supplementary balance laws (having the functional dimension 8) contains four original balance laws and their deformations depending on 4 functions of temperature (λ0(ϑ),KA (ϑ), A = 1, 2, 3). The requirements of the II law of thermodynamics leads to the exclusion of three functional degrees (KA= 0, A …


Nineteenth Century North American And Pacific Tidal Data: Lost Or Just Forgotten?, Stefan A. Talke, David A. Jay Nov 2013

Nineteenth Century North American And Pacific Tidal Data: Lost Or Just Forgotten?, Stefan A. Talke, David A. Jay

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Tide data are the oldest and longest oceanographic records and comprise one of the few tools for understanding, quantifying, and separating century-scale human and climate impacts on the coastal zone. Our archival research indicates that continuous measurements of tides began in 1844 in the western Atlantic, 1853 in the Eastern Pacific, and 1858 in the Western Pacific. At least 50 multiyear tide series existed by the year 1900. With few exceptions, however, these 19th and early 20th century measurements have not been analyzed in more than a century and have been forgotten and neglected by the scientific community. This article …


Ce-Qual-W2 Model And Model Set-Up, Scott A. Wells Nov 2013

Ce-Qual-W2 Model And Model Set-Up, Scott A. Wells

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Conference presentation that provides background information on the CE-QUAL-W2 water modeling software, with examples of its use and instructions on set-up and application.


The Effects Of Large Wildfires On Employment And Wage Growth And Volatility In The Western United States, Max Nielsen-Pincus, Cassandra Moseley, Krista Gebert Nov 2013

The Effects Of Large Wildfires On Employment And Wage Growth And Volatility In The Western United States, Max Nielsen-Pincus, Cassandra Moseley, Krista Gebert

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

We examined the effect of large wildfires on economic growth and volatility in the western United States. We matched wildfire data with quarterly employment and earnings growth data to assess the specific effect of wildfire on employment and wage growth in western US counties. Wildfires generally tended to exhibit positive effects on employment and wage growth in the quarter(s) during which suppression efforts were active. However, this effect transitioned to increased economic volatility following a wildfire. The effect of wildfire also varied by the type of county in which wildfire occurred. The amount of suppression costs invested locally had the …


Methyl Halide Production By Calcareous Periphyton Mats From The Florida Everglades, Ann Eileen Raffel Oct 2013

Methyl Halide Production By Calcareous Periphyton Mats From The Florida Everglades, Ann Eileen Raffel

Dissertations and Theses

Methyl halides are trace gases with both natural and anthropogenic origins. Once generated, these gases transport chlorine and bromine into the stratosphere, where they play an important role in ozone depleting catalytic cycles. The Florida Everglades is one location where methyl halide emissions have been proposed to be elevated due to high primary production and ionic halogens. This region also provides a unique study environment due to salt water intrusions, which occur during storm or low marsh water level-high tide events. The purpose of this research was twofold. First, quantification of methyl chloride (CH3Cl) and methyl bromide (CH …


Getting Salmon Back In Salmon Creek: Systematizing Comparative Water Quality Analysis For Targeted Restoration, Zbigniew J. Grabowski, Sarah Janjua, Michael Swamer, Heejun Chang, Eric Watson Oct 2013

Getting Salmon Back In Salmon Creek: Systematizing Comparative Water Quality Analysis For Targeted Restoration, Zbigniew J. Grabowski, Sarah Janjua, Michael Swamer, Heejun Chang, Eric Watson

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

This presentation focuses on water quality restoration efforts in Salmon Creek


Emerging Contaminants In Oregon Coastal Waters: Hotspots, Landscape Drivers And Synergistic Effects On Bivalves, Elise F. Granek, William Fish, Angela L. Strecker Oct 2013

Emerging Contaminants In Oregon Coastal Waters: Hotspots, Landscape Drivers And Synergistic Effects On Bivalves, Elise F. Granek, William Fish, Angela L. Strecker

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

This presentation focuses on the following research questions:

  • Types and levels of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in Oregon’s coastal ocean?
  • Levels of CECs in native and commercial oysters?
  • Ecological effects (growth, reproductive output, etc.) of these contaminants in marine bivalves?


Engaging Stakeholders In Ecosystem Service Assessment Under Climate Change And Urban Development Scenarios, Heejun Chang, David E. Ervin, Wes Hoyer, Mike Psaris, Ken Lyons, Emily D. Dietrich, Samantha Hamlin, John Lambrinos, Tammy Winfield, Bobby Cochran Oct 2013

Engaging Stakeholders In Ecosystem Service Assessment Under Climate Change And Urban Development Scenarios, Heejun Chang, David E. Ervin, Wes Hoyer, Mike Psaris, Ken Lyons, Emily D. Dietrich, Samantha Hamlin, John Lambrinos, Tammy Winfield, Bobby Cochran

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

This presentation focuses on how scientists can engage stakeholders in ecosystem service assessment.


The Eugene Water And Electric Board’S Mckenzie River Payment For Watershed Services Program: Research Findings On Ratepayers, Landowners, And Local Stakeholders, Max Nielsen-Pincus Oct 2013

The Eugene Water And Electric Board’S Mckenzie River Payment For Watershed Services Program: Research Findings On Ratepayers, Landowners, And Local Stakeholders, Max Nielsen-Pincus

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

This presentation focuses on the following research objectives:

  • How much are ratepayers willing to pay and what effects that willingness?
  • How much do landowners need to receive and what affects their interest?


Effects Of Water Development On Arid Land Freshwater Ecosystems, Angela L. Strecker Oct 2013

Effects Of Water Development On Arid Land Freshwater Ecosystems, Angela L. Strecker

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

This presentation focuses on the Columbia Basin Project


Multi-Level Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Using AgoX Thin Film, Ming Lun Tseng, Chia Min Chang, Bo Han Cheng, Pin Chieh Wu, K. S. Chung, M. K. Hsiao, H. W. Huang, D. W. Huang, Hai-Pang Chiang, P.T. Leung, D. P. Tsai Oct 2013

Multi-Level Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Using AgoX Thin Film, Ming Lun Tseng, Chia Min Chang, Bo Han Cheng, Pin Chieh Wu, K. S. Chung, M. K. Hsiao, H. W. Huang, D. W. Huang, Hai-Pang Chiang, P.T. Leung, D. P. Tsai

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Ag nanostructures with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activities have been fabricated by applying laser-direct writing (LDW) technique on silver oxide (AgOx) thin films. By controlling the laser powers, multi-level Raman imaging of organic molecules adsorbed on the nanostructures has been observed. This phenomenon is further investigated by atomic-force microscopy and electromagnetic calculation. The SERS-active nanostructure is also fabricated on transparent and flexible substrate to demonstrate our promising strategy for the development of novel and low-cost sensing chip.


Carbon Dynamics In The Future Forest: The Importance Of Long-Term Successional Legacy And Climate–Fire Interactions, E. Louise Loudermilk, Robert M. Scheller, Peter J. Weisberg, Jian Yang, Thomas E. Dilts, Sarah L. Karam, Carl Skinner Oct 2013

Carbon Dynamics In The Future Forest: The Importance Of Long-Term Successional Legacy And Climate–Fire Interactions, E. Louise Loudermilk, Robert M. Scheller, Peter J. Weisberg, Jian Yang, Thomas E. Dilts, Sarah L. Karam, Carl Skinner

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Understanding how climate change may influence forest carbon (C) budgets requires knowledge of forest growth relationships with regional climate, long-term forest succession, and past and future disturbances, such as wildfires and timber harvesting events. We used a landscape-scale model of forest succession, wildfire, and C dynamics (LANDIS-II) to evaluate the effects of a changing climate (A2 and B1 IPCC emissions; Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory General Circulation Models) on total forest C, tree species composition, and wildfire dynamics in the Lake Tahoe Basin, California, and Nevada. The independent effects of temperature and precipitation were assessed within and among climate models. Results …


Visualization Of Optical Wave Propagation In Femtosecond Photoemission Electron Microscopy, Rolf Kӧnenkamp, Robert Campbell Word, Joseph Fitzgerald Oct 2013

Visualization Of Optical Wave Propagation In Femtosecond Photoemission Electron Microscopy, Rolf Kӧnenkamp, Robert Campbell Word, Joseph Fitzgerald

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) combines in a unique way photon probing and electron imaging. The imaging electrons are generated in a photoelectric process by illuminating the sample with ultra-violet or x-ray light. After generation these electrons are accelerated and introduced into an electron-optical system to produce a microscopic image of the specimen surface. The advantages of PEEM are manifold:

The avoidance of electron beam exposure makes PEEM a much gentler method than standard electron microscopy. This advantage is important when fragile organic or biological structures are studied. PEEM is also highly surface sensitive, since the photoelectrons typically escape the sample …


Environmental Factors Influencing Diatom Communities In Antarctic Cryoconite Holes, Lee F. Stanish, Elizabeth A. Bagshaw, Diane M. Mcknight, Andrew G. Fountain, Martyn Tranter Oct 2013

Environmental Factors Influencing Diatom Communities In Antarctic Cryoconite Holes, Lee F. Stanish, Elizabeth A. Bagshaw, Diane M. Mcknight, Andrew G. Fountain, Martyn Tranter

Geology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Cryoconite holes are ice-bound habitats that can act as refuges for aquatic and terrestrial microorganisms on glacier surfaces. In the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, these holes are often capped by an ice lid that prevents the exchange of material and gases with the surrounding atmosphere and aquatic environment. Diatoms have been documented in cryoconite holes, and recent findings suggest that these habitats may harbour a distinctive diatom flora compared to the surrounding aquatic environments. In this study, we examined diatom community composition in cryoconite holes and environmental correlates across three glaciers in Taylor Valley, Antarctica. The diatom communities were …


Zno Nanoneedle/H2o Solid-Liquid Heterojunction-Based Self-Powered Ultraviolet Detector, Qinghao Li, Lin Wei, Yanru Xie, Kai Zhang, Lei Liu, Dapeng Zhu, Jun Jiao, Yanxue Chen, Shishen Yan, Guolei Liu, Liangmo Mei Oct 2013

Zno Nanoneedle/H2o Solid-Liquid Heterojunction-Based Self-Powered Ultraviolet Detector, Qinghao Li, Lin Wei, Yanru Xie, Kai Zhang, Lei Liu, Dapeng Zhu, Jun Jiao, Yanxue Chen, Shishen Yan, Guolei Liu, Liangmo Mei

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

ZnO nanoneedle arrays were grown vertically on a fluorine-doped tin oxide-coated glass by hydrothermal method at a relatively low temperature. A self-powered photoelectrochemical cell-type UV detector was fabricated using the ZnO nanoneedles as the active photoanode and H2O as the electrolyte. This solid-liquid heterojunction offers an enlarged ZnO/water contact area and a direct pathway for electron transport simultaneously. By connecting this UV photodetector to an ammeter, the intensity of UV light can be quantified using the output short-circuit photocurrent without a power source. High photosensitivity, excellent spectral selectivity, and fast photoresponse at zero bias are observed in this UV detector. …


Effects Of Runoff Sensitivity And Catchment Characteristics On Regional Actual Evapotranspiration Trends In The Conterminous Us, Il-Won Jung, Heejun Chang, John Risley Oct 2013

Effects Of Runoff Sensitivity And Catchment Characteristics On Regional Actual Evapotranspiration Trends In The Conterminous Us, Il-Won Jung, Heejun Chang, John Risley

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

An understanding of the role of hydro-climatic and geographic regimes on regional actual evapotranspiration (AET) change is essential to improving our knowledge on predicting water availability in a changing climate. This study investigates the relationship between AET change for a 60 year period (1951–2010) and the runoff sensitivity in 255 undisturbed catchments over the US. The runoff sensitivity to climate change is simply defined as the relative magnitude between runoff and precipitation changes with time. Runoff sensitivity can readily explain the conflicting directions of AET changes under similar precipitation change. Under increasing precipitation, AET decreases when runoff is increasing more …


Optics And Spectroscopy In Massive Electrodynamic Theory, Adam Caccavano Oct 2013

Optics And Spectroscopy In Massive Electrodynamic Theory, Adam Caccavano

Dissertations and Theses

The kinematics and dynamics for plane wave optics are derived for a massive electrodynamic field by utilizing Proca's theory. Atomic spectroscopy is also examined, with the focus on the 21 cm radiation due to the hyperfine structure of hydrogen. The modifications to Snell's Law, the Fresnel formulas, and the 21 cm radiation are shown to reduce to the familiar expressions in the limit of zero photon mass.


Evaluation Of Phase Change Materials For Cooling In A Super-Insulated Passive House, Jeffrey Stephen Lauck Oct 2013

Evaluation Of Phase Change Materials For Cooling In A Super-Insulated Passive House, Jeffrey Stephen Lauck

Dissertations and Theses

Due to factors such as rising energy costs, diminishing resources, and climate change, the demand for high performance buildings is on the rise. As a result, several new building standards have emerged including the Passive House Standard, a rigorous energy-use standard based on a super-insulated and very tightly sealed building envelope. The standard requires that that air infiltration is less than or equal to 0.6 air changes per hour at a 50 Pascal pressure difference, annual heating energy is less than or equal to 15kWh/m2, and total annual source energy is less than or equal to 120 kWh/m2. A common …