Research capabilities of Louisiana State University are reported for sustaining a program which complements the Mississippi Test Facility. Projects reported during this period are discussed and include the development of a spectral analyzer, and investigations of plant physiology. Papers published during this period are also listed

Whitehurst, C. A.

English

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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
CENTER RELATED RESEARCH GRANT
NGL-19-001-097
FINAL REPORT
September, 1971 to August 31, 1974
JUL
Submitted August, 1974 RECEIVED
(NASA-CR-1393 7 0) [ISSISSIPPI TEST
FACILITY RESEARCH PROJECTS] Final N74-29611Report, Sep. 1971- Aug. 1974 (Louisiana
State Univ.) 19 p HC $4.00 CSCL 14B U as
G3/11 45443
Report Prepared By
C. A. Whitehurst
Principal Investigator
Division of Engineering Research
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19740021498 2020-03-23T06:11:31+00:00Z
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................... 
.. .. . 1
GENERAL DISCUSSION ............... . .... 2
Administrative Policy
Research Programs Supported
1971-1972
1972-1973
1973-1974
SUMMARY .. .. ..... ..... ............ 6
APPENDIX A ..... .................... 8
APPENDIX B .... .. ............... .. 12
1
INTRODUCTION
A research proposal was submitted to NASA in the spring of 1971
with the primary objectives of meeting the requirements and needs of NASA
and to develop faculty research capabilities at Louisiana State University,
which would complement the activities of a NASA "Center". In this instance
the center under consideration was the NASA Mississippi Test Facility.
At the time of the proposal submittal we recognized the inevitable
cancellation of the NASA Sustaining University Program which was a viable
element in the overall research program at LSU. It was proposed to replace
the old SUP projects with a program which was related to the development
of the Mississippi Test Facility as a research center, and at the same
time support those SUP projects which were making a contribution toward
center development.
In May, 1971, the proposal submitted by LSU was approved at a
level of support of $50,000, step funded over a three year period, on the
condition that an effective program of research at this level could be
provided by LSU. The funding levels were: $5,000 for 1971-72; $20,000 for
1972-73; and $25,000 for 1973-73. The program would be terminated at the
end of the third year, at which time LSU would, or should, have phased-in
a new research effort.
The University administered the grant according to NASA policy
and supported only those projects which contributed the most to the ad-
vancement of scientific knowledge. Several interdisciplinary research
efforts were proposed in the initial stages of the program, however, due
1
to developments within the NASA/MTF and LSU, a letter was submitted to
the office of University Affairs requesting a change in the major objectives
of the grant (See Appendix A). That is, we proposed to support ongoing SUP
projects and to help support the new LSU remote sensing program which was
related to the MTF Earth Resources Laboratory mission.
The following sections summarize the efforts of this program.
In the appendices are included such information as number and name of
faculty, professional staff and students, a list of publications, and
degrees awarded. This has been a most beneficial program. We felt that the
University, and especially this College of Engineering, is better equipped
for graduate research and academic endeavors due to the benefits derived
from this grant.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
1. Administration Policy
Since this research grant was so closely related to the LSU
Sustaining University Program and other proposed work it was placed
under the general direction of Dr. Charles A. Whitehurst who was
a member of the LSU/SUP committee. This committee was formed to
encourage and coordinate research, and to channel funds necessary
for supporting research in a space oriented effort. It was only
logical that they assume responsibility for this new grant.
2. Research Programs Supported
A. 1971-1972
In this reporting period research funds were used
primarily in support of the Principal Investigator (Dr. Whitehurst)
and one staff assistant. The work accomplished in this period,
which was directly related to this grant, consisted of the following
projects.
A program of instrumentation development, and specifically the
development of a spectral analyzer, was initiated for the purpose
of investigating and identifying general classes of environmental
pollutants. The project was completed and a report delivered to
NASA/MSFC.
The other tasks supported in this year dealt with a basic
investigation of plant physiology. A report entitled "A Model of
the Physiological Systems of Vegetation" was published by the
Division of Engineering Research as Bulletin No. 105.
An additional report was published in this area in 1972 and
forwarded to NASA/OUA. The title was "Selected Bibliography of
the Modeling and Control of Plant Processes".
in addition, a proposal was written and accepted by the
Marshall Spaceflight Center, Huntsville, Alabama, which dealt
with urban transportation problems in New Orleans.
B. 1972-1973
Two projects were supported during this period, (1) "Remote
Sensing Technology Applied to Transportation Planning" and (2) "A Study
of Salt Water Encroachment in Bayou Lafourche." A brief description of these
efforts follows.
1. Project I- Transportation
Origin-destination surveys are the principal source of data
input for analyzing the transportation systems within urban areas.
Because of their high costs, origin-destination surveys are typically
done between long periods of time making the updating of travel data
and the checking of the continuing validity of travel models difficult.
The susceptibility of origin-destination surveys to virtually
uncontrollable sources of error and bias, in addition to high
costs, has lead researchers to look for new methods of obtaining
travel information. The examination of a system of remote sensing
which may be applicable, among other things, to data collection
for transportation planning was the primary objective of this
project. By utilizing the airborne sensing technology developed
by NASA, an urban area may be photographed continually during an
entire day providing data 
-- travel data, land use data, traffic
characteristics data, facility inventory data, etc., 
-- for input
to transportation system analysis that is homogeneous with respect
to time frame. As a pilot study to determine the feasibility of
this method of data collection, an area of approximately one (1)
square mile was selected in New Orleans, Louisiana, to serve as
an analysis district.
This project was completed as far as the LSU effort is con-
cerned and a report delvered to NASA/MSFC.
2. Project II- Salt Water Encroachment
In our original proposal to NASA we proposed to initiate the
develop[ment of a closed ecological system wherein the effect of
changes in environmental parameters on the system could be invest-
igated. We proposed to call the system an "Ecoloquarium" and to
construct it on the Mississippi Test Facility site. This proved
to be much too ambitious for the resources available to the research
teams and it was determined that more basic work should be accom-
plished. It was at this time that the projects on vegetation
analysis were initiated. They were completed'and forwarded to
NASA. These efforts were followed by a study of salt water intru-
sion into Bayou Lafourche. A complete inventory of natural re-
sources in this region was underway as an integral part of our
Earth Resources program. A study of salt water intrusion, sed-
iment transport, and the general condition of water quality in
Bayou Lafourche was of major significance during this reporting
period.
In order to model the transport of particles in such a flow-
ing stream, the equations characterizing the drag characteristics
of the suspended particles, as well as the equations defining the
flow field, must be solved, yielding trajectories of the suspended
particles. Using these relationships, the paths of sample particles
in a representative section of the stream were defined, and the
transport and deposition of suspended material modeled.
The transport mechanism at the intersection of Bayou Lafourche
and the Intercoastal Canal was our first study case. Distortions
in geometry and other physical characteristics made this case
unprofitable. We then proceeded to model only the intrusion of
salt water. Ground truth data was correlated with data obtained
from NASA/ERL remote sensing flights, to the maximum extent pos-
sible. Turbidity and color information from these flights offered the
most information.
The final results of the modeling study, which was completed this
year by the Coastal Studies Institute, are submitted with this
final report.
C. 1973-1974
A complete study of Plant Types, Seasonality, and Quantity of
Production in the Area of Lake Pelto, near Bayou Lafourche, Louisi-
ana-was accomplished during this study period.
The nature of most coastal wetlands is poorly known even where
mapped. In order to improve our ability to map the wetlands, addi-
tional research into spectral signatures is needed; and the fact
that the spectral signatures of the vegetation changes seasonally,
makes this a difficult and tedious problem.
The inception of these changes, and the rate of change needs to
be studied so that the relative and seasonal contributions of organic
material from the wetlands to the estuaries can be determined.
This project was accomplished with the assistance of personnel
from Nicholls State University and a report delivered to NASA/OUA.
Partial support for this project was provided from NASA Grant 19-
001-105.
A Research Monograph has been published concerning this effort
and copies are included in this report.
There were no other specific tasks supported under this grant
during this period. Substantial assistance to the projects funded
under the Earth Resources Program was provided and these reports
have been or will be submitted to NASA this year.
Summary
This entire program has been most beneficial to the Louisiana
State University graduate program, especially in the College of Engineering.
It has been instrumental in broadening the interests of the persons who
participated and has been a key factor in developing the interdisciplinary
interests of the University. We feel that grants of this nature should
continue. The direct benefit to a particular NASA program may not be
immediately realized; however, the benefits accrued to NASA, LSU, and the
national interests over a period of time is more lasting, and in the
long-term, more valuable.
We cannot measure some of the benefits derived from this program;
we can determine a few of them. For example, the figures cited below re-
present a very definite and measurable benefit to LSU:
Nuiber of faculty participants . ........ .. 8
Number of faculty receiVing financial support . .. 5
Number of graduate students . ........... 4
Number of undergraduate students . ......... 4
Number of professional associates . ....... . 2
Number of Ph.D. candidates supported . ....... 1
Number of M.S. candidates supported . ....... 3
Number of reports published . ........... 4
Number of disciplines participating . ...... . 6
It is clearly indicated by these figures that much has been
accomplished with this grant. The multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary
aspects of the total program are clearly shown in the number of faculty
who participated and their disciplines. Most faculty members are aware of
other disciplines and we are encouraged by willingness of the various
departments to work together. This grant has, in a large measure, made this
possible.
If you need further information regarding the management, or any other
aspects of this program, please advise the office of the director of the
Division of Engineering Research.
APPENDIX A
LETTERS RELATED TO THE
CHANGE IN OBJECTIVES AND EMPHASIS OF
THIS PROGRAM
8
October 18, 1971
Mr. Edward Redding
Office of University Affairs, Code Y
National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Washington, D. C. 20546
Dear Mr. Redding:
Enclosed are copies of the Progress Reports and Final Reports on projects funded
by NASA Grant #19-001-024 in the year September 1, 1970 through August 31, 1971.
Report Number 1 is a final report from the Departmentoof Otorhinolaryngology
entitled,"A Study of the Relationships Between the Mechanical Response of the
Tympanic Membrane and the Electrophysiological Indicators of Hearing in the Bullfrog."
This work was originally supported by the grant and included the use of laboratory
facilities and support personnel at the Mississippi Test Facility. The principal
investigator, Dr. Deborah A. Majeau-Chargois, is continuing this work under the
auspices of the Louisiana State University Medical Center.
The second report is a progress report on the Bioengineering Research Facility at
the Mississippi Test Facility. This work has been supported by the NASA grant since
1969. Its relevance to the space program has been recognized through its applica-
bility to waste management problems in the manned space stations of the near future.
Dr. Dunlap, principal investigator, will diversify his efforts in the coming year
to include research in the development of environmental instrumentation.
The third report is a Progress Report of "The Design and Construction of a Hohlraum
Spectral Analyzer." This program of instrumentation development, and specifically
the development of the spectral analyzer was initiated for the purpose of investi-
gating and identifying general classes of environmental pollutants. The design
and construction phase of this program is near completion. The instrumentation
development will be continued .by performing the following tasks:
1. Obtain spectral characteristics for gas mixtures with known quantities of
pollutants. The pollutants to be tested are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide,
hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These gases are on
order and should be delivered by the 15th of November.
2. To produce spectral traces of unknown samples. These unknown traces will be
identified by comparison with traces obtained in Task 1.
3. To develop data handling equipment and software programs for data reduction
from real problems.
9
Mr. Edward Redding
October 18, 1971
Page 2
Finally, in our last proposal to the NASA Office of University Affairs, we proposed
to initiate the development of a closed ecological system wherein the effect of
changes and environmental parameters on the system could be investigated. We pro-
posed to call the system an "Ecoloquarium". This proves to be much too ambitious
for the sustaining university program and was considerably beyond the resources
of the Mississippi Test Facility. We have determined that more basic work should
be accomplished before the construction of a complete laboratory is undertaken.
Therefore, we have funded an effort in Electrical Engineering and a preliminary
report is submitted herein. The report, entitled "A Iodel of the Physiological
Systems of Vegetation," has been published by the Division of Engineering Research
as Bulletin No. 105. We have attempted to explain the working mechanisms of a
plant system in order to determine the possibilities for controlling the plant
processes.
Work will be continued in 1971-72 in the following areas: (1) bioprocessing,
C2) instrumentation development, and (3) continuing in the area of plant modeling.
In addition, we are completing a report on the effects of random noise on structures.
This work was initiated in 196-9 and all data collected at the Mississippi Test
Facility. Due to circumstances Beyond our control, the work was interrupted for
over a year. The graduate student, Dennis Bilyeu, is completing research under the
principal investigator, Dr. Gerald Whitehouse.
Additional copies of these reports are being sent to you under separate cover.
Sincerely
C. A. Whitehiurst
encls.
10
July 11, 1972
Mr. Edward Redding, Code Y
Office of University Affairs
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Headquarters
Washington, D.C. 20546
Re: NASA Grants NGL 19-001-024 and NGL 19-001-097
Dear Mr. Redding:
Enclosed are the description reports of the projects being supported under
the subject grants. In accordance with your request, I have included a brief
description of projects supported during 1971-72 time period.
We are forwarding to you under separate cover several copies of a report entitled
"Selected Bibliography of the Modeling and Control of Plant Processes," which is
the second report dealing with the modeling of vegetation. We hope at a later
time to continue these studies by applying the results of our models and the
results obtained from remote sensing studies to practical applications in land
use definitions. Please note that we are discontinuing the studies in single
cell protein production, and that all efforts in the future will be directed
toward our remote sensing studies in the Bayou LaFourche region of South
Louisiana. One exception to this is the very small study, related to urban
transportation problems, being conducted in the New Orleans area.
Final reports will be forwarded to you as they are completed and published.
If you need further information, please contact the undersigned.
Sincerely,
C. A. Whitehurst
Grant Coordinator
f
Encls.
11
APPENDIX B
PERSONNEL SUPPORTED UNDER THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE
ADMINISTRATION CENTER RELATED RESEARCH PROGRAM
GRANT NUMBER 19-001-097
September 1, 1971 to August 31, 1974
12
13
Talles- on the following pages represent the faculty, professional
staff, graduate and undergraduate students, who participated in projects
supported by this grant. TaBle I names faculty members; Table II, pro-
fessional staff; and Table III, students. The disciplines involved are
listed with each name. The asterisk denotes those personnel not receiving
NASA funds from this grant, But who did participate in the research.
TABLE I
FACULTY PARTICIPANTS
NGR 19-001-097
NAME RANK DEPARTMENT
Dantin, Elvin J. Professor Water Resources,Civ. Eng.
Julich, Paul M.* Assoc. Prof. Electrical Engineering
Kinney, Ralph A. Assoc. Prof. Electrical Engineering
McPhate, A.J. Assoc. Prof. Mechanical Engineering
Maples, Dupree* Assoc. Prof. Mechanical Engineering
Modlin, David G., Jr.* Asst. Prof Civil Engineering
Ragan, James Assoc. Prof.(Nicholls) Marine Biology
Whitehurst, Charles A. Professor Engineering Research
TABLE II
PROFESSIONAL STAFF PARTICIPANTS
NGR 19-001-097
NAME TITLE DEPARTMENT
Durbin, Warren T., Jr. Research Assoc. Engineering Research
Featherston, Billie S. Secretary Engineering Research
14
TABLE III
STUDENT PARTICIPANTS
NGL 19-001-097
GRADUATE STUDENTS STUDENT EMPLOYEES
Doiron, Linda Cole, Cheryl
Milliet, Michael P. Dantin, David
Monte, Judith A. Jennings, Betty
Pecquet, Richard A. Leblanc, Mark
15
APPENDIX C
PAPERS AND REPORTS PUBLISHED
PRESENTATIONS AND UNPUBLISHED PAPERS AND REPORTS
GRANT NUMBER 19-001-097
September 1, 1971 to August 31, 1974
16
PAPERS AND REPORTS
PUBLISHED
Green, J.H., Ragan, J.G., and Whitehurst, C.A., "Remote Sensing as
an Aid for Marsh Management," Research Monograph RM-2,
Division of Engineering Research, L.S.U., Baton Rouge, La.,
May, 1974.
Julich, P.M., and Viswanathan, M.M., "Selected Bibliography on the
Modeling and Control of Plant Processes," Report to NASA,
Division of Engineering Research, L.S.U., Baton Rouge, La.,
1972.
Maples, D., and Hagewood, J.F., "Design and Construction of a Remote
Sensing Apparatus," NASA Final Report, Division of Engineering
Research, L.S.U., Baton Rouge, La., 1972.
Waldrop, W.R., Farmer, R.C., and Bryant, P.A., "Saltwater Intrusion
Into a Flowing Stream," TR 161, Coastal Studies Institute,
L.S.U., Baton Rouge, La., May, 1974.
17


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