University Of Missouri-Rolla Research Articles

EMC Personality Profile

With this Personality Profile, I would like to introduce you to Dr. Zhiping Yang, Chair of the EMC Society's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). Zhiping grew up in China, attended Tsinghua University, China and received the B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering and Applied Math in 1994. He continued his studies at Tsinghua University and received the M.E. in Electrical Engineering in 1997. After receiving his M.E. degree Zhiping left Tsinghua University as well as China and enrolled at the University of Missouri-Rolla, MO, USA as a Ph.D. student. Under the supervision of Dr. Mariesa Crow, he investigated the incorporation of battery energy storage into a Static Synchronous Compensator. The main contribution of Zhiping's research is the establishment of the modeling and control of the StatCom/BESS in power system dynamic applications. He received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO, USA in 2000.

Guest Editorial

Guest Editorial

Monolayer‐Protected Clusters: Versatile Materials of Electrochemical Importance

Monolayer‐Protected Clusters: Versatile Materials of Electrochemical Importance

Assessing the brand meaning of an interdisciplinary engineering programme through a branding method

This paper presents the brand status of the Interdisciplinary Engineering (IDE) degree programme at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), formerly the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR). The IDE degree was founded in 2005 at UMR to meet the emerging need to provide considerable flexibility to students allowing them to construct programmes of study in areas of interest while maintaining a foundation in mechanics, thermal science, electrical networks and linear systems. This paper presents the brand status of the IDE BS degree among prospective and current students, academic faculty, and industry, and weighs it against the original implementation plan proposed in 2005 and provides the current perception of the degree programme at Missouri S&T.

The Joy and Responsibility of Teaching Well

The Joy and Responsibility of Teaching Well

Evaluating the Engineering Management Brand Meaning

:Engineering management is not a well understood discipline in the field of engineering, especially compared to more traditional engineering. A systematic approach to evaluating an academic brand meaning was developed using Keller's model of building a strong brand. This methodology was used in a case study to evaluate the current brand, meaning the oldest and largest engineering management department in the United States at the Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T, formerly the University of Missouri-Rolla). Results will aid the department and others in managing their brand as well as in general enrollment management by gathering an understanding of the department's brand meaning in the eyes of potential students and employers. Knowing the expectations of each will allow the department to better align itself to meet the needs of each market segment. The brand evaluation approach applied in this case study can also be used by other similar disciplines.

Architectural Engineering Curriculum at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly, the University of Missouri-Rolla) began a Bachelor of Science degree program in architectural engineering in the fall of 2002. The 4-year academic program’s curriculum at Missouri S&T requires the students to complete 128 semester credit hours during a period of eight semesters, with options for technical electives in one of four focus areas: structural engineering, construction engineering and project management, environmental systems for buildings, and construction materials. This paper presents the architectural engineering curriculum at Missouri S&T. It discusses the objectives of the curriculum, the constraints upon its structure, along with challenges that faced the establishment of an architectural engineering program.

Optimized energy-delay sub-network routing protocol development and implementation forwireless sensor networks

The development and the implementation issues of a reactive optimized energy-delaysub-network routing (OEDSR) protocol for wireless sensor networks (WSN) are introducedand its performance is contrasted with the popular ad hoc on-demand distancevector (AODV) routing protocol. Analytical results illustrate the performance ofthe proposed OEDSR protocol, while experimental results utilizing a hardwaretestbed under various scenarios demonstrate improvements in energy efficiencyof the OEDSR protocol. A hardware platform constructed at the University ofMissouri-Rolla (UMR), now the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST),based on the Generation 4 Smart Sensor Node (G4-SSN) prototyping platformis also described. Performance improvements are shown in terms of end-to-end(E2E) delay, throughput, route-set-up time and drop rates and energy usageis given for three topologies, including a mobile topology. Additionally, resultsfrom the hardware testbed provide valuable lessons for network deployments.Under testing OEDSR provides a factor of ten improvement in the energy used inthe routing session and extends network lifetime compared to AODV. Depletionexperiments show that the time until the first node failure is extended by a factorof three with the network depleting and network lifetime is extended by 6.7%.

Differential ionisation measurements for positron impact

An overview of methods being used at the University of Missouri-Rolla to measure differential ionisation for positron impact is presented. Examples of triply differential electron emission and doubly differential positron scattering and energy loss data are given and contributions to each due to binary and recoil events are discussed. In addition, angular distribution data for electron emission due to double and triple ionisation are presented.

Nondestructive Evaluation of RC Structures Strengthened with FRP Laminates Containing Near-Surface Defects in the form of Delaminations

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are being utilized in a wide range of application areas in structural rehabilitations because these materials are less affected by corrosive environmental conditions and known to provide longer life with less maintenance. However, there are still some concerns about FRP strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) structures, such as the presence of near-surface defects. Currently limited data exists regarding this issue. The presence of near-surface defects in the form of delaminations between the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) laminate and concrete substrate can significantly affect the structural integrity and stiffness of the structural section. These defects should be properly detected and accurately located to access if injection or replacement is warranted. The control and assessment of these defects still require improvements in detection techniques and standardization in these assessment methods. The latest advances in non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques including technologies in microwave, acousto-ultrasonic, impact-echo and thermography are providing promising results in detecting such defects and are discussed in further detail in this paper. 1 Senior Evaluation Specialist, International Code Council-Evaluation Service, 5360 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California, 90601 mekenel@icc-es.org (Corresponding Author) 2 Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Arch. & Env. Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, Missouri, 65401 jmyers@umr.edu Ekenel, M. and Myers, J.J. 2

Development and Laboratory Trials of the Light-Based High-Resolution Target Movement Monitor for Monitoring Convergence at Underground Mines

This paper describes a development and laboratory evaluation of the light-based high-resolution target movement monitor which can be used to measure convergence at underground excavations with submillimeter accuracy. The monitor is based on unique measurement technology which was developed at the University of Missouri-Rolla. This system has the potential for high accuracy detection and monitoring of positional changes (as small as 0.1 mm with the current laboratory implementation) presented by many types of targets located in close proximity to or at far distances from the monitor. The sensitivity of the system to camera resolution and the error analysis as a function of the laser incident angle are described. The system utilizes custom computer processing, a high-resolution camera, and laser light to measure the distance to a target accurately in one dimension, but it can also be used for performing two-dimensional surface profiling or analyzing three-dimensional movement of the target. The ability of this optical system to measure ground movement with submillimeter accuracy will allow for monitoring ground convergence in areas of high traffic or which are inaccessible for the installation of traditional ground movement sensing devices.

Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase p38 Regulates the Wnt/Cyclic GMP/Ca2+ Non-canonical Pathway

The non-canonical Wnt/cyclic GMP/Ca(2+)/NF-AT pathway operates via Frizzled-2, a member of the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors. In scanning for signaling events downstream of the Frizzled-2/G alpha t2/PDE6 triad activated in response to Wnt5a, we observed a strong activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 in mouse F9 teratocarcinoma embryonal cells. The activation of p38 is essential for NF-AT transcriptional activation mediated via Frizzled2. Wnt5a-stimulated p38 activation was rapid, sensitive to pertussis toxin, to siRNA against either G alpha t2 or p38 alpha, and to the p38 inhibitor SB203580. Real-time analysis of intracellular cyclic GMP using the Cygnet2 biosensor revealed p38 to act at the level of cyclic GMP, upstream of the mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+). Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging reveals the changes in cyclic GMP in response to Wnt5a predominate about the cell membrane, and likewise sensitive to either siRNA targeting p38 or to treatment with SB203580. Dishevelled is not required for Wnt5a activation of p38; siRNAs targeting Dishevelleds and expression of the Dishevelled antagonist Dapper-1 do not suppress the p38 response to Wnt5a stimulation. These novel results are the first to detail a Dishevelled-independent Wnt response, demonstrating a critical role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 in regulating the Wnt non-canonical pathway.

Microwave and millimeter wave nondestructive testing and evaluation - Overview and recent advances

This article focuses on three recent applications of microwave and millimeter wave NDTE 2) corrosion and precursor pitting detection in painted aluminum and steel substrates; and 3) detection of flaws in spray-on foam insulation and the acreage heat tiles of the Space Shuttle through focused and synthetic imaging techniques. These applications have been performed at the Applied Microwave Nondestructive Testing Laboratory (amntl) at the University of Missouri-Rolla.

Differential ionization of Ar by positron and electron impact

Coincidences between recoil ions–ejected electrons, and recoil ions–scattered projectiles were used to study the kinematics of electron and positron impact ionization. Differential studies, recently performed at the University of Missouri-Rolla, for 500eV electron and positron impact on Ar are presented. The positron and electron beams are produced by means of a 22Na source and an electron gun respectively. The target is a simple gas jet. An electrostatic energy analyzer and a position sensitive detector measure the post-collision projectile energies and scattering angles. A channeltron counts recoil ions which are extracted by means of an electric field. In the opposite direction, a channelplate detector records low energy electrons emerging from the collision volume.

Ground-Penetrating Radar: A Tool for Monitoring Bridge Scour

The University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) and the Missouri Department of transportation (MoDOT) acquired ground penetrating radar (GPR) profiles across selected streams and drainage ditches at ten bridge sites in southeast and central Missouri. The objective was to determine if GPR is an effective tool for monitoring bridge scour and estimating the depths and breadths of in-filled scour features. The interpretation of the suite of acquired GPR profiles indicates the toll can be used to accurately estimate water depths in shallow fluvial environments (<20 feet). In certain instances, in-filled (paleo) scour features can also be imaged and mapped. This later information is important because it provides information about maximum scour during peak flow periods. GPR has certain advantages over alternate methods for estimating water depths. GPR can provide an essentially continuous profile-type image of the stream channel and the sub-water bottom sediment along the traverse selected. The GPR antenna are non-invasive and can be moved rapidly across (or above) the surface of a stream at the discretion of the operator. Additionally, the GPR tool does not need to be physically coupled to the water surface and can be operated remotely, ensuring that neither the operator nor equipment need be endangered by flood waters. Perhaps the most significant disadvantage of GPR is that the tool does not work well in clayey sedimentary environments.

Knowing Me, Knowing You: Gender Differences in Students’ File Trading

In studying the behavior of students who trade digital files, such as MP3s, over the internet, we have identified a number of gender differences. These differences are interesting because they reflect broader issues such as differences in technology use, cooperative behavior, and risk aversion. MP3s are highly-compressed, high-quality digital audio files that are easily reproduced, and are traded over the internet using special peer-to-peer (P2P) software. Such file trading is frequently at odds with copyright law. We surveyed nearly 1,300 economics principles students at three universities: Colorado State University, Southwest Missouri State University, and the University of Missouri-Rolla. Such students represent a key segment of the file-sharing population. We examined gender differences relating to the uploading and downloading of MP3s from non-commercial sources. Of the 1,239 students who indicated their gender, 501 are female. Certainly, men and women in the sample are similar with regard to several relevant characteristics. For example, no statistical differences between their ages, computer ownership, or reported level of total monthly expenditures exist. However, there were differences in listening habits and computer use. Women in our sample listen to 3.7 hours of music a day, while the men spend only 3.4 hours, a difference significant at the 5 percent level. Women do spend significantly less time on the computer each day. Despite their greater listening habits, fewer women own MP3s. While 84 percent of the men own MP3s, only 68 percent of the women do. A t-test suggests the difference is significant at the 1 percent level. Furthermore, even among those who already own MP3s, men indicate that they expected to obtain significantly more MP3s in the future than the women. When asked how many songs in MP3 format they are expected to acquire in the next 12 months, women are over-represented in the categories of none and 1Y100, while men are over-represented in the categories of 300 or more. File trading requires a certain level of cooperative behavior. To have a robust supply of files for downloading, somebody must be willing to upload. When asked whether they made their digital song files available to others, of those who answered the question, 65 percent of the men but only 51 percent of the women indicated they did. A Pearson Chisquared test rejects the hypothesis that making MP3s available is independent of gender at the 1 percent level. Other research used a logit model to show that female students were only 65 percent as likely as their male counterparts to make MP3s available to other users, even after controlling for such things as time spent listening to music, time spent on computers, and the desire to download more MP3s. [Gallaway et al., Journal of Economics, 2006]. However, male and female students are remarkably similar in their understanding of the free rider problem. Roughly 71 percent of both women and men Atlantic Economic Journal (2006)34:509Y510 * IAES 2006 DOI: 10.1007/s11293-006-9034-x

Differential ionization studies for positron impact

Recent studies of differential ionization by positron impact being performed at the University of Missouri-Rolla are described. Recoil ion-scattered positron and recoil ion-scattered positron-ejected electron coincidences are measured to provide doubly and triply differential ionization data (DDCS and TDCS) for e+ - Ar collisions. The DDCS and TDCS studies are for 750 and 200 eV impact respectively. For the TDCS studies the positron scattering angles are between approximately ± 5o and electrons ejected with energies less than 15 eV and angles between 90o ± 50o with respect to the beam direction are detected. Examples of TDCS data for the scattered positron and the ejected electron are presented.

Cold-Formed Steel Structures: Special Issue

Cold-formed steel structures are the theme of this month’s special issue of the Journal. The majority of the papers appearing are from the Seventeenth International Specialty Conference on ColdFormed Steel Structures, which was held in Orlando, Florida in October of 2004. This biannual conference, which is an important forum for research and practice exchange in the field, is ably organized by Professor Roger LaBoube of the Center for ColdFormed Steel Structures at the University of Missouri-Rolla. This issue provides expanded versions of the most highly regarded papers from this conference as selected by the members of the ASCE-SEI Committee on Cold-Formed Steel of the TAC on Metals. The Committee on Cold-Formed Steel also performed nearly all of the paper reviews. Committee members include R. LaBoube, J. Fisher, W. Kile, J. Larson, G. Polard, T. Sputo, W. Easterling, H. Salim, R. Serrette, W. Allen, B. Schafer, R. Lindenberg, T. Roecker, L. Xu, N. Rahman, E. Di Girolamo, and C. Rogers.

A testbed architecture for Auto‐ID technologies

PurposeThis paper presents an overview on the Auto‐ID (Automatic Identification) technologies testbed that has been established at the University of Missouri‐Rolla (UMR) with the objective of supporting research, development, and implementation of Auto‐ID technologies in network‐centric manufacturing environments.Design/methodology/approachUMR's Auto‐ID testbed uses a unique hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation methodology, which integrates decision‐making model development with the design of networking topology and data routing/scheduling schemes, in order to develop, test, and implement viable Auto‐ID solutions. The methodology is founded on a 3‐level integrated model: controller simulation, distributed controller simulation, and distributed controller simulation with hardware‐in‐the‐loop.FindingsThis paper discusses two case studies that highlight the effective use of RFID technology, its potential advantages, challenges, and deficiencies stemming from particular applications. These applications include dock doors, automated guided vehicles, conveyor and automated storage/retrieval systems, integration of RFID middleware with programmable logic controllers, and inventory management of time‐sensitive materials.Originality/valueThe paper presents an innovative idea: hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation methodology to design automation systems. The approach has been implemented on a variety of applications, which are presented in the paper as case studies.

Affordable composites using renewable materials

Bio-based composite products are finding widespread applications due to their low cost and environmental acceptability. Development of new bio-based raw material and automated composite manufacturing is the focus of the present study. Pultrusion is the fastest and the most cost-effective composite manufacturing processes, and is well suited for high volume production for structural applications. With growing opportunities to use pultruded composites, the development of cost effective pultrudable resin system is of great interest. A novel soy-based epoxy resin namely epoxidized allyl soyate is synthesized at the University of Missouri-Rolla. This resin forms co-polymers with the base Shell Epon epoxy resin in varied proportions to yield a family of polymeric networks. Glass fiber reinforced composite specimens are manufactured using a Durapul 6000 Labstar Pultrusion machine. The lubricity of soy-based resin significantly reduces the pull force. Mechanical tests show that pultruded composites with soy-based co-resin systems possess comparable or improved structural performance characteristics such as flexural strength, modulus and impact resistance.