Optimization of microwave radiometric systems for earth resource surveys Final report

Optimization of passive microwave radiometric systems for earth resource surveys from ground and aircraft based measurement

Fourth Annual Earth Resources Program Review. Volume 4: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration programs and US Naval Research Laboratory programs

Conference of Earth Resources Program with emphasis on analysis of data obtained by aircraf

Permeation studies of PVC pipes with near infrared spectroscopy

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly used for drinking water pipes. Although PVC is resistant to natural environmental conditions, organic solvents may attack the pipe wall causing swelling, softening, water lines failure and drinking water pollution. Permeation is linked to underground storage tanks and random accidental spills of organic solvents or fuel derivates. Although rare, several cases have been reported. This thesis was developed with the idea of increasing the understanding of permeation process, developing new laboratory methods for permeation testing, and helping pipe companies in assess about pipe selection in zones of high risk. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRs) was selected as the methodology. NIR is already used in both organic solvents and polymer fields for discriminative and quantitative analysis of organic compounds. The objective of the first study was to track the permeation of PVC pipes by two major organic solvents (toluene and benzene) at different concentrations. The development of principal least squares (PLS) calibrations with NIR spectra and reference data provided by the Civil Engineering lab in Iowa State University gave accurate models with the following statistic values: R2 above 90, Relative performance determinant (RPD) higher than 3, and standard errors of prediction (SEP) values similar to the standard error of the laboratory (SEL). These models could predict the permeation state of studied pipes in mm of solvent moving front, weight gain or days under permeation. The second study lead to the correlation of the pipe permeation susceptibility in pure toluene in mm/h1/2 to the pipe spectra. Spectra differences from several pipe brands and sizes were modeled with locally weighted regression (LWR) and resulted in several models which can predict with accuracy (RPD above 5) the pipe susceptibility to permeation. In summary, NIR is a suitable tool for permeation studies and may contribute to the better understanding of permeation

A fundamental analysis of means of producing and storing energy

The goal of this dissertation is to examine some of the most promising non-fossil means for producing electricity and storing energy for transportation, to provide a thorough and (hopefully) unbiased assessment of which hold the most promise, and therefore warrant further research focus. Additionally, recommendations are made for potential means for improving proposed or existing technologies, in particular the technology of a new subcritical reactor design using an electronuclear driver and thermal transmutation of transuranic actinides. The high energy density of liquid hydrocarbon fuels is ideal for transportation applications, but our ability to sustainably produce such fuels (i.e. biofuels) is limited by the low photosynthetic efficiency achieved by plants. While some proposals are made herein to make the most of the potential of biofuels, their limitations ultimately will require the storage of electrical energy (in batteries, hydrogen, or mechanical energy storage) if we are to eliminate our dependence on petroleum for transportation. The outcome of this analysis is that lithium-ion batteries are best suited for such an application. This is based on a significantly better net efficiency with only moderately lower energy density compared to the best means of storing hydrogen, and no additional infrastructure requirements. The analysis also indicates the direction research should take to further improve lithium-ion batteries. Since the sustainability of electric vehicles depends on the means of producing electricity, a focus of this dissertation is assessing the potential to produce electricity with advanced nuclear fission and fusion reactors. While magnetic and inertial confinement fusion are interesting from the standpoint of the plasma and nuclear physics involved, the analysis presented here illustrates that the potential for commercial electricity production with either is slim, with several potential deal breakers. Further, muon catalyzed fusion is shown to offer no practical means of producing net energy. Furthermore, fusion fuels other than Deuterium-Tritium (DT) have triple product requirements roughly two orders of magnitude greater for net energy production. The analysis of a catalyzed deuterium plasma presented herein shows it to be less promising than previous analyses have indicated. The flux of 14.1 MeV neutrons from a DT plasma presents a significant challenge that is likely to limit or prevent commercialization of DT fusion power. The primary alternative approach that may become viable is a so-called helium catalyzed DD cycle. However, there are two significant challenges (the need for active tritium removal and the large onsite tritium inventory) that must be addressed for this option to have significant potential. Greater focus therefore should be placed on advanced fission reactors, in particular thermal thorium reactors and driven subcritical reactors, such as of the general design proposed in this dissertation

Soybean

Soybean is an agricultural crop of tremendous economic importance. Soybean and food items derived from it form dietary components of numerous people, especially those living in the Orient. The health benefits of soybean have attracted the attention of nutritionists as well as common people

Modelling, Simulation and Data Analysis in Acoustical Problems

Modelling and simulation in acoustics is currently gaining importance. In fact, with the development and improvement of innovative computational techniques and with the growing need for predictive models, an impressive boost has been observed in several research and application areas, such as noise control, indoor acoustics, and industrial applications. This led us to the proposal of a special issue about “Modelling, Simulation and Data Analysis in Acoustical Problems”, as we believe in the importance of these topics in modern acoustics’ studies. In total, 81 papers were submitted and 33 of them were published, with an acceptance rate of 37.5%. According to the number of papers submitted, it can be affirmed that this is a trending topic in the scientific and academic community and this special issue will try to provide a future reference for the research that will be developed in coming years

Diesel and Gasoline Engines

The internal combustion engine was invented around 1790 by various scientists and engineers worldwide. Since then the engines have gone through many modifications and improvements. Today, different applications of engines form a significant technological importance in our everyday lives, leading to the evolution of our modern civilization. The invention of diesel and gasoline engines has definitely changed our lifestyles as well as shaped our priorities. The current engines serve innumerable applications in various types of transportation, in harsh environments, in construction, in diverse industries, and also as back-up power supply systems for hospitals, security departments, and other institutions. However, heavy duty or light duty engines have certain major disadvantages, which are well known to everyone. With the increasing usage of diesel and gasoline engines, and the constantly rising number of vehicles worldwide, the main concern nowadays is engine exhaust emissions. This book looks at basic phenomena related to diesel and gasoline engines, combustion, alternative fuels, exhaust emissions, and mitigations

Environmental Emissions

Today, the issue of environmental emissions is more important than ever before. Air pollution with particulates, soot, carbon, aerosols, heavy metals, and so on is causing adverse effects on human health as well as the environment. This book presents new research and findings related to environmental emissions, pollution, and future sustainability. Written by experts in the field, chapters cover such topics as health effects, emission monitoring and mitigation, and emission composition and measurement