College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology – FY 2005 Research Abstracts
ARCHITECTURE
Discover Architecture 2005
The “Discover Architecture” academy will promote the importance of architecture to society and illustrate potential career opportunities within the fields of architecture and architectural engineering. Over three years 144 participants will be introduced to the challenges and rewards of these disciplines and how mathematics and technology are applied in the problem-solving process and creation of architecture. Professional architects and engineers from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa have pledged their support of this academy, and along with the resources extended by OSU, this academy has the potential to become an ideal model of industry, government and academia working together to promote a brighter future for our state.
Sponsors: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Dewberry Design, Fritz Baily Architects, Scott Goble Architects, SelserSchaefer Architects, The Architects Collective, Wallace Engineering, FSB Architects, LWPB Architects, Mass Architects, Studio Architects, TAP The Architectural Partnership, and Zahl-Ford Engineering
PI: Suzanne D. Bilbeisi
Issues of the Built Environment
The major goal of the course will be to introduce architecture students to a highly diverse learning experience while leveraging the networking technology to increase program reach at the same time reducing costs of travel. A secondary goal of the project is to expand faculty and technician experience and knowledge in the proper and effective use of H.323 videoconferencing in the classroom.
Sponsor: MIDnet
PI: Eric Connell
Artificial Sky to Test Daylighting Physical Models
The School of Architecture has a strong belief in the conservation of natural resources through sustainable design. That is why the school is seeking to integrate the engineering of daylighting systems into the curriculum of both architecture and architectural engineering programs.
This NSF grant is being utilized to build a new laboratory, which is an Artificial Sky Dome. The sky dome, which is a 100% controlled luminous environment, should simulate a variety of sky conditions under which students will be able to test daylighting physical models. This laboratory will enable graduate and undergraduate students to explore new concepts of daylighting design, and consequently to help conserve energy in buildings. Utilization of daylight is one of the most cost-effective, energy-conserving strategies in the design and engineering of low-energy buildings. Integration between daylight and electric light in commercial buildings results in significant reductions in annual energy use and operating cost. This new laboratory is one-of-a-kind in the U.S. It will be open for the use of the building design community in Oklahoma and the country.
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
PI: Khaled A. Mansy
Designing a Professional Practice Curriculum for Cross-Cultural Mobility and Community Engagement
The purpose for this project in designing a professional practice curriculum for cross-cultural mobility and community engagement is three-fold: first, to enhance the potential for future professional mobility in architectural practice under NAFTA; second, to strategically re-deploy studio pedagogy to address shared momentum with emerging cross-border professional practice competencies in digital media, sustainable development, and cultural community contexts; and third, to define an innovative approach to language development and cultural literacy in professional practice education and continuing education.
Sponsor: University of Illinois-Chicago for the Department of Education
PI: Randy Seitsinger
Architecture Students Teaching Elementary Kids (ASTEK)
Fifth grade students are introduced to fundamental concepts of art and design through hands-on activities over the 10 week program. For every fifth grade classroom of 24 students, four OSU Architecture students volunteer to lead the hour long weekly sessions. Students begin with a visualization/imagination drawing exercise, and then expand their thinking, skills and knowledge of art and design with each new exercise. The final activity for each fifth grade class is the creation of a master plan for a city, with each student responsible for the design of a building within his or her city.
Sponsor: National Endowment for the Arts
PI: Suzanne D. Bilbeisi
HAZWOPER for First Receivers
The Oklahoma State University, CEAT Continuing Education Department has developed a consistent certification training program for employees of hospitals within the state for the Oklahoma Department of Health. This program is based on OSHA’s best practice document, “Protecting Hospital-Based First Receivers during Large-Scale Emergencies.” The OSU course is titled, “HAZWOPER for First Receivers.” CEAT Continuing Education, in cooperation with the OSU School of Fire Protection instructors, produced a module style CD-ROM training that meets and exceeds the applicable standards as requested by the Oklahoma Department of Health for part one of the training. Upon satisfactorily completing part one, the participant attends the second component of training, which is a four hour hands-on training session. This program was developed under the Health Resources and Services Administration grant for homeland security and preparedness.
Sponsor: Oklahoma State Department of Health
PI: Clayton Moorman
Kangwon National University American Studies Short Program Summer 2004
Kangwon National University (KNU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU) have entered into an agreement under which the CEAT Continuing Education Department will conduct a 29-day summer program on the OSU-Stillwater campus for KNU electrical engineering undergraduate students. The summer program will emphasize exposure to English, American culture, and engineering in the classroom. Outside the classroom, additional activities allow KNU guests opportunities for English conversation interaction with English speaking OSU electrical engineering students and faculty, OSU international students, and retail businesses both in Stillwater and Oklahoma. It is planned that KNU students will be paired with conversation partners that will meet in the evenings and on weekends. Industry visits to American manufacturing/research companies that have electrical engineering departments, or have electrical or communication related products or services, are included.
Sponsor: Kangwon National University
PIs: George F. Collington
Electrical and Computer Engineering: Jong-Moon Chung
CENTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY
County Government Personnel Education and Training Program
With the oversight provided by the Commission, the Center for Local Government Technology and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service will execute the County Government Personnel Education and Training Program by conducting training programs and providing technical assistance mandated by this legislation for County Assessors, County Clerks, County Commissioners, County Court Clerks, County Sheriffs, Country Treasurers and their deputies, and other county personnel.
Sponsor: Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector
PI: Michael L. Hughes
Project Monitoring/Assessment Program for Oklahoma’s Rural Transit Projects
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Transit Programs Division (TPD) is charged with the responsibility for administrating all Federal Transit Administration funds for areas with a population of fewer than 200,000. Oklahoma’s transit projects operate throughout the state. As a consequence of this large area of service and TPD’s limited staff numbers, these projects receive an inadequate frequency of on-site project monitoring and assessments. ODOT’s TPD needs assistance in conducting these on-site monitoring and assessments. The Center for Local Government Technology (CLGT), performs the monitoring functions through a comprehensive assessment program. The program is a partnership between the individual transit projects, TPD, and CLGT. The primary objective of the program is to assure project compliance with applicable federal and state laws and administrative rules. The second objective is to provide current information on the TPD website.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
PI: Michael L. Hughes
Tribal Technical Assistance Program
Funded by the Federal Highway Association and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this program provides for a resource center to furnish information, training, and technical assistance related to road and bridge construction, repair, and maintenance to over 49 tribal governments in a four state area. The TTAP mission is to meet the educational needs of tribal governments related to roads, bridges, public transit, transportation systems, inter-governmental coordination, and economic development. An important part of the mission is to provide training sessions, classes, and workshops geared to specific tribal needs. The TTAP center also maintains a mailing list, publishes a quarterly newsletter, keeps a library of technical literature and videotapes, and provides on-site assistance. The TTAP center at OSU is one of seven TTAP centers across the U.S. and part of a network of 58 technical assistance centers.
Sponsors: Federal Highway Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs
PIs: Jim Self, Michael L. Hughes
Erosion Control on Rural Unimproved Roads in Stillwater Creek Watershed
This project is intended to assess sediment loss from unpaved rural roads in Payne County, demonstrate BMPs to reduce erosion and sediment yield, and educate county road crews, county commissioners, city road crews, and the general public about controlling erosion and sedimentation from unpaved roads.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Conservation Commission
PIs: Douglas A. Wright, Michael Hinkston
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Michael D. Smolen, Don Turton
Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)
The major tasks of the LTAP Center are: 1) to conduct classes and conferences, 2) to provide technical assistance, 3) to serve as Oklahoma APWA Chapter Headquarters, 4) to publish a quarterly newsletter, and 5) to provide technology transfer material. The Center offers a County Roads Scholar Certification program and is one of four original LTAP centers in the nation.
Sponsors: Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration
PIs: Douglas A. Wright, Michael L. Hughes
Oklahoma’s Public Rural Transit Systems
The Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) provides training, technical assistance, and software applications to 21 rural public transportation systems in Oklahoma. RTAP is funded through a contract with the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) and ODOT. Training is presented in workshops, annual meetings, and one-on-one site visits. Current information supporting rural transit operations is provided on the CLGT website.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
PI: Michael L. Hughes
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Ultrapure Water Research Consortium
The overall objective of the UWC is to improve the fundamental understanding of ultrapure water processing. This objective is accomplished by developing detailed computer models that accurately predict ion exchange and membrane technology performance. The precise focus of the project is continuously refined through consultations with the sponsors at annual meetings, which has proven to be very successful in expanding dialogue among students and industrial liaisons.
Sponsors: Dow Chemical Company, Intel, Pennsylvania Power and Light, Knoll’s Atomic Power Laboratory, British Energy, Arizona Public Service, Virginia Power, Public Service Electric and Gas
PIs: Gary L. Foutch
College of Arts and Sciences: Allen Apblett
Health Monitor for Automation
Models are used for predicting (model predictive control) and inferring (inferential sensors, soft sensors) measurements. However, the manufacturing process behavior is always changing, and therefore the model becomes out of date, and the effectiveness of the model-based predictor/sensor degrades. Whether PID-based or model-based, controllers are tuned for good control, but performance degrades when the process gain or dynamics change. It would be good to have a practicable health monitor that observes either controller, model, or soft-sensor performance and automatically flags poor performance. A health monitor for controllers, using Markov Chain analysis of the distribution of deviations from setpoint was conceived in the first stage of this project. This stage will explore its applicability for a wide variety of both control and model validation situations.
Sponsor: Measurement and Control Engineering Center
PI: R. Russell Rhinehart
Enhanced Biomaterials for Inhibiting Platelet Deposition
Materials are often used for biomedical devices that come in contact with blood. The formation of blood emboli or the decrease in the effectiveness of the devices are consistent problems with many materials exposed to blood due to the surface deposition of platelets. This project will engineer and evaluate modified polymeric materials that inhibit platelet deposition via utilizing endogenous sources of nitric oxide as well as NTPDases (enzymes that scavenge species that promote platelet deposition). A biomaterial that is continually capable of inhibiting platelet deposition, such as the one(s) engineered in this study, would be valuable for long-term applications of materials exposed to blood.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology
PI: Randy S. Lewis
Characterization of Chitosan-based Scaffolds for Periodontal Tissue Engineering
Tissue engineering offers a new avenue for regenerating lost periodontal structures. Conceptually, the biodegradable scaffold should guide the in-growth of diverse cells that constitute the required structure while degrading and disappearing from the site. A number of biomaterials have been evaluated as mechanical barriers in guided periodontal tissue regeneration or for tissue engineering. The basic premise of this proposal is to evaluate the effect of porous chitosan microarchitecture on the behavior of periodontal tissue cells and the antimicrobial activity relevant to periodontal regeneration.
Sponsor: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center for National Institute of Health National Center for Research Resources
PI: Sundar V. Madihally
Effective Stormwater and Sediment Control during Pipeline Construction Using a New Filter Fence
A need exists for replacing current ineffective silt fence technology with a workable, cost-effective alternative that is capable of trapping sediment for the duration of a construction project. Preliminary studies at OSU and other locations confirm the feasibility of this endeavor.
The specific objectives of this research project are to: 1) modify the current silt fence technology to make it an effective stormwater and sediment control best management practice for pipeline (linear) construction, 2) test and optimize the technology under laboratory and field conditions, 3) develop and validate a computer model and graphic design aids for evaluating the performance of silt fence in the field and developing designs, and 4) develop mechanical techniques for installing the fence in a cost effective manner.
Sponsor: University of Tulsa – Integrated Petroleum Environmental Consortium for Environmental Protection Agency
PI: Khaled A.M. Gasem
Integrated Petroleum Environmental Consortium Associate Director Allocation
The funds provided in this project are for Dr. K.A.M. Gasem’s annual allocation as the OSU Associate Director of IPEC. The funds will be used to assist him discharge his duties as described by the IPEC bylaws.
Sponsor: University of Tulsa – Integrated Petroleum Environmental Consortium for Environmental Protection Agency
PI: Khaled A.M. Gasem
Flooding Sensor – OSU Project Component
The goal of this project is the development of a novel sensor to detect incipient flooding and other undesirable hydraulic states in distillation columns. The premise is that incipient flooding is characterized by high frequency pressure variations that can be recognized via nonlinear time series analysis. Typically, column operation is based on time-averaged (low frequency) column pressures along with other “signature characteristics.” The time-averaged quantities are likely imposed as constraints rather than actual monitoring of hydraulic state.
Sponsor: Measurement and Control Engineering Center
PI: James R. Whiteley
Biomass-based Energy Research
This project is one of the integrated activities by the Oklahoma/Mississippi Consortium (Oklahoma State University, University of Oklahoma, and Mississippi State University). These activities are accomplished through five primary research projects: Feedstock Development, Biomass Gasification and Syngas Conditioning, Syngas Fermentation, Microbial Catalyst Development, and Economics. These projects are working synergistically and are aligned to address the most important issues in the conversion of biomass to liquid fuel.
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture
PIs: Randy S. Lewis, A.J. Johannes
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Ray L. Huhnke, Danielle Bellmer, Charles Taliaferro, Francis M. Epplin, Timothy J. Bowser
Conversion of Low-Cost Biomass to Ethanol
Conversion of underutilized low-cost biomass to liquid fuel and other useful products at a price competitive with fossil fuel derivatives is one of the prime objectives of renewable energy research. The primary mission of our project is to further develop the bioconversion technology, which uses low-cost biomass for production of ethanol.
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture
PIs: Randy S. Lewis, A.J. Johannes
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Ray L. Huhnke, Danielle Bellmer, Charles Taliaferro, Francis M. Epplin, Timothy J. Bowser
Biodegradable Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration
This project will focus on: 1) developing novel blends of biomaterials that can be tailored to required biomechanical properties, 2) optimizing macro- and micro-architecture of scaffolds, and 3) design and development of bioreactors. Project will be emphasized toward developing optimized scaffolds for applications such as heart valves and vascular grafts.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology
PI: Sundar V. Madihally
Robotic Deposition of Dental Restorations
This project will support the efforts of the NIDCR Ceramics Team as a subcontractor and collaborator. This technology is on the cutting edge of freeform fabrication. Broad goals providing guidelines for the anticipated workload will be: 1) fabricate alumina and zirconia dental core structures using extrusion based robotic deposition (EBRD); 2) fabricate porcelain veneer structures for (a) subsequent joining to cores and (b) direct printing onto cores; and 3) investigate the feasibility of using EBRD to produce graded ceramic layer structures for optimal mechanical performance.
Sponsor: New York University for National Institutes of Health
PI: James E. Smay
Robotic Deposition of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds from Latex-Based Inks
Three-dimensional, mesoscale structures fabricated from colloidal building blocks are being investigated for tissue engineering scaffolds. The use of polymer colloids as the prime constituent in a direct write process allows for novel control over particle composition and surface chemistry; offering unique opportunities for tailoring scaffold properties. The scaffold mechanical integrity and porosity content are easily controlled through printing parameters and intrinsic polymer properties. In addition, the chemical environment for use of colloidal inks is aqueous and at neutral pH for biocompatibility. Our goal is to understand the processing characteristic of colloidal gel-based inks as well as to fabricate and characterize unique tissue engineering scaffolds.
Sponsor: Sciperio, Inc.
PI: James E. Smay
Robotic Deposition of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds from Latex-Based Inks
The goal of this research project is to investigate the use of latex-based colloidal gels to fabricate tissue engineering scaffolds using freeform fabrication. Research goals include the following: 1) synthesis of bio-compatible latex with mechanically prescribed properties, 2) formulation of colloidal gel-based inks and demonstration of spatial composition grading of properties, and 3) in-vitro characterization of the artificial lymph node in the simulated human immune system.
Sponsor: VaxDesign Corporation
PI: James E. Smay
Robotic Deposition of Piezoelectric Devices
This project will explore the use of robotic deposition for the creation of piezoelectric devices. This short duration project will be a trial to assess the feasibility of the robotic deposition process for the devices specified by Phillips CFT.
Sponsor: Phillips Centre for Industrial Technology
PI: James E. Smay
Gas Phase Corona Technology for Treatment of VOC Paint Booth Emissions: Phase III
This research project has four phases. The first phase will utilize OSU’s most recent plasma design, which is scalable by constructing many small reactors and packing them like straws in a can. This phase will focus on assessing the destruction efficiency of the VOCs contained in typical exhaust from a paint booth by the plasma reactor. The second phase of the project will size and construct/purchase the requested adsorption technology to concentrate the VOCs, and investigate the most effective manner (likely steam) to release these VOCs back into the air so they can be directed to the plasma reactor for destruction. Phase three of the project will involve the scale-up calculations and actual construction of a plasma reactor to handle the specified airflow rates. The fourth and final phase will involve testing the large-scale plasma reactor both with and without the pre-concentrator adsorber system to assess system performance and develop detailed operational costs and maintenance costs.
Sponsor: Automated Sciences Group, Inc.
PIs: Gary L. Foutch, A.J. Johannes
Civil and Environmental Engineering: John N. Veenstra
Development of Process Cause and Effect by Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The goal of this research is the development of an algorithm that autonomously observes process data and develops linguistic cause-and-effect relationships in dynamic (time dependent), noisy, continuous processes when affected by natural events (not intentionally perturbed). The “intelligent system” could be used to discover process relationships faster than human experience would generate their operational expertise, and without human bias. Once discovered, these cause-and-effect rules could be used to warn operational staff of pending events so that they can take timely and directed corrective action.
Sponsor: Measurement and Control Engineering Center
PIs: R. Russell Rhinehart
Electrical and Computer Engineering: Gary G. Yen
Oklahoma IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (OK INBRE) Summer Research Program for Undergraduates
The basic premise of this project is to develop 3D constructs for engineering periodontal tissue that can be used clinically or as an in vitro model system to understand the progression of periodontal diseases and wound healing characteristics. A number of biomaterials have been evaluated as mechanical barriers in guided periodontal tissue regeneration or for tissue engineering. The hypothesis is that blending gelatin, Polycaprolactone (PCL) and chitosan together will give a superior biomaterial in which the beneficial properties of individual polymers are complemented by others. A summer student will be involved to evaluate the effect of blending and scaffold architecture on cell-material interaction. The mode of blending will determine whether chitosan-based scaffolds will retain their antimicrobial activity while supporting cellular activity.
Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for National Institutes of Health
PI: Sundar V. Madihally
CAREER: Solid Freeform Fabrication of Multi-Material Functional Devices Using Colloidal Inks
The objectives of the project are to discover critical interrelationships between colloidal gel rheological, viscoelastic, and drying properties and the performance of extrusion-based, solid freeform fabrication (SFF) processes and to apply multi-material SFF to the assembly of novel devices. Deposition of multiple materials and the accompanying issues of heterogeneous materials integration will be explored to enable the assembly of currently un-manufacturable 3-D passive electronics devices. Living inks will be created to open new avenues in tissue engineering, such as for integrated bone and cartilage scaffolds, by investigating incorporation of in-situ cell seeding into biodegradable colloidal inks.
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
PI: James E. Smay
Directed Assembly of Metal-Ceramic Reentrant Structures
The role of OSU in this project is to develop the colloidal ink formulations containing both metal and ceramic particles with appropriate viscoelastic properties for robotic deposition and shape retention. The initial stage will focus on production of 2-D reentrant structures with and without piezoelectric ceramic inclusions. The second stage of the project entails production of a 3-D scaffold with appropriate support materials.
Sponsor: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technologies, LLC
PI: James E. Smay
Improved Adsorption Models for Coalbed Methane Production and CO2 Sequestration
The goal of the adsorption research is to develop reliable coal-structure-based generalized equilibrium models that are suitable for generalized CBM adsorption predictions and reservoir simulations. Such models will be capable of the following: 1) representing pure and mixture isotherms precisely, 2) fully incorporating moisture effects, and 3) facilitating a priori coal-property-based predictions. To achieve this goal, and to deliver models of high industrial utility, we plan to use rigorous methodologies rooted in fundamentals. Only then we can gain the required insight to delineate the cause and effect of the many complex phenomena involved in CBM operations.
Sponsor: Advanced Resources International, Inc. for Department of Energy
PIs: Khaled A. M. Gasem, Robert L. Robinson, Jr.
CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Assisting the Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation in Preparing a Strategic Research Plan
The purpose of this project is to assist FTA’s Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation in finalizing its Strategic Research Plan for the Federal Transit Administration. The research team will perform the following tasks: 1) review the situation statements in the draft Strategic Research Plan, 2) verify and suggest modifications based on the professional experience of the research team and literature search, 3) research and suggest relevant performance outcome measures that can be easily calculated from available data for inclusion in the Strategic Research Plan, and 4) research and recommend to the Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation ways of integrating the Performance Assessment Rating Tool (PART)^2 into the research management process.
Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Federal Transit Administration
PI: Gorman Gilbert
Coordination of Services
The Oklahoma Transportation Center (OTC) will assist FTA in the accomplishment of mandated responsibilities for implementing coordination, as described in “United We Ride.” The OTC will assist the FTA in preparing the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility to prepare its Draft Action Plan.
Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Federal Transit Administration
PI: Gorman Gilbert
A Framework for Preparing Environmental Risk Assessments for the Federal Transit Administration’s Major Capital Investment Projects
This project addresses the research necessary to develop an environmental risk assessment protocol for major transit investments. This protocol could be employed early in and throughout the overall project delivery schedule to identify critical issues and events, which if left unattended, would result in significant scope changes and/or schedule delays, with attendant project cost increases. The research will develop a methodology that allows staffers and contractors insight in identifying the range of risks associated with critical environmental categories of concern at the various stages of project delivery as well as the quantifiable risks of attendant costs and schedule impacts associated with each of these categories.
Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Federal Transit Administration
PI: William F. McTernan
Evaluating Percent Within Limits (PWL) Specifications
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has let four paving jobs for construction where “percent within limits” specifications will be employed. The PWL specifications are intended to be used as part of the Quality Assessment program to determine the statistical probability of conformance to specified material properties and construction details, and to base the Pay Factor (PF) off the probability of conformance to the specifications. This project will evaluate the performance of the PWL specifications and assess the suitability of the PWL specifications for future jobs.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
PIs: Bruce W. Russell, Stephen A. Cross
Evaluation of Cold In-Place Recycling for Rehabilitation of Transverse Cracking on US 412
Successful rehabilitation of transverse cracked hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements has been a challenge for state DOTs. Cold in-place recycling (CIR) has been shown to be a cost-effective procedure for rehabilitation of transverse cracked HMA pavements. Two rehabilitation projects on US 412 in Beaver County will be studied to investigate the suitability of CIR with slurry crack injection as a rehabilitation technique for transverse cracked pavements in Oklahoma.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
PI: Stephen A. Cross
Determination of Dynamic Modulus Master Curves for Oklahoma HMA Mixtures
The goal of this project is to develop a procedure where ODOT can approach level 1 reliability for HMA master curves without performing detailed dynamic modulus testing for each mix in a pavement system. Based on the results of the analysis, the need for typical master curves based on asphalt binder grade and/or nominal aggregate size, or from customized prediction equations based on Oklahoma mix properties, would be determined.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
PI: Stephen A. Cross
Civil Engineering Student Design Squad FY06
Seven OSU undergraduate students will be scheduled to perform tasks assigned by ODOT Roadway Design Supervisor. Tasks will include, but not be limited to, designing and drafting highway plans, calculating quantities, completing checklists, and other items of work.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
PI: Gorman Gilbert
Gas Phase Corona Technology for Treatment of VOC Paint Booth Emissions: Phase III
This research project has four phases. The first phase will utilize OSU’s most recent plasma design, which is scalable by constructing many small reactors and packing them like straws in a can. This phase will focus on assessing the destruction efficiency of the VOCs contained in typical exhaust from a paint booth by the plasma reactor. The second phase of the project will size and construct/purchase the requested adsorption technology to concentrate the VOCs, and investigate the most effective manner (likely steam) to release these VOCs back into the air so they can be directed to the plasma reactor for destruction. Phase three of the project will involve the scale-up calculations and actual construction of a plasma reactor to handle the specified airflow rates. The fourth and final phase will involve testing the large-scale plasma reactor both with and without the pre-concentrator adsorber system to assess system performance, and develop detailed operational costs and maintenance costs.
Sponsor: Automated Sciences Group, Inc.
PIs: John N. Veenstra
Chemical Engineering: Gary L. Foutch, A.J. Johannes
Reaching Engineering and Architecture Career Heights 2005
The academy introduces the multidisciplinary fields of engineering, architecture, and technology to Oklahoma high school students. Experiences include hands-on laboratory and design exercises, and off-campus tours to manufacturing and R&D facilities. Team building and communication skill development are threads throughout the series of activities. Special emphasis is placed on the roles of science and mathematics as underpinnings of the fields of engineering, architecture, and technology; on the key roles played by engineers, architects, and technologists in advancing human life; and on career opportunities in engineering, architecture, and technology for well-represented and under-represented groups.
Sponsors: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, OSU Foundation funded by Phillips Educational Initiative Grant, NASA Space Grant Consortium
PIs: Gregory G. Wilber
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Danielle Bellmer
NASP Bond Testing, Round Four
The goal of this project is to help define the testing protocols and continue to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of the NASP Bond Test. If the results prove as repeatable and reproducible as the Round Two and Round Three tests, then the testing program will provide additional experimental documentation to support arguments favoring adoption of the NASP Bond Test as a performance standard for strand bond. Additionally, the research will work toward eliminating some of the nagging questions that are currently standing in the way of full acceptance for the NASP Bond Tests by the precast concrete industry.
Sponsor: American Wire Producers Association
PI: Bruce W. Russell
North American Strand Producers Bond Testing
The goal of this project is to help define the testing protocols and continue to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of the NASP Bond Test. If the results prove as repeatable and reproducible as the Round Two and Round Three tests, then the testing program will provide additional experimental documentation to support arguments favoring adoption of the NASP Bond Test as a performance standard for strand bond. Additionally, the research will work toward eliminating some of the nagging questions that are currently standing in the way of full acceptance for the NASP Bond Tests by the Precast concrete industry.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
PI: Bruce W. Russell
Degradation Stabilizing Methodology for Selected Drop Box Culverts in Oklahoma
The purpose of this project is to develop a methodology to analyze drop box culverts in Oklahoma such that the energy is dissipated within the culverts or just downstream of the culverts in order to minimize the scour downstream. The project investigates the range of vertical drops that may result in effective energy dissipation and consequently minimum scour downstream of drop box culverts. Culvert parameters for analysis are provided by the Bridge Division and Roadway Design Division, ODOT.
Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration
PI: Avdhesh K. Tyagi
Application of Linear Scheduling Methods to Highway Construction Projects
This project will evaluate and synthesize existing practices and methods of using linear scheduling in the construction industry, identify factors relevant to successful scheduling and early completion of highway construction projects, and develop a prototype model for LSM scheduling.
Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration
PIs: Garold D. Oberlender, M. Samir Ahmed
Freight Movement Model Development for Oklahoma
This purpose of this project is to develop a Freight Movement Model for the State of Oklahoma. The state model development is divided into two years. The first year will model the traffic inside the state, using the regional model as inputs. During the first year, the research team will conduct a literature review of state freight movement models, determine validation procedures for the state model, develop the mathematical formulation of the state model, and begin the software development that will interface the regional model with the state model. The results of this research project will be a prototype software system that will run the Freight Movement Model for the State of Oklahoma. This software system will be deployable to state employees and members of the Oklahoma Transportation Center for their use.
Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration
PIs: M. Samir Ahmed
School of Industrial Engineering and Management: Ricki G. Ingalls, Manjunath Kamath
Investigation of Feasibility of Using Continuous Live Load Design for Steel Bridges
The purpose of this research is to objectively examine the possibility of using continuous for live load construction for steel bridges in Oklahoma. Previous work has shown the possibility of several advantages in ease of construction and cost saving features. This project is expected to examine the available research and existing erections of this system to provide the OTC with an objective report on the feasibility of using continuous for live load steel bridges in Oklahoma.
Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration
PI: Charles M. Bowen
TCSP: Load Rating of Steel Bridges with Deteriorated Members
The Federal Highway Administration estimates that approximately one-third of our nation’s highway bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Unfortunately, the largest percentage of these are located in the state of Oklahoma. In the cases where the deficiency is caused by the superstructure, the source of the problem may be deteriorated and/or distressed structural members. The research seeks to provide a practical, simple, yet reliable method of load rating bridges with distressed members.
Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation
PIs: Charles M. Bowen
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Hongbing Lu
Evaluation of Variability in Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity Determination
The determination of the theoretical maximum specific gravity (Gmm) of bituminous paving mixtures is an important part of the Superpave mix design system and the ODOT construction quality assurance program. This project seeks to determine what factors affect Gmm test results and to determine what steps can be implemented to keep AASHTO T 209 test variability between quality control and quality assurance laboratories to a minimum.
Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration
PI: Stephen A. Cross
Use of Groundwater Models to Infer Fate and Transport of DNAPL Contaminants and to Support Plume Stability
The proposed research involves the development and application of groundwater models at select sites under Tinker AFB for the purposes of projecting future contaminant plume locations and geometries arising from contamination by Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPL), which may require remediation. The models developed and applied will be used to define contaminant plume stability and expected future contamination profiles for the purpose of identifying candidate locations for Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA)—a remediation approach that, where applicable, typically results in significant cost savings coupled with improved overall results when compared to more traditional approaches.
Sponsor: Automated Sciences Group, Inc.
PI: William F. McTernan
Oklahoma Transportation Center (OTC)
This project sets forth a working relationship between the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oklahoma Transportation Center (OTC). The goal of this relationship is to bring the resources of the Oklahoma universities to bear on important transportation issues in the state and to do so in a cooperative and effective manner.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
PI: Gorman Gilbert
Transfer, Development, and Splice Length for Strand/Reinforcement in High-Strength Concrete
The main objective of this study is to develop recommended revisions as appropriate to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications for normal weight concrete having compressive strengths up to 18 ksi, relating to: 1) transfer and development length of pre-stressing strand with diameters up to 0.62 inches, and 2) development and splice length in tension and compression of individual bars, bundled bars, and welded wire reinforcement and development length of standard hooks.
Sponsor: Purdue University for the National Academy of Sciences/National Cooperative Highway Research Program
PI: Bruce W. Russell
Development of a 511 Traveler Information Program Deployment Plan for Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) wishes to develop a deployment plan for the “511 Travelers’ Assistance Program” outlined in 66 FR 141 (1999). The 511 Plan will include projects currently under development through the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) program. The 511 Plan can also employ information infrastructure (fiber optic lines) currently owned by ODOT and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA). The 511 deployment plan will be developed through a cooperative agreement between Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. Input will be sought from stakeholders, requirements of the 511 program will be determined, and a deployment plan produced that stresses affordability, ease of administration, and the needs of stakeholders.
Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
PI: Dee Ann Sanders
DIVISION OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Hydraulic Material Testing Machine
The goal of this project is to: 1) design and simulate a hydraulic circuit for a tensile/compression testing machine, 2) design and fabricate jigs and structures, and 3) assemble and test a material testing machine. This work is performed by fluid power students and will provide major lab equipment for five lab courses.
Sponsor: National Fluid Power Association
PI: Young B. Chang
Cooperative Detection Research Project
Cooperative sensing has been heavily marketed as a means to reduce nuisance smoke alarms in problem areas, such as elevator lobbies. However, there is currently no third party empirical data available to provide design guidance for these systems. The purpose of this project is to obtain this data and determine the effectiveness of cooperative sensing in smoke sensors.
Sponsor: NOTIFIER (A Division of Honeywell)
PI: Tom J. Woodford
Acoustic Measurement of Fire Sprinkler Heads
The goal of this project is to obtain acoustic measurements for a variety of commercially available fire sprinkler heads. OSU will assist in the design and fabrication of a test rig for the sprinklers and the capture of acoustic signatures for each sprinkler.
Sponsor: Honeywell Laboratories
PIs: Tom J. Woodford, Floyd Luinstra, Pat D. Brock, John Stevens
Fire Prevention and Safety Program
This project will address the following goals: 1) develop accessible fire safety messages and materials for the specialized needs of individuals with disabilities, 2) develop and provide a formative evaluation of child-sensitive curriculum employing developmentally-appropriate practices specifically for three-year-old, four-year-old, and five-year-old children, and 3) provide assistance for fire and life safety educators to participate in professional development opportunities.
Sponsor: U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate
PIs: Tom J. Woodford
Fire Protection Publications: Nancy J. Trench
College of Human Environmental Sciences: Deborah Norris
Wellness Center: Linda Jaco
Aerodynamic Dancer and Tension Transducer
The objectives of the research include the following: 1) to develop a dynamic model of an aerodynamic dancer; 2) to develop an aerodynamic dancer and a tension transducer that are effective in a wide frequency range and do not cause excessive lateral web deflection, touching, or flutter; 3) to experimentally verify the performance and stability of the aerodynamic dancer and tension transducer; 4) to establish a method of accurate measurement of tension at frequencies lower than a predictable limit, for industrial applications where a high frequency response is needed, as well as for precise measurement of tension in laboratory tests; and 5) to minimize the consumption of compressed air of the aerodynamic dancer or tension transducer.
Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center
PIs: Young B. Chang
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: John J. Shelton, Bruce A. Feiertag
Lateral Dynamics of a Web over an Air Reverser
The objectives of the research include the following: 1) to develop an understanding of weave amplification, 2) to develop an analytical model of weave amplification of the web supported by a perforated-drum type air reverser, and 3) to experimentally verify the analytical model.
Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center
PIs: Young B. Chang, Kenneth Belanus
U.S. Fire Administration Fire Prevention and Safety
OSU proposes to specifically address issues identified in the Beyond Solutions 2000 Report, targeting fire safety issues for young children, older adults, and people with disabilities. The three projects in the proposal are: Project A –A National Review of Fire Safety Information for People with Disabilities; Project B—Translating Fall and Fire Prevention Materials for Older Adults; and Project C—Fire Safety Messages for Young Children three to five Years Old
Sponsor: Federal Emergency Management Agency
PIs: Tom J. Woodford
Fire Protection Publications: Nancy J. Trench
OSU is currently working in its 39th year as the JMEM Production Contractor for the Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions Effectiveness (JTCG/ME). JTCG/ME is a Department of Defense (DoD) program sponsored by the Secretary of Defense’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. We provide research, analysis, development, and computational support to three major joint service working groups within the JTCG/ME involved with the production and dissemination of classified conventional munitions effectiveness data. We also provide technical editing, graphics, composing, and document design/layout support to publish all JMEMs and JTCG/ME Special Reports according to military standards. The Oklahoma State University Engineering Research Field Office (OSUFO) is located on Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, with a satellite office at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
JTCG/ME provides nonnuclear munitions effectiveness information for DoD targeteers, weaponeers, and planners; operational commanders; weapon system designers; and logisticians. The information includes damage/kill probabilities for specific weapons and targets, physical and functional characteristics of munitions and weapon systems, target vulnerability, obscuration impact on weapon effectiveness, and analytical techniques and procedures for assessing munitions effectiveness. This effort has resulted in a library of classified and unclassified JMEMs and standardized methodologies capable of rapidly generating effectiveness data over a wide range of delivery parameters for air-to-surface, surface-to-surface, antiair, and Special Forces weapons.
The JTCG/ME is organized with three major working groups, each with their own JMEM CD-ROM: JMEM/Air-to-Surface, JMEM/Surface-to-Surface (including Special Operations), and JMEM/Antiair—to cover the spectrum of weapon effects issues. In addition, a formally chartered Operational Users Working Group (OUWG) supports each JMEM working group. The JTCG/ME Program Office is the focal point for all JTCG/ME efforts. They coordinate the efforts of the working groups while the execution of those efforts is the responsibility of the working group chairperson. JMEM/Air-to-Surface is involved in the development of methodologies and analysis of data that assess the effectiveness of weapons launched from the air at targets on the ground. JMEM/Surface-to-Surface assesses weapons delivered from the surface (land and water) at targets on the surface. JMEM/Antiair assesses weapons launched at air targets.
The Joint Service Target Data Standardization Group supports the three working groups by assessing a target’s loss of capability when impacted by a weapon’s damage mechanisms. The OSUFO weapons branches are aligned with the JTCG/ME working groups. The OSUFO Targets, Publications, and Graphics Branches are functionally organized to give maximum support across all working groups. OSUFO personnel coordinate on a daily basis with the working groups and the Program Office. They also work with other JTCG/ME contractors who are developing methodologies or working on target vulnerability studies to ensure their efforts will support JMEM production schedules and needs. The OSUFO performs development and weapons effectiveness analyses as well as supports the working groups in their efforts to obtain weapons data from the government program offices and the weapons contractors. The OSUFO’s major responsibility is to produce JMEMs on time, based on working group schedules, with the capabilities and data required by the government.
The 63-employee effort is divided 73 percent for research/analytical support and 27 percent for technical publishing support. Research/analytical activity includes development, documentation, and maintenance of sophisticated computer programs designed to produce classified conventional weapons effectiveness data versus a broad spectrum of surface and airborne targets. Research activity also involves the collection and analysis of detailed weapon system characteristics data and target vulnerability data that provides inputs for weapons effectiveness programs.
The technical publishing function, working interactively and concurrently with OSUFO analysts, involves technical editing, illustrating, composing, and document design/layout required to produce high-quality documents to strict military standards. These documents include paper and electronic media products.
This year, the JTCG/ME started the sophisticated process of combining the JMEM/Air-to-Surface and JMEM/Surface-to-Surface efforts into one working group to produce a single integrated product. The first step was to put the two JMEMs on the same set of CD-ROMs, which was accomplished in April 2005. OSUFO has been designing a single integrated product using the latest computer science technologies and tools. The new product is scheduled for release in 2007. The OSUFO organizational structure will realign to more closely fit the new JTCG/ME structure.
The OSUFO added a Training Branch this year. The primary objective was to develop tools to enhance the DoD capability to train the warfighters on how best to use the CD-ROM JMEMs. In August, the branch produced the first JTCG/ME training product titled Introduction to JMEM Weaponeering System Course. This course explains the fundamentals of every tool on the Air-to-Surface and Surface-to-Surface JMEM CD-ROMs.
JMEMs were used in planning strikes in every conflict from the late 1960s through today. JMEM data are also widely used for training targeteers and weaponeers at service schools, conducting exercises, and supporting deployment contingency planning.
Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
PIs: Dean Karl N. Reid, Arthur J. Rosenbaum
ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Advanced Retinal Imaging for Non-invasive Disease Study
This project aims at advanced retinal imaging for non-invasive disease study, e.g., diabetic retinopathy. Fundoscopy imaging provides important information of the retina where small blood vessels can be studied with relative ease. There are a number of chronic systemic diseases that affect retinal vessels in a relatively slow and silent fashion. The current retinal imaging technology requires intensive labor and time to study the pathological characteristics based on subjective criteria. The goal is to develop advanced retinal imaging approaches to facilitate, automate, and validate early disease detection pertaining to primary care, health plan, disease management, and telemedicine etc.
Sponsor: OCAST
PIs: Guoliang Fan and Gary G. Yen
Field Penetration Studies – Statistics and Bounding
The long term goal of this project is to develop analysis tools to generate a boundary for and a statistical characterization of the fields inside non-ideal (lossy), electrically large cavities, as is found in a typical transport. An additional goal is to determine the coupling of the fields that exist in the complex environment to electrically small avionics boxes.
Sponsor: Old Dominion University Research Foundation for NASA
PI: Charles F. Bunting
Vitalizing Electromagnetic Concepts to Enhance Relevancy: VECTOR
The Department of Electrical Engineering will develop and implement a two course sequence in electromagnetics based on proven teaching methods called VECTOR (Vitalizing Electromagnetic Concepts To Obtain Relevancy). Project goals are to make EM relevant to students, utilize modern engineering tools and techniques to teach fundamental concepts, pipeline students into the electromagnetics-photonics curriculum, and evaluate VECTOR as a test-bed for future development of exemplary curricular materials.
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
PIs: Charles F. Bunting, James C. West, R. Alan Cheville
College of Education: R. J. Bryant
Development of Process Cause and Effect by Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The goal of this research is the development of an algorithm that autonomously observes process data and develops linguistic cause-and-effect relationships in dynamic (time dependent), noisy, continuous processes when affected by natural events (not intentionally perturbed). The “intelligent system” could be used to discover process relationships faster than human experience would generate their operational expertise, and without human bias. Once discovered, these cause-and-effect rules could be used to warn operational staff of pending events so that they can take timely and directed corrective action.
Sponsor: Measurement and Control Engineering Center
PIs: Gary G. Yen
Chemical Engineering: R. Russell Rhinehart
CAREER: Multidimensional THz Imaging and Collaborative Research-Oriented Education
This research program will use optoelectronically-generated pulses for imaging and characterization in the far infrared (FIR) spectral region. This research will be integrated into curriculum development designed to address fundamental shortcomings in providing research opportunities for undergraduate students.
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
PI: R. Alan Cheville
Relevancy Enhancement Achieved by Laboratories and Lecture Integrated for Engineering Education (REAL LIFE) Adoption of a Relevant Undergraduate Curriculum
The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering—in conjunction with the OSU College of Education, the OSU Library, and the School of Industrial Engineering and Management—will increase retention of engineering students at OSU by implementing a model based on successful engineering curriculum reform efforts. The curriculum model is named REAL LIFE (Relevancy Enhancement Achieved by Laboratories and Lecture Integrated For Engineering Education) and is designed to enhance relevancy. REAL LIFE integrates three proven teaching methods: problem-based learning, team learning, and case studies. This model has been implemented and tested at Oklahoma State University through a National Science Foundation, Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement award with great success.
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
PIs: R. Alan Cheville, Charles F. Bunting, Carl D. Latino, Keith A. Teague
School of Industrial Engineering and Management: Camille F. DeYong
College of Education: Richard J. Bryant
Edmond Low Library: Elizabeth A. Reiten
Terahertz Spectroscopy of Complex Matter
This research project is a collaborative experimental-theoretical effort to investigate the electronic properties of complex matter in the terahertz frequency region from 25 GHz to beyond 5 THz. The goal of this project is to make fundamental contributions to the understanding of complex matter through development and adaptation of THz time domain spectroscopy techniques.
Sponsor: Department of Energy
PIs: R. Alan Cheville, Daniel R. Grischkowsky
Advanced Broadband Digital Cable-TV Set-Top System and Networking Research
Oklahoma State University will participate in building advanced developer’s supplemental tools for Digital Cable-TV Set-Top boxes and Digital Cable-TV networking devices that assist the functionality of scanning and surveying platform capabilities in terms of available resources, and also monitor usage of application layer threads by direct API calls or head-end based operations, such that the deployed application operates within the discovered allowable boundaries. The project also includes advanced research on network security and information assurance (IA) analysis and optimization.
Sponsor: LaLucha, LLC
PI: Jong-Moon Chung
Center of Excellence in Information Technology & Telecommunications (COEITT) Domain Leader
Dr. Jong-Moon Chung will represent Oklahoma State University (OSU), serving as Domain Leader for the Center of Excellence in Information Technology & Telecommunications (COEITT) over the next year period. The essential functions of a COEITT Domain Leader are to work with the Executive Director (ED) and the Associate Directors of Collaborative Research (ADCRs) of the COEITT in the establishment and implementation of the strategy for collaborative research in targeted application and topical area (known as a “domain”) in information technology and telecommunications among Oklahoma’s research universities, private sector and state agencies. The COEITT Domain Leader responsibilities and duties are listed as follows: 1) serve as the team leader for one’s respective university to recruit and generate interest among other faculty for research in their domain, 2) work with peer leaders from the other research universities in their domain to: a) provide specific recommendations to COEITT ED and ADCRs on funded programs to be targeted based on existing research interests and expertise at their respective institutions; b) identify infrastructure and personnel needs in order to be competitive at a national level with the federal funding agencies (requiring an understanding of the funding agencies’ strategies, priorities, and recently funded projects); c) develop demonstration projects that can be used to explain relevance of research to the general public, institutional leadership, and funding decision makers, such as members of the Congressional delegation, state legislators, and their staff members; and d) lead and be involved in the development and submission of proposals within their respective domains, resulting in submission of at least one significant research proposal (significant is defined as project funding of $250,000 or more with team members collaborating in the research from at least two of the three research universities).
Sponsor: OSU Foundation for the Center of Excellence in Information Technology and Telecommunications, OSU-Tulsa
PI: Jong-Moon Chung
Feasibility Study of the RFID MMM Systems
The objective of this project is to conduct a thorough investigation on the system requirements involved in developing the Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) based Micro-Memory Module (MMM) devices and the downhole and surface reader/writer terminals. It will also be to fully understand and quantify: 1) communication channel characteristics in LWD environments, and 2) physical constraints of telemetry systems in LWD environments. Downhole Reader/Writer, Surface Reader/Writer, and Contactless RF Memory Module system designs will be developed.
Sponsor: Halliburton Energy Services
PIs: Jong-Moon Chung, Charles F. Bunting, Chriswell G. Hutchens
Feasibility Study of a Telemetry System Using RFID Micro Memory Modules
The objective of this project is to develop Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) wireless communication systems for down-hole telemetry data transfer in high-temperature drilling environments. The systems to be developed include the Micro Memory Module (MMM), Downhole Read-Writer (DRW), and Surface Read-Writer (SRW). Among the three units, the MMM and the DRW will be developed with high temperature commercial off-the-shelf integrated circuit technology that can sustain operations in environments up to 150º C. The initial MMM design will be implemented to be a target size 9 mm by 18 mm multi-chip module. The total MMM volume, electronics and antenna will be implemented in a volume of a