657 research outputs found

    Channel, a Model of Channel Erosion by Shear, Scour and Channel Headwall Propagation: Part 1. Model Development

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    In the research conducted under this project, models were developed which predict channel erosion resulting from shear in gradually varied flow, shearing forces resulting from submerged jets and hydraulic jumps, and shearing forces resulting from free jets impinging a plunge pool. These models are linked with a runoff routing algorithm to develop the CHANNEL model. This model predicts general channel erosion resulting from time varying gradually varied now as well as predicts the development and propagation of channel headwalls. At this writing, the model still has some problems handling the transition from open channel now to a free jet within the scour hole

    Perceptual impact of environmental factors in sighted and visually impaired individuals

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    To a visually impaired individual the physical world presents many challenges. For a person with impaired sight, wayfinding through a complex environment is fraught with dangers, both actual and imagined. The current generation of mobility aids have the possibility of addressing a broad range of physical issues through technological solutions. The perception of difficulty however, can mean that many visually impaired individuals are fearful or uncomfortable about independent mobility or travel. In this context it becomes necessary to discover exactly what environments, environmental factors or items constitute a ‘perception of difficulty’ in the individuals mental landscape and may trigger a negative response before they interact with the physical environment. This paper reports on research, which sought to ascertain what levels of perceptual difficulties specific environments and factors presented to individuals. The research was conducted with both visually impaired and sighted groups and compared differences and similarities in perceptual difficulty between these two groups

    Working Group 5: Measurements technology and active experiments

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    Technology issues identified by working groups 5 are listed. (1) New instruments are needed to upgrade the ability to measure plasma properties in space. (2) Facilities should be developed for conducting a broad range of plasma experiments in space. (3) The ability to predict plasma weather within magnetospheres should be improved and a capability to modify plasma weather developed. (4) Methods of control of plasma spacecraft and spacecraft plasma interference should be upgraded. (5) The space station laboratory facilities should be designed with attention to problems of flexibility to allow for future growth. These issues are discussed

    Analysis of the Sediment Filtering Action of Grassed Media

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    The movement of sediment in non-submerged flow through a rigid grass media was studied experimentally by simulating the media with cylindrical nails. Models of sediment movement were developed from probablistic reasoning and from the use of existing parameters describing total bed material in open channel flow. In the probability analysis, the percent sediment trapped was found to be a power function of the number of potential fall paths, Nf,a particle could make from the surface to the bed while traveling through the filter media. The percent trapped was also found to be an inverse power function of the Reynolds number ReT. The characteristic length used in the Reynolds number was a hydraulic radius calculated assuming rectangular open channel flow with a width equal to the spacing between elements and a depth equal to the depth of flow. This is defined as the spacing hydraulic radius, Rs. The percent trapped was finally related exponentially to a combined power function of Nf and ReT. Total bed material transport functions of Graf and Einstein were modified and evaluated as predictors of suspended and bed load. Bed shear was assumed to be equal to γRsS where γ is the weight density of water and S is channel slope. Both Graf\u27s and Einstein\u27s parameters were found to be good predictors of suspended and bed load. Based on the results of the study, procedures are proposed for analyzing the trapping capability of sediment by grass filters

    Water Quality Impacts of Naturals Riparian Grasses Part 2: Modeling Effects of Channelization on Sediment Trapping

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    A methodology is developed to determine expected sediment trapping in riparian vegetative filter strips considering channelization of flow. The framework consists of defining the channel network stochastically, with deposition/detachment in each channel being modeled deterministically. The two approaches were then combined to develop a model which could predict expected trapping efficiencies for vegetative filters under known field conditions. The model was then extended to include conditions such as rainfall on the filter so as to make it applicable to generic field situations. Field and laboratory studies were conducted to collect and estimate data to develop and evaluate the model. sediment concentrations were measured for natural vegetative filters located on a slope of 8.7%, subjected to inflows from upslope bare soil plots. Surface elevations were measured for the filter. Flow networks and channel shapes were defined by applying the digital elevation model to the micro-relief data. Actual distributions and standard fitted distributions for channel flows and channel shapes were developed. Model evaluation was done for selected values of Manning\u27s n to give predicted filter trapping efficiencies within 2% of the observed, indicating model validity. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the general model and the fitted probability distributions

    TRUNK AND UPPER EXTREMITY KINEMATICS OF THE OFFSIDE FOREHAND POLO SWING IN PROFESSIONAL POLO ATHLETES

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    The purpose of this study was to examine trunk (flexion, lateral flexion, rotation) and upper extremity (shoulder horizontal abduction, elevation, and elbow flexion) kinematics of the offside forehand polo swing between professional male and female polo athletes. Kinematic data were collected while participants performed the offside forehand polo swing on a stationary wooden horse. The polo swing was analyzed at three events: take away (TA), top of back swing (TOB) and ball contact (BC). Results revealed significant differences in trunk and upper extremity kinematics between the male and female professional polo athlete. Further investigation into these mechanical differences, along with the influence of live play and performance variables are necessitated to understand mechanics for the most powerful swin

    Durability Characterization of Mechanical Interfaces in Solar Sail Membrane Structures

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    The construction of a solar sail from commercially available metallized film presents several challenges. The solar sail membrane is made by seaming together strips of metallized polymer film. This requires seaming together a preselected width and thickness of a base material into the required geometry, and folding the assembled sail membranes into a small stowage volume prior to launch. The sail membranes must have additional features for connecting to rigid structural elements (e.g., sail booms) and must be electrically grounded to the spacecraft bus to prevent charge build up. Space durability of the material and mechanical interfaces of the sail membrane assemblies will be critical for the success of any solar sail mission. In this study, interfaces of polymer/metal joints in a representative solar sail membrane assembly were tested to ensure that the adhesive interfaces and the fastening grommets could withstand the temperature range and expected loads required for mission success. Various adhesion methods, such as surface treatment, commercial adhesives, and fastening systems, were experimentally evaluated and will be discussed

    Pattern languages in HCI: A critical review

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    This article presents a critical review of patterns and pattern languages in human-computer interaction (HCI). In recent years, patterns and pattern languages have received considerable attention in HCI for their potential as a means for developing and communicating information and knowledge to support good design. This review examines the background to patterns and pattern languages in HCI, and seeks to locate pattern languages in relation to other approaches to interaction design. The review explores four key issues: What is a pattern? What is a pattern language? How are patterns and pattern languages used? and How are values reflected in the pattern-based approach to design? Following on from the review, a future research agenda is proposed for patterns and pattern languages in HCI
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