college of engineering and architecturedkatti/adr/cearip07.pdf · college of engineering and...

College of Engineering and Architecture

North Dakota State University, Fargo

Research Information Pages

20072008

Research Information Pages

Departments

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering ................................................. 2

Architecture & Landscape Architecture ..................................................13

Civil Engineering ......................................................................................48

Construction Management & Engineering ..............................................97

Electrical & Computer Engineering .......................................................108

Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering ...............................................136

Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics .....................................140

Version: 19 February 2008

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Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

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North Dakota State University: College of Engineering & Architecture

Research Information 2007 Page 1

T : I T D S S C AL ITLE MPACT OF ILE RAINAGE AND UBIRRIGATION ON OIL HEMICAND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Investigators: Xinhua Jia, Thomas DeSutter, Thomas Scherer, Dean Steele, David Hopkins

Funding Source: North Dakota State Water CommissionDepartment: Agricultural and Biosystems EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): sustainability, soil conservation, drainage

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Tile drainage is a process of removing excess subsurface water from a soil. Due to increased rainfall and prompted by higher land values and better crop prices, tile drainage has been accelerated in the ND. The increased rainfall and high water table also caused salinity to become a problem. Tile drainage is a promising way to control water table and reduce salinity for wet soils. At the present time, there is no official tally of the amount of tiled land in North Dakota. Therefore, the impact of tile drainage on the soil and water resources is also unknown. This project explores the possibility to control water table and evaluate the soil and water quality changes.

Graphics (photographs/images/graphs)

RESEARCH METHODS The test field is located in the Red River Valley at Fairmount, Richland County, North Dakota. The feasibility of subirrigation will be evaluated through a mass balance approach. Soil salinity assessment will be conducted once a year by a Veris 3100. Changes in soil chemical and physical properties will be determined by deep core sampling for SAR, EC, pH, ESP, and in-situ soil moisture sensors as well as piezometers for water table depth and quality monitoring. Water quality from the tile effluent and piezometers will be monitored and analyzed during the growing season. Crop yield will be determined in the control, drained, and drained/subirrigated plots.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The expected results from this project is to: 1) determine the feasibility of using the tile drainage for subirrigation to enhance crop production in the RRV; 2) evaluate the changes of the soil chemical and physical properties overlying the drained and drained-subirrigated areas compared to untreated areas; 3) monitor drainage water quantity and quality, ground water depth and water quality in the drained, drained and subirrigated, and controlled areas; and 4) determine the impact of moderate SAR irrigation water on the dispersivity and hydraulic conductivity of soils near the drain iles used for subirrigation. t

Contact Information: [email protected]; http://myprofile.cos.com/jiaxinhua.

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mailto:[email protected]

http://myprofile.cos.com/jiaxinhua

North Dakota State University: College of Engineering & Architecture Computer Imaging –based Artificial Intelligent Techniques and Systems for Quality Control andCharacterization of Food and Biological Products

Investigators: Suranjan Panigrahi (PI), Vern Hofman, Denis Wiesenborn

Funding Source: USDA, Different growers AssociationsDepartment: Agricultural and Biosystems EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Computer Imaging, Electro‐optical systems, Pattern recognitions

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Computer vision or imaging is form of artificial intelligent (AI) technology that simulates human vision system. It has tremendous potential to be used for quality control, automation, consistent and accurate characterization of products. This technology has advantages over human being in providing unbiased, objective, accurate and quantitative information. Manufactured food products provide enormous challenges with random variations in their properties. Still, it is critical to manufacture quality food products in a cost‐effective manner. We initiated projects for inspection and characterization of different food products including french fries during and before processing using computer imagsystem (integrated). We also developed a novel method (for the first time) chemical spray coverage analysis on plants.

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RESEARCH METHODS For food products characterization, we have worked with grain, French fries and beans (varieties of beans). These products have economical and social significance in the region and in the nation. For food products, we developed and/or integrated the required material handling system, optical system, electro‐optical system, hardware, data/image acquisition system and associated signal processing as well as pattern recognition techniques. The system was developed for non‐destrevaluation of geometrical features, (length, width, shapes), color, texture, defects. Techniques were developed for imaging under static and dynamic (highspeed) conditions to fulfill the real‐world

uctive

needs

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Integrated hardware and proof‐of‐the‐concept software were developed for non‐contact evaluation and characterization of different physical properties of French fries including length, internal texture and color classification of French fries. As sabove , an electromechanical thumb simulator was also developed and tested with high classification accuracy for automated external texture classification of French fries. These systems have potential to be used off‐line or at‐line quality evaluation, control and subsequent automation of potato processing operations.


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For the first‐time, an integrated flurorescent imaging system was eveloped and the concept was proven to visualize and quality e chemical coverage on plant leaves.

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Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected]

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North Dakota State University: College of Engineering & Architecture On‐the‐go quality sensors for agricultural products.

Investigators: Suranjan Panigrahi (PI), Vern Hofman

Funding Source: Private Companies and local growers association.Department: Agricultural and Biosystems EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Sensors and non‐destructive quality evaluation, chemical compostion

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION

Agriculture and food sector is an important industry in our country. Innovative mechanization and system ahs led the USA to be a leader in the world. Though much emphasis was given in the past on quantity, quality has become a key concept in to‐day’s competitive world. We realized the need of real‐time field scale sensor for quality assessment of its compositions. The random and wide variability of quality parameters and the needs for cost‐effective systems posed additional research challenges.


RESEARCH METHODS We conducted systematic research in integrating the advancements of optics and electronics along with the pattern recognition software for developing the field‐scale sensors. Appropriate material handling system using electro‐mechanical techniques were developed. The heart of the sensing system used near infra‐red radiation along with other optical and fiber optics techniques. Appropriate spectroscopic techniques and methodologies were used for acquiring the signals. The signals were processed using our develop algorithms (pattern recognition). The proof‐of‐the concept systems were developed and tested.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Two different systems were developed. One system was meant for on‐the go determination of protein content of grain (wheat). The picture above the field testing of the proof‐of‐the concept system. Another system was developed for determination of sugar content of sugar beets. Both the system showed high prediction accuracies for predicting the corresponding quality parameters (protein and sugar) in non‐destructive manner. Three U.S. patents have been approved based on these works. These technological know‐how can be applied for non‐destructive quality evaluation of other chemical parameters of other biological products



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North Dakota State University: College of Engineering & Architecture Intelligent quality sensors for safe food products.

Investigators: Suranjan Panigrahi (PI), Catherine Logue, Jacob glower etc.

Funding Source: USDA‐CSREES Department: Agricultural and Biosystems EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Sensors , food safety, Bacterial contamination


Ensuring safe food products for public is a critical need of the USA. Unsafe and contaminated food products can cause health problems and even death. The associated economical and social impacts are huge. There are strong needs for developing intelligent, rapid and portable sensors that can alert consumers about bacterial contamination in a food product. Once developed, this system could alert consumers of potential health hazard and nhance safety. e


RESEARCH METHODS We adopted a novel approach to address this biological problem. Our model food product is packaged beef (a biological tissue). Growth of bacteria (biological organism) in meat is a complex biological phenomenon. Our strategy is to develop artificial olfactory sensor(s) that would sense the volatile organic compounds associated with the bacterial contaminations. We are adopting a robust approach by using SENSOR fusion technique to address this complex problem. We have successfully built and integrated different olfactory sensing system and also evaluated commercial electronic noses. Our integrated approach involves novel sensing material, electronics and associated pattern recognition techniques.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Several different electronic nose systems, that we call, IAN (intelligent Artificial Nose) have been integrated developed. Conducting polymer‐based commercial system has been evaluated for Salmonella contamination. Other novel approaches based in infrared, porphyrin and metal oxide sensor have been and are being evaluated. So far, the developed system have shown accuracies (more than 85‐90 %) in classifying contaminated products from uncontaminated ones. The above picture shows one of the integrated sensor system during testing. The second picture shows the AFM picture of metal oxide during its evaluation as a sensor.



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Feasibility of a Cattle Feedlot/Large Dairy Co‐located with the Blue Flint Ethanol Plant

Investigators: Greg Lardy, Scott Pryor, Eric DeVuyst, Ron Wiederholt, Wally Eide

Funding Source: Great River Energy and ND Agricultural Products Utilization CommissionDepartment: Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, Animal & Range Sciences, Agribusiness Research areas (max. 3): Anaerobic digestion, economic feasibility, ethanol coproducts

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The team is examining the economic feasibility of feeding co‐products from an existing ND ethanol plant to cattle or dairy cows on site. Manure from those animal would be collected and used to produce biogas in an anaerobic digester. The biogas could then be used to power the ethanol plant or produce electricity, or be cleaned up and injected into a natural gas pipeline.


RESEARCH METHODS NDSU has assembled a team of technical experts in beef cattle production, nutrient management, engineering, business planning, and economics. These specialists will address the objectives listed above in a feasibility study for Blue Flint Ethanol. The study would address the technical and financial feasibility of an integrated cattle feedlot and anaerobic digestion system which would complement the Blue Flint Ethanol plant located near Falkirk, ND.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Opportunities exist for a cattle feedlot and anaerobic digestion system if the biogas can be sed directly in the boilers of the adjacent coal‐ufired power plant. Feasibility is expected to be greater for a large dairy operation and accompanying manure digester.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] [email protected]

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Biodiesel Co‐product Development: Utilization of Canola Meal and Canola Proteins for Industrial Bioproducts

Investigators: Scott Pryor, Chad Ulven, Dennis Wiesenborn, Sam K.C. Chang

Funding Source: USDA‐CSREES NRIDepartment: Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, Mechanical Eng, Cereal & Food SciencesResearch areas (max. 3): Biodiesel coproducts, biobased materials and products

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION High‐value products from oilseed meal must be developed to ensure economically viable biodiesel production from canola. Although significant work has been done on the utilization of soy proteins for industrial applications, literature reports on the use of canola proteins for such products are sparse. While most protein‐based bioproducts research relies on commercial protein products, we believe advances in bioproduct development will require process control at all stages – protein extraction, protein modification, and product formulation.


RESEARCH METHODS We will work on canola protein separation, characterization, modification, and utilization for biobased products such as adhesives and composite materials

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS


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Synergy of Using Field Peas as an Ethanol Feedstock

Investigators: Cole Gustafson, Scott Pryor, Dennis Wiesenborn

Funding Source: ND Agricultural Products Utilization CommissionDepartment: Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, Agribusiness & Applied EconomicsResearch areas (max. 3): Starch‐based ethanol, ethanol feedstocks

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Field peas were examined as a potential feedstock for co‐fermentation with corn to produce ethanol. Ethanol production in ND is expected to exceed corn production shortly. Field peas are grown more easily in ND and serve as a good rotation crop with corn. Field peas could be mechanically fractionated into a starch‐enriched fraction and a protein‐enriched fraction. The starch could be used for ethanol production while the proteins could be used as a higher‐value animal feed.


RESEARCH METHODS A technical and economic analysis was done on filed pea fractionation and co‐fermentation in a corn ethanol facility.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Field pea starch fermented readily into ethanol with higher fermentation rates and yields than 100% corn fermentations. The economic advantages of these benefits do not outweigh the increased field pea fractionation costs at this time.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected]@ndsu.edu

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Pretreatment of Sugar Beet Pulp for Ethanol Production

Investigators: Scott Pryor

Funding Source: American Crystal Sugar Company (tentative), SBARE (tentative) Department: Agricultural & Biosystems EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): cellulosic ethanol

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION ND and MN produce almost 16 million tons of sugar beets annually. Sugar beet pulp, the residue remaining after pressing the beets for sugar extraction, will be used as a feedstock for cellulosic ethanol production. Beet pulp has unique compositional differences with other biomass sources that may give this locally important feedstock economic advantages for ethanol production.


RESEARCH METHODS Enzymes will be used to separate and concentrate two different sugar streams that will be fermented by yeast and bacteria to increase the concentrations and yields of ethanol.



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Feedstock Analysis and Pretreatment of Mixed Perennial Species for Ethanol Production

Investigators: Scott Pryor, Mario Biondini

Funding Source: USDA‐ARS Department: Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, Animal and Range Sciences Research areas (max. 3): cellulosic ethanol, pretreatment, feedstock analysis

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Although most studies of cellulosic ethanol have concentrated on relatively homogenous feedstocks such as corn stover, wheat straw, or switchgrass, there may be significant production benefits from planting and harvesting mixed species fields such as found on typical CRP land. Yield variability over a period of years should be small with similar longterm average production. Mixed species fields should also require fewer pesticide and fertilizer inputs. Technical feasibility of processing these heterogeneous biomass crops has not been explored.


RESEARCH METHODS Compositional analysis will be completed for a variety of plant species mixture grown under different conditions to determine the theoretical ethanol yield. Thermochemical pretreatment methods will also be tested on these feedstocks to determine optimum operating parameters and the robustness of different technologies against changing feedstocks.



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T : D L BITLE EVILS AKE ASIN WATER UTILIZATION TEST PROJECT

Investigators: Dean Steele and David Hopkins

Funding Source: USDA‐NRCS, ND State Water Commission, and Local Sources Department: Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, Soil ScienceResearch areas (max. 3): irrigation, flood mitigation, soil science

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Above‐average rainfall in the last twelve years has led to rising water levels in the Devils Lake basin in northeastern North Dakota. An irrigation test project has been started at ten farmer‐cooperator field sites within the basin to estimate how much additional water can be utilized via irrigation of agricultural crops. The objectives of the project are to: 1) Determine how much additional surface water in the Devils Lake basin can be utilized via sprinkler irrigation of agricultural crops compared with non‐irrigated crops, 2) Evaluate the effects of irrigation on representative soil map units within the basin, and 3) Extrapolate results from the test project to estimate the total volume of water that could be prevented from entering Devils Lake through extensive development of irrigation in the basin. (From Gautam, R., D. Steele, D. Hopkins, and M. Sharp. 2006. Assessment of SEBAL model for estimating evapotranspiration in the Devils Lake basin. ASABE Paper No. 062207. St. Joseph, Mich.: ASABE.)


RESEARCH METHODS Water balance monitoring at the sites include measurements of rainfall and irrigation, soil water content, deep percolation, and ground water levels. Irrigation scheduling recommendations are being made according to an NDSU Extension bulletin. Soil samples are being taken for physical, chemical, morphological analyses. Water samples are being analyzed to help determine salt balances and movement. A remote sensing based energy balance algorithm will be applied to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) in the basin. Correlations will be developed between ET and soil physical and chemical properties affecting sustainability as well as other factors, such as crop types, soil map units, and landscape position in order to assess the feasibility, impact, and sustainability of larger‐scale irrigation in this mostly non‐irrigated basin. (From Gautam et al., 2006.)

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The study is in progress. The 2005 growing season and early months of 2006 were used to install instrumentation and obtain baseline soil salinity surveys. The first full season of irrigation was 2006, during which rainfall and irrigation averages across all sites were 185 mm and 199 mm, respectively. In 2007, rainfall and irrigation averages were 357 mm and 71 mm, respectively. We have asked for a one‐year extension of the project to obtain data from the 2008 growing season, which will provide more time for the effects of irrigation to exhibit themselves on the soils in the basin. A longer‐term study is desired because many of the soils in the basin are classified as conditionally irrigable.

Contact Information: email, website address (link). [email protected]

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Architecture & Landscape Architecture

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T UE AND PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENTECHNIQ

Investigators: Mark Barnhouse

Funding Source: Self‐funded Department: Architecture and Landscape ArchitectureR esearch areas (max. 3): Technique and Professional Judgment

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION In the fall off 2004 I had a discussion with a thesis student of mine concerning his thesis Statement of Intent. He was interested in a philosophical issue as a basis for the statement and I suggested that he look for someone in the English Department to give him a hand. He did that and came back to me saying that he was enrolling in a small class taught by Dr. Catherine Cater. Catherine sent me an e‐mail asking about my student. I replied and after a couple of weeks I inquired to my student how it was going. His descriptions of Catherine were mesmerizing. I was working on a series of papers concerning technique and aesthetic judgement. I asked Catherine if she would serve as my research advisor and she agreed. I worked with her until her recent illness. My life has not been the same since. Last spring I moved this subject into the classroom as a seminar.


RESEARCH METHODS Literature research, writing

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Under production


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WATER RESOURCES AND ARCHITECTURE


Funding Source: Self‐funded Department: Architecture and Landscape ArchitectureR esearch areas (max. 3): Water Resources and Architecture

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Like everyone else I know I am fascinated with water. I have lived in dry climates and wet ones. Some years ago I began contemplating the problems the human race faces expending resources. The more I studied that general issue the more I realized that clean water that people can use is by far the most precious of resources. I began reading the literature on the subject in depth three years ago. In the fall of 2006 I moved my research knowledge into the fifth year studio by assigning the students a Water Resource Experiment Station on the Missouri River west of Linton, North Dakota. I repeated the assignment this year in collaboration with Catherine Wiley’s Planting Design class. I will be presenting a paper about this studio’s work at the 46th International Making Cities Livable Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico this summer.


RESEARCH METHODS Literature searches, conference attendance, design work.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS My students, and now Catherine Wiley’s students, have built up a body of work that will serve future architecture and landscape architecture students as they design strategies for harvesting and cleaning water through natural means. I have furthered my own understanding of these design issues so that I can test hypotheses and draw conclusions about the relationship between architecture and water.


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TITLE


Funding Source: Self‐funded Department: Architecture and Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): The American Architect Victor Christ‐Janer, Aesthetics and Architecture, Aluminum and Glass in Architecture

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION When I was here for my undergraduate education a well regarded architect from Connecticut named Victor Christ‐Janer came to speak. His lecture was electrifying and memorable to me, Cindy Urness, Ron Ramsay, Cecil Eliiott, Dennis Colliton, and Vince Hatlen. While living in New York I visited a number of his buildings in the city. When I returned to NDSU to teach I had a chance conversation about Victor Chirst‐Janer with a friend, Joel Davy, a partner in a firm in town. It turned out that Joel had studied with Christ‐Janer at Columbia University. I began trying to contact Chirst‐Janer and when I failed I tried the internet. At first I was unsuccessful but the hits I had distributed around came back with e‐mails from former students of his and people who listened to his lectures. Finally one of his daughters contacted me and I wound up with a research project.


RESEARCH METHODS Field visits, interviews, vital statistics, census data.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS In October of 2007 I interviewed the two Christ‐Janer daughters in New Haven Connecticut. I am awaiting some information about their father’s early life.


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LIVINGSCAPES Phytoremediation in a vertical hydroponics garden. Greening indoor spaces with green walls chological benefits, while using phytoremediation to clean air contaminants. and landscape narratives for psy

Investigators: Stevie Famulari Funding Source: Department: Landscape Architecture, ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Phytoremediation, Sustainability, RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION LivingScapes have many goals‐ indoor, vertical and non‐soil greening for both psychological and developmental benefits in an urban environment, apartment, lobby, school, office or hospital setting. Another goal is the use of rhizofiltration to clean the air of toxins which commonly circulate in the environment. And the final goal is to create a new type of indoor space‐ one which explores the safety of indoors, and celebrates the changes of outdoors.

Greenery has been shown to improve health‐ both physical and psychological for people of all ages (Kaplan 2001; West 1986; Ulrich 1984, etal.) Test scores for young students who are exposed to greenery from their school windows has been shown to improve 18% over those not exposed to greenery (cite study). Vertical indoor gardens, in part, solve the urban and indoor design problem of work with tighter spaces which may also lack inspiring views.

In current times, using the technology of phytoremediation in an approachable manner for indoor air toxin cleaning is achievable for many people to apply in site specific pieces, with site specific plant materials. Phytoremediation is the use of plant materials to uptake toxins from the soil, water or air.

LS

ivingScapes V, Vtevie Famulari

I, VII

RESEARCH METHODS LivingScapes was started in March 2006 and continues growth and testing to present. A variety of plant materials have been tested for growth time throughout the year, along with the air quality tests in the room.

The results of the following two are for LivingScapes IVV. The air was tested over the year period, with contaminants including: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS), Radon, Organic Gases, Pesticides and Biological Contaminants. These are not uncommon air toxins, but improvement to reduce the levels of these toxins is the goal for the rhizofiltration. The plant materials which continue to grow successfully while improving air quality include: (from early tests to recent tests) Trifolium repens (White Dutch Clover), Tricticum

stuca rubraaertivum (Winter Wheat), Fe & F. glauca (Fescue).

Testing was done while the LivingScape was not running for 30‐45 days, and then again tested at 90 days of greening. The results showed reduced levels of airborne contaminants, with more success of recent plant material choices. Tests are still continuing to investigate additional plant material results on a rotating basis for growth, hytoremediation and other benefits. p

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS LivingScapes in the next stages can have flowering plant materials, long wheat, ferns, or a great variety of plant materials. The physical shape of LivingScape can take 3‐dimensional sculptural forms beyond the flat rectangle currently used‐ including patterns, geometric designs, or even intricate branch structures of trees. The artistic approach to these upcoming LivingScapes can be created specifically for each site.

Greening in urban areas must lead with design and technology. LivingScapes keeps with these ideals and responds to the current urban conditions and provides the needed health benefits to people and landscape with phytoremediation and indoor air quality improvement. In additional to all health benefits, as artists, designers and architects, we need to reconsider ‘indoors’, and design spaces which respond to the beauty of the movement and change of outdoors, yet provides the needed safety of indoors.

This project proposes new designs which explore ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoors’ to create spaces which use phytoremediation in way which not only cleans the toxins in the air, but educates the participants to that element of the design. The space must also incorporate change‐ change which is used to bring awareness to natural processes. Incorporating all these elements in ‘indoors’ is a new approach to design.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected], www.steviefamulari.net, 505.710.3586

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http://www.steviefamulari.net/



S TWORKING FOR COLLABORATIVE DESIGNOCIAL NE

Investigators:Mark Lindquist

Funding Source:NA Department:Architecture and Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3):Collaborative design, digital media, Web 2.0

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION This is an ongoing project that is investigating the use of wikis and blogs in the collaborative design process.


RESEARCH METHODS Currently research is being undertaken with students in landscape architecture design studios. Students are using a wiki that has been set up for collaborative landscape architecture and urbanism projects.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Thus far the use of wikis for collaborative design has been successful. Students have responded favorably to the technology once past a very short learning curve. In addition, it has been observed that students are retaining more information and are aware of copyright issues when compared to conventional presentation and collaboration methods.

Contact Information: [email protected], http://ala.ndsu.edu/people/faculty/mark_lindquist/profile/

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http://ala.ndsu.edu/people/faculty/mark_lindquist/profile/



VIRTUAL LANDSCAPE PRESENCE

Investigators:Mark Lindquist

Funding Source:NA Department:Architecture and Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3):Web based collaboration, visualization, digital media

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION This project aims to evaluate and assess the utility of various online presentation and collaboration tools and techniques for conveying presence in existing and proposed landscapes.


RESEARCH METHODS Over a series of design studios at different levels students have presented design proposals to remote audiences via the web.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Thus far tools are in their infancy for conveying the sense of being in a virtual landscape. Future work will involve the use of immersive hardware and audio explorations to enhance and contribute to the goal of virtual landscape presence.

Contact Information: [email protected], http://ala.ndsu.edu/people/faculty/mark_lindquist/profile/

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http://ala.ndsu.edu/people/faculty/mark_lindquist/profile/



D C SISCOVERING OMPUTATIONAL TRUCTURES IN ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING AND BIOLOGY

Investigators: Dr. Ganapathy Mahalingam, Dr. Vasant Ubhaya

Funding Source: Department: Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Computer Science Research areas (max. 3): computational structures, finite state machines, Petri nets

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION This research project involves the study of analytical structures in architecture, engineering and biology with the intent of deriving computational structures from them to perform traditional computational tasks and new kinds of tasks specific to the disciplines involved. Networks identified in architecture, engineering and biology are reduced to finite state machines or Petri nets that are in turn used in computation. The intent is to derive new computational structures from the various structures found in these disciplines. It is also our hypothesis that these computational structures have human neural architecture correlates.


RESEARCH METHODS

• Analysis of analytical structures in as architecture, engineering and biology

graphs • Modeling of the graphs as finite state

machines and Petri nets • Correlating the computational structures

to human neural architectures


• Derivation of finite state machines from the s done spatial layouts of architectural design

by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright • Utilization of the derived finite state

machines to simulate the control of fire spread in those spatial layouts


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N AL MACHINESEUR

Investigators: Dr. Ganapathy Mahalingam

Funding Source: Department: Architecture and Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): neural architecture, micro‐machines

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The study of computational models of various types of human neurons and neural systems in the human brain including the neocortical column to derive neural machines from these computational models for engineering applications. Examples of neural machines that could be developed include computing machines such as virtual finite state machines and Petri nets, control systems and microelectromechanical systems (MEMs). For something to be a neural machine, rather than just a machine, it should be based directly on neural architecture. Examples of neural architecture are the system of connections in a neural system, the internal firing mechanism of a neuron, the neurotransmitter exchange system at the synapse, etc .


RESEARCH METHODS Study the various computational models of neurons and neural systems that are available in the field and derive neural machines from them using analysis, computational modeling and electro‐mechanical modeling.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Research is in preliminary stage


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T LE UNAB AUDITORIUM

Investigators: Dr. Ganapathy Mahalingam

Funding Source: Department: Architecture and Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): tunable auditorium, acoustic sculpting, auditorium acoustics

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION This project has as its quest, the creation of a tunable auditorium. A tunable auditorium is one that can be ‘tuned’ based on the characteristics of an impulse response. The various spatial parameters of the auditorium are adjusted based on the desired characteristics of the impulse response.


RESEARCH METHODS

• Analyze the waveform of an impulse response in a space, and identify the spatial parameters that can generate the impulse response

• Develop a parametric computational model to generate the desired impulse response by adjusting the spatial parameters of the enclosure

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Computational model has been developed to generate an impulse response from the spatial model of an auditorium that is in the form of a boundary representation.


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TITLE“Architectural Survey of Historic Medora, ND”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens; Architect

Funding Source: Alltel Corporation and N.D. State Historic Preservation OfficeDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Architectural History, Community Planning

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBased on competitive proposals solicited by the stateagency, the researcher was selected by the review andcompliance division of ND SHPO. Researcher-selection process called for extensive prior experienceevaluating cultural landscapes and vernaculararchitecture. A North Dakota Cultural ResourcesSurvey was undertaken as Section 106 mitigation toestablish a baseline study of extant historicarchitecture in the frontier town of Medora, ND alongwith technical recommendations for stewardshipconservation. Funded by a private-sector company,the research study was envisioned as a means offacilitating more constructive communicationbetween local development interests and historicpreservation interests within the community and instate agencies.

Historic Medora, ND Mainstreetsubject of a 2007 architectural research survey

RESEARCH METHODSPhotographic documentation, search of legal records,NDCRS site files for 22 properties, on-site interviews,investigation of historical documents, anddevelopment of resource bibliography. Architecturalcharacteristics and integrity of each property wereidentified, in addition to aspects of vernaculararchitecture that might relate to the overall groupingof buildings as a potential National Register historicdistrict. Research findings were presented at a publicmeeting in Medora in October, 2007. Suggestionswere offered for a range of potential public policyaction strategies.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS66-page research report and archival record photosfiled with North Dakota State Historic PreservationOffice. The survey contributed to on-going publicdiscussions about preservation priorities anddevelopment opportunities in a unique, tourism-oriented community on the western frontier. In lightof strong connections to the Marquis DeMores,Theodore Roosevelt, and Harold Shafer, telling thehistory of Medora by preserving its historic buildingsis an important tourism and interpretive objective.Visitors have long been fascinated by the distinctive,small-town characteristics of Medora and the clearcharacter it conveys of a spirited cowboy boomtownin the late American West; a brief epoch that holdsspecial meaning for Americans.

Contact Information: e-mail, website address (link)[email protected]

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TITLE“Research Investigation & National Register Nomination for Historic Hoff Rural School”


Funding Source: Walsh County Historic Preservation Commission and State Historic Preservation Office

Department: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Architectural History

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONWalsh County regional planning authority issued anRFP seeking qualified assistance to research andprepare a National Register nomination for a locallandmark building. The project afforded anopportunity to provide assistance to a grassroots ruralcommunity committed to preserving its architecturalheritage.

restored, historic Hoff Rural School; Walsh County, ND

RESEARCH METHODSField documentation, archival photography andresearch investigation of historical documentsenabling interpretation of a one-room country schoolaccording to criteria and procedures of the NationalRegister of Historic Places. Research entailedexamination of published resources relating to a 130-year tradition of foundation education in the UnitedStates as a fundamental tenet of democraticprinciples, and the school as a feature of localdecision-making and Progressive-Era initiatives toconsolidate rural communities.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS23-page National Register of Historic Placesnomination submitted to State Historic PreservationOffice and National Park Service. Built in 1885,Walsh County School District No. 70, Hoff RuralSchool is locally significant under National RegisterCriterion “A” based on its contributions to Americanpublic school education and social history during theperiod from 1885 to 1960. Local patterns of historicalevents reflect changes in educational theory andpractice, and establish a benchmark for civicinvolvement and sustainable relationships betweenfarm families and their community of neighbors. TheHoff School retains its sense of local ownership andan important role as a unifying institution and alandmark place in the rural landscape.


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TITLE“Research Investigation & NRHP Nomination for Historic Gunlogson Farmstead at Icelandic State Park”


Funding Source: Pembina County Historic Preservation Commission and State Historic Preservation Office

Department: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Architectural History, Vernacular Building Traditions

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONPembina County regional planning authority issuedan RFP seeking qualified assistance to research andprepare a National Register nomination for a locallandmark building with important statewidevisibility, reflecting a rural land conservation ethicand early cultural features of Icelandic-Americansettlement. The Gunlogson Farmstead meets NationalRegister criteria for its local significance for socialhistory based on settlement patterns reflectingIcelandic culture during the settlement period from1880 to 1915. It is significant for the farm’sformative contribution to historical patterns ofconservation and agricultural land stewardship. Theproperty has secondary significance for itsassociation with G. B. Gunlogson, who was a personof importance nationally in terms of agriculturalinvention and industry, as well as an advocate forland conservation, rural development, and naturalhabitat.

Eggert & Ranveig Gunnlaugson historic farmstead,gifted by G.B. Gunlogson to establishment of Icelandic State Park

RESEARCH METHODSField documentation, archival photography, andresearch investigation of historical documentsenabling interpretation of a farmstead (1880farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings) according tocriteria and procedures of the National Register ofHistoric Places. Research entailed discovery ofarchitectural traditions and building practices of adistinct core population of Icelandic immigrants toNorth Dakota, based on oral histories and literaturesearch. 28-page National Register of Historic Placesnomination submitted to State Historic PreservationOffice and National Park Service.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSIcelandic cultural heritage is embodied in historicbuildings and land usage patterns in westerntownships of Pembina County, North Dakota. Thisdistinctive cultural group was important in terms ofpioneer settlement and a sustained unity of nationalculture, reflected in language, folkways, customs andarchitecture. Though there are aspects of culturalassimilation over time, the Icelandic-Americanimmigrants retained identity, cultural independenceand emotional ties to their native homeland. Theproject afforded an opportunity to provide assistanceto a grassroots ethnic community committed topreserving and interpreting its architectural heritage,with significant tourism potential


DOCUMENT PAGE 25



TITLE“Research & Field Recording of the Frank & Veronica Hutmacher German-Russian Farmstead”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, Architect (with J.Nelson and student service-learning involvement)

Funding Source: North Dakota State Historic Preservation OfficeDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architectural History, Architecture, Historic Preservation

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONThe State Historic Preservation Office requesteddocumentation of a set of abandoned, historicbuildings in Dunn County, N.D. according to theresearch and recording standards of the HistoricAmerican Buildings survey. The HutmacherComplex is the best-known example of stone-slabconstruction in North Dakota. The Hutmacherfamilies were typical of other Germans fromRussia who emigrated to the northern Great Plains.The Germans from Russia are a major ethnicpopulation group in western North Dakota, andtheir heritage has been intensively studied byacademic and cultural organizations. As anoutgrowth of this research project, ProfessorMartens assisted the organization PreservationNorth Dakota in obtaining a federally-earmarkedSave America’s Treasures grant to accomplish therehabilitation and conservation of the buildings.

younger-generation tourists visiting the Hutmacher sitein Dunn County, ND;

rediscovering the cultural heritage of Germans from Russia

RESEARCH METHODSResearch and documentation of the HutmacherComplex were accomplished by ProfessorMartens, in collaboration with James Nelson and asponsored team of NDSU architecture students.The building was field-recorded through drawings,photographs, and on-site interviews. Thedocumentary drawings received an HonorableMention Award for the Charles Peterson Prizenational competition sponsored annually by theNational Parks Service and the Historic AmericanBuildings Survey (and subsequently placed in thearchival HABS collections of the U.S. Library ofCongress). The documentary recording activitywas recorded on film by Prairie Public Television,and a web page remains active for the fieldrecording project. A detailed resource bibliographywas developed, and research findings werepresented at several regional conferences.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSThe most significant aspects of the Hutmacher propertyare its architectural form and the means of construction,both of which show excellent environmental adaptationto the Northern Great Plains. Buildings that were4 thesubject of this study were highly labor intensive to buildand maintain, but also highly appropriate in terms oftheir environmental response and their use of locallyavailable materials. Thus, these buildings have attractedinterest from scholars of vernacular building traditions,with inquiries coming from North American universitiesto Hong Kong. By carefully analyzing the buildings wecan understand and appreciate both the objects withintheir context and the architectural judgment of theirmakers. This documentary research project eventuallyled to a renewed effort to preserve the buildings as aregionally-important historical resource and a potentialsetting for cultural tourism.

Contact Information: e-mail, website address (link)[email protected] http://www.lib.ndsu.nodak.edu/grhc/history_culture/history/hutmacher.html

DOCUMENT PAGE 26



TITLE“Grand Forks Riverside Historic District Research Survey & National Register Nomination”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, Architect (with David Seifert, research assistant)

Funding Source: City of Grand Forks HPC and N.D. State Historical Preservation OfficeDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Community Planning

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONCity of Grand Forks Historic PreservationCommission issued requests for proposals for afederally-qualified NDCRS consultant toundertake a two year field survey of roughly 250residential properties in a flood-affectedneighborhood of north Grand Forks. Researchobjectives were to evaluate historic integrity andpotential for a National Register districtnomination. Following the survey, the researchconsultant spent another year-and-a-halfdeveloping supportive documentation for theNational Register listing. The NRHP project wasregarded by federal staff as a model for similarstudies in the Hurricane Katrina flood-impactedneighborhoods of the Gulf Coast.

historic Riverside neighborhood Depression-era pool and bathhouse;a central feature of Riverside neighborhood National Register district

RESEARCH METHODSA research assistance was hired for the projectand together the research team members gatheredphotographs, recorded field data according toNDCRS procedures, mapped the neighborhoodusing various GIS sources, and consultedhistorical research sources at a number ofregional libraries. In addition to 200 site files, a30-page summary research report andbibliography were filed with the State HistoricPreservation Office. Findings andrecommendations of the ensuing 60-pageNational Register of Historic Places nominationwere publicly presented to community residentsand the State Review Board.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSWith support from Federal, State and City agencies,neighborhood property-owners have successfully restoredthe material integrity of flood-damaged homes and re-captured pride of ownership in the area. 60 percent ofproperties in the neighborhood were determined to becontributing to a National Register district. A total offifteen sites were confirmed as being eligible fornomination to the National Register based on individualmerit and significance and another seven properties wereidentified as potentially NRHP eligible. The NationalRegister nomination made a compelling argument for theneighborhood’s continuing significance based on thepatterns of historical events associated with formation ofan early 20th-century streetcar suburb. Summary findingsbased on identifiable Progressive-era architecturalcharacteristics were presented at the Northern Great PlainsHistory Conference in 2007.


DOCUMENT PAGE 27



TITLE“Architectural Assessment & Technical Recommendations; Fargo Union Storage/Armour Creamery Buildings”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, Architect

Funding Source: JLG Architects; FargoDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Architectural History, Historic Preservation

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONSteve Martens was contacted to provide historicalresearch and technical assistance in evaluatingrehabilitation potential for two, adjoining historicbuildings in Fargo. The City of Fargo (Planningand Development office) and State HistoricPreservation Office are excited about the potentialsand possibility that these two, important historicbuildings may be renovated and preserved as partof the active fabric of Fargo’s downtown. Thebuildings were documented and evaluated as animportant part of the Art Deco work of historicalarchitect William F. Kurke.

historic photo of Union Storage & Transfer/Armour Creameryfrom the collections of North Dakota Institute for Regional Studies

RESEARCH METHODSOn-site investigation entailed documentaryphotography and identification of historicarchitectural features that will need to beaddressed in adapting the former warehousebuildings for new use as residential units. Aninventory checklist developed by the author wasused to focus on features that typically would besubjects of historical interest or preservationtreatment. The property was visually assessed forthe purpose of defining features and responses thatmight better-enable the properties to qualify forRenovation Investment Tax Act credits.Background research investigation examined fireinsurance maps, historic photos and newspaperaccounts, and primary source documentation of thebuildings.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSBased on prior experience, the property owner andarchitectural team for this project are already well-awarethat review process for adaptively reusing a historicbuilding can be difficult and outcomes uncertain. Thisreport highlights baseline considerations and was helpfulas a starting point for conversations with technicalreviewers (at the state and federal level) that willnecessarily continue through the architectural design andproject development process. Supplemental to the fieldsurvey, a detailed resource bibliography was developedas part of a 48-page summary report, leading to asuccessful listing of the property on the NationalRegister of Historic Places based on a nominationprepared and presented to the State Historical Society bythe principal investigator.


DOCUMENT PAGE 28



TITLE“Architectural Assessment and Technical Recommendations for Wieland & Hayes Buildings; Duluth, MN”


Funding Source: DSGW Architects and A&L Properties; Duluth, MNDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Architectural History, Historic Preservation

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBased on a referral from the National Trust Chicagoregional office, Steve Martens was contacted by aDuluth architectural firm and property developer toprovide historical research and technical assistance inevaluating rehabilitation potential for two, prominentadjoining historic buildings on Duluth’s SuperiorStreet. Research objective was to identifyarchitectural and construction features that wouldentail special treatment in renovating the twobuildings for residential mixed use development.

detail of Duluth’s historic Wieland Buildingcurrently undergoing architectural rehabilitation by DSGW

ArchitectsRESEARCH METHODSOn-site investigation entailed documentaryphotography and identification of historicarchitectural features that will need to be addressedin adapting the former warehouse buildings for newuse as residential units. An inventory checklistdeveloped by the author was used to focus onfeatures that typically would be subjects of historicalinterest or preservation treatment. The property wasvisually assessed for the purpose of defining featuresand responses that might better-enable the propertiesto qualify for Renovation Investment Tax Act credits.Background research investigation in regionalarchives examined fire insurance maps, historicphotos and newspaper accounts, and primary sourcedocumentation of the buildings.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSThough the two properties were determined to beNational Register-eligible, qualification for federalpreservation investment tax credits was determined tobe infeasible from a development standpoint. A 78-page summary report was prepared on behalf of thearchitects and developers. Based on a successfularchitectural design solution developed by DSGWArchitects, the Wieland and Hayes buildings (the latterconstructed as a Minnesota investment by U.S.President Rutherford B. Hayes) are currentlyundergoing major renovation and rehabilitationconsistent with Department of Interior designguidelines. The research study and assessment reportformed part of the basis for architectural decision-making.


DOCUMENT PAGE 29



TITLE“Architectural Assessment and Technical Recommendations for Bridgeman-Russell Building; Duluth, MN”


Funding Source: DSGW Architects and A&L Properties; Duluth, MNDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Architectural History, Historic Preservation

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBased on a referral from the National TrustChicago regional office, Steve Martens wascontacted by a Duluth architectural firm andproperty developer to provide historical researchand technical assistance in evaluating theconformity of a historically-sensitive renovationproject with preservation investment tax actstandards and guidelines.

Detail at front elevation of renovated Bridgeman-Russell Building

RESEARCH METHODSOn-site investigation entailed evaluation ofhistoric architectural features that will need to beaddressed in complying with tax-creditcertification procedures. (A similar “Part 3” tax actcertification was also accomplished for theMetropolitan Opera House in Grand Forks) For thehistoric Bridgeman-Russell Building, the propertywas visually assessed for the purpose of definingfeatures and responses that might better-enable theproperties to qualify for Renovation InvestmentTax Act credits. Background researchinvestigation was conducted in regional archivesexamined fire insurance maps, historic photos andnewspaper accounts, and primary sourcedocumentation of the buildings.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSBased on a successful architectural design solutiondeveloped by DSGW Architects, the renovation projecthas been completed and certified for tax-act eligibility,consistent with recommendations of the research study.This research project shed light on the material detailsessential to retaining the building’s integrity andsignificance in the course of adaptive use renovation.


DOCUMENT PAGE 30



TITLE“Architectural Survey and Design Manual for Historic Chaska, MN”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, Architect; with M.Yergens and R.L.M. Ramsay

Funding Source: City of Chaska, MN & Chaska Historic Preservation CommissionDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Historic Preservation, Community Planning

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBased on a request for proposals, a competitiveproposal and work plan was submitted leading tothe selection of Steve Martens, Architect toconduct research and prepare a downtown designmanual for the suburban community of Chaska,MN. The purpose of this guide is to promoteinterest in Chaska's rich architectural heritage andto spark enthusiasm toward facade improvementsin the downtown area, consistent with preservationrehab technical recommendations of the U.S.Secretary of Interior’s standards and the MinnesotaState Historic Preservation Office.

cover of preservation design manual adopted by City of Chaska toimplement downtown storefront rehabilitations consistent with

U.S. Department of Interior preservation design standards

RESEARCH METHODSGoal-setting with city representatives over a 12-month period, field inventory and researchinvestigation of regional history collections,technical evaluations and design recommendationsfor individual properties leading to a publishableset of graphic design guidelines for 30-properties,using digital modeling and graphic softwareapplications. Findings were compiled in a 90-pagedesign manual and presented to communitybusiness leaders.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSDowntown Preservation Design Guidelines weredeveloped in cooperation with the Chaska HeritagePreservation Commission (HPC) and the City of ChaskaPlanning and Development Department. Working closelywith the City of Chaska’s Planning and Redevelopmentoffice, parameters for administering preservationfinancial incentives were implemented (consistent withthe published design guidelines). Subsequent to thepublic dissemination of this study, six pivotal propertieshave undergone major renovation consistent with thedesign guidelines, effectively using local tax-incentiveprograms. These properties form a “core” of historicalproperties that anchor on-going redevelopment ofChaska’s historic downtown.


DOCUMENT PAGE 31



TITLE“Architectural Survey and Design Manual for Valley City, North Dakota”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, Architect (with student service-learning participation)

Funding Source: Valley City Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Beautification CommitteeDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Historic Preservation, Community Planning

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBy request of the City of Valley City and the localChamber of Commerce, a work plan was developedto prepare a set of technical and graphic designguidelines relevant to conservation of historicstorefront in downtown Valley City. Thecommunity’s goals were to increase publicawareness and appreciation of local, historicalarchitecture, and to serve as a starting point forincentive programs that would stimulaterehabilitation of key properties.

design manual was developed illustrating restored storefrontsrehabilitated consistent with Department of Interior standards

RESEARCH METHODSResearch into the historical evolution of Valley Cityarchitecture was undertaken at local, regional andstate archives, followed by field documentation andtechnical analysis of the material condition andhistorical integrity of 40 downtown buildings.Research methods were based on a successfulearlier project completed for Chaska, MN. As aservice-learning activity, over the course of twoyears, teams of undergraduate architecture studentswere formed to develop graphic representations ofrenovated storefront treatments, using digitalenhancement software.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSA 91-page manual of technical recommendations wasdeveloped for local distribution, consistent with U.S.Department of Interior standards and guidelines. Theresearch methods and final document serve as anappropriate model for other potential communityredevelopment projects in communities of similar size.A supplemental, interpretive walking tour guide ofhistoric architecture in downtown Valley City wasdeveloped. The completed project was presented to apublic meeting of property owners and communityleaders, and has formed the basis for further planningand redevelopment efforts.


DOCUMENT PAGE 32



TITLE“Architectural Assessment & Feasibility Study for Rehabilitation of Fargo’s Historic Great Northern Depot”


Funding Source: National Trust for Historic Preservation, Fargo Heritage SocietyDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Historic Preservation, Community Planning

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBased on established relationship with the FargoHeritage Society, a grant proposal was made to thePreservation Services Fund of the National Trustto complete an assessment and feasibility study forthe (then abandoned) Great Northern RailwayDepot in Fargo. The feasibility study grant wasmatched locally by the Cass County Commissionand Fargo Heritage Society. The researchobjective was to evaluate the material condition ofthe building, assess economic feasibility, andstimulate local awareness of redevelopmentpotentials for a pivotal historic property in Fargo’sdowntown district.

trackside view of Fargo’s renovated Great Northern depot

RESEARCH METHODSA team of specialists was organized to performtechnical analysis of the property’s materialcondition. Architectural assessments were made bythe principal investigator. Background historicalresearch was conducted enabling a slidepresentation and informational brochure, presentedto 11 local service groups and given extensivemedia coverage on television and in the publishedpress. Student teams contributed service-learningmaterials as part of a sponsored designcompetition. Negotiation with Burlington Northernrailway led to economic models for adaptive userehabilitation. A 194-page “Adaptive ReuseStudy” was submitted to the National Trust;acclaimed as, “perhaps the most professionallyprepared and appropriately useful study of thistype ever provided to the Trust’s regional office.”

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSTechnical and economic feasibility were demonstratedby the study report. Public interest and support from U.S.Congressional delegation eventually attracted adeveloper who worked with Michael J. Burns, Architectsto successfully renovate the building for use as abrewpub and restaurant. Conservation and rehabilitationof the building was the primary objective of the researchstudy, but economic viability of the project as aprofitable business has been uneven and disappointing.The property is currently undergoing minor remodelingwork to accommodate its fifth ownership group in 10-years’ time.


DOCUMENT PAGE 33



TITLE“Architectural Assessment /Work Plan; Conserving Ss. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church; Belfield, ND”


Funding Source: Preservation North Dakota (statewide non-profit organization)Department: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Historic Preservation, Architectural History

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONWorking on behalf of the statewide non-profitgroup Preservation North Dakota, a technicalassessment for material rehabilitation of aremarkably-unique, historic Ukrainian Orthodoxchurch in Belfield was requested. Researchobjectives were to address the problems ofstructural movement, water damage, and generalmaintenance of a 100-year old domed building.

RESEARCH METHODSA series of site visits, photo documentation, andmeasured drawings led to technical assessment.Using a variety of checklists, inventories, andresearch methods developed by the principalinvestigator and implemented on other studyprojects, detailed recommendations weredeveloped for materials, construction methods,specifications, and cost estimates for appropriateconservation of the building.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSA 15-page study and work plan were provided to localorganizations. Under sponsorship of the UkrainianCultural Institute, a local group successfully rehabilitatedthe building’s exterior, carefully followingrecommendations of the study. The church building isclearly important as a distinctive, surviving feature ofUkrainian settlement and religious faith in southwesternNorth Dakota. It also has architectural and culturalsignificance to visitors from outside the local communityand statewide marketing potential for heritage tourism.In the spirit of learning as much as possible about thechurch building and strategies used for its conservation,Preservation North Dakota proposes that, “maintainingthe (Belfield) church building can provide a case studyexample for other congregations trying to maintain otherendangered religious buildings in rural areas of NorthDakota.”


DOCUMENT PAGE 34



TITLE“Construction Specifications for FargoDome”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, CCS (technical documents consultant to THA Architects)

Funding Source: consultant to THA Architects and Sink-Combs-Dethlefs

Department: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Building Construction, Construction Technology

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBecause of the very large scale and publicvisibility of this major construction project thearchitectural design team established, as one of itsmain goals, to invest extra time and expertise todevelop a model set of construction contractdocuments that would exceed the usual level ofquality. A partnership called FrozenMusicAssociates was formed as consultants toTriebwasser-Helenske Architects. FrozenMusicwas assigned responsibility for researchingmaterials and construction methods, developing amanual of design details, and addressing methodsof assembly. Milt Yergens was the detail manualspecialist and Steve C. Martens, CCS thespecifications specialist.

construction progress photo of FargoDome

RESEARCH METHODSExtensive technical research was conducted toassess a broad range of material systems, productsand construction methods. In developing thespecifications manual, careful consideration wasgiven to project phasing and contracting methods.Technical specifications were developed based onthe SpecText™ (CSI) master format for allarchitectural divisions of work. Engineerconsultants’ specifications for structuralassemblies, mechanical and acoustical systems,electrical and specialty systems, and landscapeconstruction were all edited for conformity,formatted, and incorporated into the masterdocument that could be applied by the architecturefirm to other future projects.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSThis project formed a “leading edge” approach toconstruction documents based on the extensiveexperience of Martens and Yergens in procedures andmethods advocated by the Construction SpecificationsInstitute (CSI). The specifications and design manualwere a model document for successfully integratingtechnical documents from engineering specialists, andfor completing a very large construction project. Detailedresearch into construction materials and methodssubsequently provided a valuable resource forapplication to teaching architectural materials andconstruction systems with the most up-to-date“currency” in the architecture program at NDSU.


DOCUMENT PAGE 35



TITLE“Research Survey & Evaluation of Historic Minnesota National Guard Armories”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, Architect (consultant to Michael J. Burns, Architect)

Funding Source: Minnesota Army National Guard & MN State Historic Preservation OfficeDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Historic Preservation, Architectural History

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONAt the request of Michael J. Burns, Architects andthe Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office,extensive historical research was conducted insupport of a Section 106 mitigation agreementrelating to the transfer of ownership of a number ofhistoric armory buildings by the Minnesota ArmyNational Guard. A baseline survey and assessmentof significance for the properties as a class of“thematic resources” was requested, for inclusion inthe collections of the Minnesota Historical Society.

historic Rochester, MN National Guard armory;part of an architectural survey and Section 106 mitigation project

RESEARCH METHODSField investigation documented and examined 25armory buildings in various parts of the state, forcomparison according to research methods of theNational Park Service and Vernacular ArchitectureForum. Historical record documents anddocumentary photos were examined at theMinnesota Historical Society and in the records ofthe Minnesota Army National Guard at Fort Ripley.The research study analyzed local newspaperaccounts, architects and engineers’ design drawings,and material details of construction to establishpatterns of similarity and NRHP-eligibility based onthe buildings’ reflection of historical events.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSA 107-page research report (and referencebibliography) interpreting “Minnesota National GuardArmory Expansion between Word War I and the GreatDepression (1919-1929)” was accepted by theMinnesota State Historic Preservation Office infulfillment of the review and compliance agreement.Preliminary determinations of National Registereligibility were made for each property. Researchfindings were presented as slideshow lectures atstatewide and regional academic conferences. Severalarmory buildings were transferred to local communitiesas an outgrowth of the study.


DOCUMENT PAGE 36



TITLE“Field Survey & Documentation for Buildings of North Dakota Book Project”

Investigators: Ronald L.M. Ramsay and Steve C. Martens, Architect

Funding Source: Society of Architectural HistoriansDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architectural History, Architecture, Landscape Architecture

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBased on professional relationships and academicreputation growing out of Ronald Ramsay’slongstanding involvement with the Society ofArchitecture Historian (SAH), He and SteveMartens contracted to conduct basic research andfield documentation necessary to complete apublishable manuscript as part of the SAH“Buildings of the U.S.” national series. A key goalremains to organize the book in a way thatmaintains geographic and cultural balance byseeking to achieve the broadest and most inclusivedistribution of architectural resources statewide, asan aid to interpreting North Dakota architecture asa relevant form of cultural expression.

RESEARCH METHODSA detailed work plan was developed, outliningstep-by-step procedures for identifying andinterpreting the range of North Dakota'sarchitectural heritage. The authors identified sevengeographic regions by which an architecturalsurvey of the state was organized. Three researchassistants (hired from funds provided by aNational Endowment for Humanities grant madeto the SAH) were recruited to conductinvestigation of archival documents and extantNational Register nominations, and to assist withbuilding a database of candidate properties. ThePrincipal Investigators conducted photographicfield surveys to all parts of the state, and met withlocal historical society staff. Reference maps andphotographic documentation were made toarchival quality suitable for publication.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSBased on prior scholarship and on-going fieldwork,the authors identified between 450 and 500buildings that sufficiently represent thearchitectural heritage of North Dakota. Preliminaryresearch findings were presented at Society ofArchitecture Historians national conference and tomeetings of four statewide professionalorganizations within North Dakota. A draftmanuscript is in progress, with completion delayedat the request of the editorial staff and publisher(University of Virginia Press) pending anadditional cycle of NEH grant funding.


DOCUMENT PAGE 37



TITLE“Architectural Programming & Architectural Technical Assessments for Plains Art Museum”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, Architect (with Milton Yergens, Architect)

Funding Source: Plains Art MuseumDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Historic Preservation, Community Planning

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBased on referrals and an excellent workingrelationship with Plains Art Museum staff, theresearch team of Steve Martens and Milt Yergenswas retained to assist with evaluating this regionalart museum’s organizational structure andarchitectural needs in anticipation of majorinvestment in a new museum facility. Thisevaluative study was fairly unique and unlikeanything previously done in this region. Plains ArtMuseum staff and Board members showedexcellent judgment in gathering comprehensiveevaluative information prior to making anydecision about design, construction, or propertyacquisition.

two-year architectural programming and building assessment activity led toacquisition and rehabilitation of former International Harvester Branch

House for the Plains Art Museum’s award-winning new home

RESEARCH METHODSAn outline program of architectural requirementsand museum organizational structure wasdeveloped based on observational analysis ofPlains Art Museum staff, departments, andcollections. Twelve candidate properties wereevaluated according to assessment checklistsprepared by the Principal Investigator. Preliminarycost estimates, system recommendations, technicalconsiderations, and design concepts were posed toassist Museum staff in determining the bestpossible “fit” between physical facilities andmuseum activities, prior to acquiring any propertyor retaining full architectural services.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSMonthly presentations of research findings andarchitectural analysis were made to the Board of thePlains Art Museum over the course of 18-months,evaluating up to 12 properties for suitability. Ultimately,the former International Harvester Branch House wasdetermined to be the ideal match for the museum’sprogram needs. The researchers assisted Museum staff inrequesting architectural design services and evaluatingproposals for professional services. A 112-page FinalReport entitled, “Search for Form: Feasibility Study andArchitectural Analysis for Acquisition of Property” wascompiled to document the process. The study documentwas provided to the architectural team of Foss Associatesand HGA Architects as a basis for the award-winningadaptive-use architectural concept that was ultimatelyimplemented.


DOCUMENT PAGE 38



TITLE“Research Study & Museum Exhibit for Fargo’s Historic International Harvester Warehouse Building”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, Architect and Ronald L.M. Ramsay

Funding Source: Plains Art Museum and North Dakota Humanities CouncilDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Art History, Historic Preservation

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONAs the Plains Art Museum prepared to move intothe former Fargo International Harvester branchhouse, the Board and museum staff requestedassistance in developing a grant-supportedinterpretive exhibit focusing public attention onthe Museum's new home. This opening exhibitproved to be one of the best-attended in themuseum’s history, with more than 10,000 visitorsattending the gallery during the show’s run.

image of opening gallery exhibit"Seeking Connections/Comparing Visions"

RESEARCH METHODSThematic issues were investigated by research atthe Wisconsin Historical Society and variousregional collections. Interpretive themes weredeveloped by arranging loans of interpretiveobjects and ephemera, as well as exhibitingarchitectural drawings and models of the renovatedwarehouse building. Focusing themes included:Agricultural History on the Northern Great Plains,Learning, Stewardship, Serving, Tools & Artifacts,Harvest, Work, Image & Art, Outreach, Progress,and Rural Life. Two full-sized, historic IHthreshing machines were brought in as part of theexhibit infrastructure. Assistance with exhibitdisplay, design and construction was provided byMilt Yergens and museum staff. Gallery talks werepresented to aid in interpreting the exhibit andappreciating the newly-renovated museum facility.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSIf a "building-as-designed-object" reflects the needs andintentions of the organization that occupies it, then thephysical fabric of architecture provides a good platformfrom which to tell an organization's story. In 1904,historical circumstances converged in a way thatrequired a designed object (the building) to support theprocesses and relationship of a regional institution(International Harvester Company) to the Great Plainsgeographic region. The IH building provides a point ofdeparture from which to consider connections betweenthe building's image/physical fabric on one hand and theFargo-Moorhead community, the agricultural marketingregion, and nationwide events on the other.


DOCUMENT PAGE 39



TITLE“Undergraduate Research Opportunities for Native American Students”

Investigators: Frank Yazdani and Steve C. Martens

Funding Source: Alliance for Minority Participation, National Science FoundationDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Engineering Science and Technology, Education

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBased on competitive grant applications, threeyears of grant support funding was obtained fromthe Alliance For Minority Participation (AMPdivision of NSF) to increase the number of NativeAmerican students from the upper Great Plainsregion in disciplines of engineering andarchitecture. By making research opportunitiesavailable to a demonstration group andencouraging them to use their experiences as a"springboard" Native American students wereencouraged to consider further study in four-yearcolleges. The project was geared toward increasingstudents’ self-confidence and comfort level withthe higher education setting. Grant funds alsohelped to support involvement of one graduatestudent in engineering. over the course of three years, eight Native American students were supported

by AMP/NSF grant funds to spend a month on the NDSU campus experiencingcareer possibilities in engineering, science, and technology

RESEARCH METHODSSeven possible research projects were announcedand promoted at North Dakota Tribal CommunityColleges. Student applications were solicited, andapplicants were selected to spend ten-weeks eachat NDSU engaged in research activities under thesupervision of faculty and graduate students fromengineering and architecture. Stipends wereprovided for each student and living arrangementswere coordinated with university housing.Participating faculty made seminar presentationand demonstrated on-going laboratory researchprojects. Computer modeling and hands-onlaboratory experiments (like molding and testingconcrete samples) demonstrated research methodscommonly used in the applied sciences. Informalsocial interactions and luncheons endeavored to“humanize” university life. Students traveled to anational AIRO conference to present their summerresearch experiences.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSCareer planning can benefit from a research experiencethat helps to focus ideas and self-confidence about skillsand abilities appropriate to science and technologydisciplines, particularly for student populationstraditionally underserved by higher education. Scholarlyresearch and publication are key aspects of a career inany discipline of engineering or architecture for severalreasons. By enhancing the opportunity for NativeAmerican students to become involved with researchactivities, education can begin to "bridge the gap"between interested students at the post-secondary leveland the need for minority students with skills in technicalareas.

Contact Information: e-mail, website address (link)[email protected], [email protected]

DOCUMENT PAGE 40



TITLE“Fieldstone Depression-Era Architecture in Western Minnesota”


Funding Source: self-fundedDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architectural History, Architecture, Historic Preservation

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONThis self-funded research project was undertakento add to the body of knowledge about adistinctive building type, and to provideopportunities for architecture students to obtainhands-on experience with field documentationmethods for historically-significant properties.

student research teams assisted in documenting and collecting fielddata for 15 historic fieldstone buildings

RESEARCH METHODSOver the course of several years, teams ofundergraduate architecture students made sitevisits to a dozen buildings built of fieldstone inwest central Minnesota during the GreatDepression. Seminar course presentations focusedawareness of architectural, cultural, and politicalfactors affecting the buildings’ planning andconstruction. Measurements and photographicdocumentation were compiled into a researchreport for each property, some of which weresubmitted to the Historic American BuildingsSurvey (HABS) collections of the Library ofCongress. Extensive research scholarship wasconducted in regional archives and an extensiveresource bibliography was developed. A summaryreport was filed with the Minnesota HistoricalSociety.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSA slide-supported research presentation was developedby the Principal Investigator, summarizing the students’observational experiences, and then interpreting thebuildings’ historic significance in relationship to priorscholarship. The hands-on aspect of spending substantialtime on-site analyzing the way the buildings wereconstructed added to students’ knowledge of buildingsystems. Several students from these activities continuedwith advanced study or architectural careers specializingin preservation research and design. Findings from thisfive-year study were presented by invitation to theMinnesota Historical Society at the Theodore BlegenMemorial conference, and to other regional conferences.


DOCUMENT PAGE 41



TITLE“History of the Brickmaking Industry in the Minnesota River Valley; 1860 to 1960”


Funding Source: self-fundedDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architectural History, Architecture, Historic Preservation

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONThis self-funded research project was initiated bySteve Martens (based on his graduate study atUniversity of Minnesota) to add to the body ofknowledge about the historical evolution of brickproduction technology in Minnesota.

historic postcard view of Chaska, MN“Minnesota’s Brick City” at the center of 100-years of brickmaking

RESEARCH METHODSExtensive research in regional archives entailedhistoric photographs, newspaper accounts,interviews with individuals having direct personalconnection to earliest years of brick production inMinnesota. A summary report was filed with theMinnesota Historical Society.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSBrick production was historically entwined with earlysocial conditions communities, particularly those withpredominantly German-American populations. Evolutionof scientific brick production technology is a useful casestudy for technological development of other materialsystems. Findings of this research study were presentedto the annual meeting of the Carver County HistoricalSociety and regional academic conferences. The researchproject formed the basis for further scholarship about theChaska (Klein) and Springfield (A.C. Ochs) brickmakingindustry in particular, leading to an exhibit prepared forthe Chaska Historical Society.


DOCUMENT PAGE 42



TITLE“HABS Documentation of Historic Chaska, Minnesota East Ward School”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, Architect (with sponsored student service-learning participation)

Funding Source: City of Chaska and Chaska Historic Preservation CommissionDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architectural History, Architecture, Historic Preservation

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBased on a good prior working relationship, at therequest of the City of Chaska, a research team ofundergraduate architecture students was formed toconduct library research, interviews, and fielddocumentation (through photographs andmeasured drawings) of an historic 1900 schoolbuilding that was slated for demolition. Fundingwas provided by the project sponsor to cover alltravel and expenses for the research team, and asmall stipend for student participation.

historic photo of 1900 Chaska School

RESEARCH METHODSThree students worked with the research teamleader gathering published reference materials off-site and compiling historic images. Subsequently,the research leader spent four days on-site inChaska gathering field data and measurementsneeded to prepare measured drawings and museumexhibit materials. Using digital drafting software,archival-quality measured drawings were preparedaccording to Historic American Building Survey(HABS) procedures for inclusion in the U.S.Library of Congress.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSHistorical analysis of the Chaska School building affordsinsights into design principles and educational context inwhich the building was constructed. During the 1930s, amajor addition to the original school building obscuredmuch of its design character. Though substantiallyaltered over time, the building's material fabric reflectsearly twentieth-century architectural and constructionstandards, as well as lessons about educationalphilosophy and a public building's continuing meaning toa community that especially values its historicarchitectural context. A 52-page research report wascompiled for the collections of the Chaska HistoricalSociety and Minnesota Historical Society. A five-panelinterpretive museum exhibit was prepared for exhibitionat the Chaska and Carver County Historical Societies,telling the historical architectural “Lessons Learned atthe Old Chaska School”.


DOCUMENT PAGE 43



TITLE“HABS Documentation & Museum Exhibit for Historic Sugar City Creamery; Chaska, MN”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, Architect (with sponsored student service-learning participation)

Funding Source: City of Chaska and Chaska Historic Preservation CommissionDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architectural History, Architecture, Historic Preservation

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONThis project grew out of referrals and broadawareness of Steve Martens’ on-going research intocooperative creameries in Minnesota. Based on agood prior working relationship, at the request ofthe City of Chaska, a research team ofundergraduate architecture students was formed toconduct library research, interviews, and fielddocumentation (through photographs and measureddrawings) of an historic creamery building that wasslated for demolition as part of downtownredevelopment. Funding to cover all travel andexpenses for the research team was provided by theCity of Chaska Planning and Development agencyand Chaska Historical Society, in exchange for aprepared set of documentary drawings and a graphicmuseum exhibit.

detail from field documentation research project;Chaska, MN’s “Sugar City Cooperative Creamery”

RESEARCH METHODSAs background for this service-learning activity,Steve Martens introduced his extensive priorresearch into Minnesota cooperative creameriesstatewide, and briefed students about thesignificance and architectural issues associated withtypical creamery buildings. Together with thePrincipal Investigator, five students traveled toChaska, gathering historical reference materials,conducting interviews within the community, andgathering field data and measurements needed toprepare measured drawings and museum exhibitmaterials. Archival-quality measured drawings wereprepared according to Historic American BuildingSurvey (HABS) procedures for inclusion in the U.S.Library of Congress.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSA 42-page research report was compiled for thereference collections of the Chaska Historical Societyand Minnesota Historical Society. A five-panelinterpretive museum exhibit was prepared forexhibition at the Chaska and Carver County HistoricalSocieties, themed “The Chaska Sugar City CooperativeCreamery”. This project added substantially to the bodyof information about creamery buildings as a type-studyof industrial process architecture. NDSU architecturestudents were especially impressed with Chaska'scommitment to preserving, caring for, and appreciatingits architectural heritage. People in Chaska demonstratea keen awareness that historic buildings help to "tell thestory" of community. The architectural "vocabulary" ofChaska Brick buildings -- contemporary buildings aswell as truly historic ones -- helps give the city itsdistinctive character. Continuity between localtradition and new developments reinforces a strongsense of community.


DOCUMENT PAGE 44



TITLE“Historic Edgewood Golf Course Clubhouse/Manning Memorial Shelter NRHP Documentation”

Investigators: Steve C. Martens, Architect (with participation from Earl Stewart and Alison Krohn)

Funding Source: Fargo Park District AuthorityDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architectural History; Landscape Architecture

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBased on a longstanding relationship with the ParkDistrict, and familiarity with the architecturalcharacter and details of the historic (1926)clubhouse, several research projects related to thisimportant recreational building were conductedover a five-year period at the request of the FargoPark Board. With support from Park District staff,Steve Martens prepared a National Register ofHistoric Places nomination for the clubhousebuilding, serving as a model for methodologies andtechnical content appropriate for preparing NationalRegister research projects. The Park Boardgenerously made a donation of funds to supportNDSU Architecture Library collections relating tohistoric preservation.

closeup construction detail from documentation of historicEdgewood Golf Course Clubhouse/Manning Memorial Shelter

RESEARCH METHODSPrimary-source newspaper accounts, Park Districtrecords, and research into the collections of regionalresearch libraries provided documentary evidencenecessary to substantiate the building’s historicsignificance. Archival-level documentaryphotography was prepared, along with a NationalRegister of Historic Places nomination for thebuilding. As a student service-learning project,HABS-level archival measured drawings weremade based on field measurements and on-sitearchitectural analysis. Though the building isNational Register-eligible, its integrity is materiallyendangered by structural movement of subsoil alongthe banks of the Red River.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSThis research project adds to the body of informationabout North Dakota work of historical architect Paul W.Webster. Three public presentations of findings weremade at Park Board meetings. The Edgewood GolfCourse Clubhouse building (originally dedicated as theManning Memorial Shelter) is a freestanding civicbuilding that reflects regional popularity ofrustic/picturesque Period Revival architecture for parkbuildings in the 1920s and 30s. It is the best survivingexample of this type of romantic, Period Revival parkarchitecture in the community of Fargo-Moorhead. TheNational Register nomination and accompanyingbibliography provide a basis for policy-planning andadd to the documentary record of an endangeredhistoric property. According to NRHP criteria, theEdgewood Clubhouse and Manning Memorial Shelteris a significant property as an example of recreationalarchitecture and its landscape architectural setting.


DOCUMENT PAGE 45



TITLE“Regional Significance in the Architecture of Minnesota’s Historic Cooperative Creamery Buildings”


Funding Source: self-fundedDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architectural History

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONSelf-funded research to conduct an extensive fieldinvestigation and photographic documentaryanalysis of a significant building type statewide inMinnesota. Regional archives contain backgroundresearch information about the social and economiccircumstances surrounding construction of morethan 750 independent creamery buildings from 1885to 1929. To date, this original research hasdocumented more than 400 examples of creamerybuildings. With consolidation, few of the creamerybuildings continue to serve their original purpose,but many have been renovated to capture theiradaptive use potential. There has been substantialinterest in a book publication project growing out ofthis research. A typical cooperative creamery building from the historical period

RESEARCH METHODSSystematically traveling to communities in all partsof Minnesota, this research initiative surveyed anddocumented more than 400 distinctive creamerybuildings (roughly half of all the creameries everbuilt in Minnesota). A database was established toorganize, locate and describe as many survivingcreamery buildings as could be identified. Localinterviews were recorded and historical researchcollections in county and state historical societieswere exhaustively investigated. This researchenabled the architecture of creameries to beorganized into several prototypical “sets”. Thisproject represents the first systematic effort torecord and evaluate the historical significance of aprevalent and significant type of industrial-processbuilding in relationship to their communities andthe cooperative dairying movement.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSCreamery buildings, which are rapidly disappearingfrom the landscape at the turn of the twenty-firstcentury, are an important part of our region'sarchitectural, economic, and cultural heritage. Ataxonomy of creamery types enables understanding ofthese important buildings in relationship to agriculturalcommunities. Findings of the research have beenpresented at four regional conferences and two nationalmeetings of the Vernacular Architecture Forum.A summary of the preliminary research was publishedin Currents, historical journal of the Minnesota RiverValley. This research project has tremendous potentialto add to public understanding of historical architecturefor a vanishing process-type set of buildings that aregreatly significant in telling the story of dairyproduction as value-added agriculture, local decision-making, community values and architecturalexpression.


DOCUMENT PAGE 46



TITLE“Wahpeton-Breckenridge Community Assistance for Historic Downtown Building Survey”


Funding Source: Wahpeton Economic Development Authority & Breckenridge Port AuthorityDepartment: Architecture & Landscape ArchitectureResearch areas (max. 3): Architecture, Historic Preservation, Community Planning

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIONBased on previous experience developingdowntown storefront preservation designguidelines, Steve Martens was contacted by theWahpeton (ND) Economic Development Agencyand Breckenridge (MN) Port Authority forassistance in obtaining preservation designexpertise for 20 historic buildings in thedowntown area of the two communities. Havingcompleted similar research studies for othercommunities in North Dakota and Minnesota, theopportunity to be helpful to leaders in Wahpeton-Breckenridge in understanding the process andmethods of accomplishing design guidelines thatwill direct redevelopment and investment inhistoric downtown buildings was thoroughlyfulfilling for a researcher focused on historicarchitecture.

historic Wahpeton Opera House;one of a number of buildings included in architectural design manual

RESEARCH METHODSThrough a series of meetings with Cityrepresentatives from the two communities,examples of constructive design manuals werereviewed and local properties were identified thatwill be candidates for preservation design.Suitable properties were identified through aninformal field survey. A timeline and workingmethodology was proposed based on othersuccessful preservation design manuals. Aninvitation for proposals was developed andassistance was provided in selecting a qualifiedconsultant from among the qualified respondents.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSBased on evaluative briefings to the city agencies, acontract to prepare the Wahpeton-Breckenridge downtowndesign manual was awarded to Thomas Zahn, Associates;a preservation design firm that has completed ten similarstudies in Minnesota. Advisory interactions between theresearcher and civic leaders were especially open andwelcoming and afforded excellent opportunities to better-understand the economic redevelopment issues from thepoint of view of community leaders and property owners.These circumstances are very typical of those faced byother mid-sized communities in the region.


DOCUMENT PAGE 47

Civil Engineering

DOCUMENT PAGE 48



Best Value Based on Performance Investigators: Magdy Abdelrahman and Gary Smith

Funding Source: Minnesota Department of TransportationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Best‐Value, Contracting

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The proposed project will develop a system that is driven by the "best value based on performance" concept to evaluate the current contracting procedures by the State of Minnesota. The proposed system will collect and evaluate relevant data on construction projects and contractor qualifications. The study will develop recommendations to improve current specifications and bid offering, if necessary, based on the analysis of available records.

Graphics (photographs/images/graphs) The general equation for the Best-Value is shown in Equation (1) as follows:

i

n

ij SWBV ×=∑

i=1

BVj = Best-Value for contractor j

n = number of parameters included in the Best-Value equation

Wi = parameter i weight

Si = parameter i score

RESEARCH METHODS The proposed research will compare the use of different bid selection criteria such as quality of work including material production, completion dates, safety and traffic control and compliance with environmental requirements, labor requirements; Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). This study will address issues related to the pre‐qualification mechanism and the contractor rating systems of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT).


Contact Information: email, website address(link). Tel. (701) 2317249, [email protected] http://rip.trb.org/browse/perprj.asp?i=6742&n=Magdy%20Abdelrahman

DOCUMENT PAGE 49



A Property-Based Specification for Coarse Aggregate in Pavement Applications

Investigators: Magdy Abdelrahman

Funding Source: Minnesota Department of TransportationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Local Aggregate, Property‐Based Specifications

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The study will develop a set of restructured coarse aggregate specifications that are based on aggregate properties as related to the performance of asphalt and concrete mixes in pavement applications. The suggested specifications will be property-based and will be more linked to mix performance. The proposed research may suggest new properties and/or testing procedures to include in the proposed specifications for coarse aggregate in Minnesota. The study will also provide detailed testing data on local aggregate and will help optimizing the use of natural aggregate resources in Minnesota. The results of this research will assist Mn/DOT in conducting future specification changes to ensure that more consistence concrete

nd/or asphalt mixes can be achieved. a


RESEARCH METHODS The two main questions to be answered by this study are:

- Are current coarse aggregate specifications reflecting Mn/DOT interests in aggregate quality? - If new requirements to be introduced, would the new requirements satisfy the performance-related properties of both asphalt

nd concrete mixes for pavement applications in innesota?

aM


Contact Information: email, website address (link). Tel. (701) 2317249, [email protected] http://rip.trb.org/browse/perprj.asp?i=6742&n=Magdy%20Abdelrahman

DOCUMENT PAGE 50



Crumb Rubber in Performance Graded Asphalt Binder


Funding Source: Nebraska Department of RoadsDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Crumb Rubber Modifier, CRM, Terminal Blending

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION This research sought to characterize the interaction conditions, material properties and the impact of each on modified binder properties for performance graded specifications.


RESEARCH METHODS Three different performance graded binders were interacted with two polymers and two sources of crumb rubber under various time and temperature conditions. A combination of 5% crumb rubber and 2% polymer produced Superpave binder with properties similar to that produced by 4% polymer modified styrene-butadiene binder. Crumb rubber concentrations greater than 5% produced more significant modifications, but stability and workability of the modified binder were not as desirable for terminal-blended binder

roduction. p


contribute to

material property has some effect on the changed

The results suggest thatproperties p

CRM binders have a unique composition, consisting of a liquid phase and swollen particles. Both components

the properties of the modified binder. Changes that develop during interaction depend mon the extraction of the asphalt's light fraction, which causes swelling of the rubber particles, and then by depolymerization of the swollen particles. Each

s that evelop in both the liquid phase and the swollen articles.

Separation of CRM Binder with Various Size Gradations of Crumb Rubber

0

4

8

12

16

20

30-40 40-60 60-80 80-200

Particle Size Distribution (Pass-Retained on Sieve #)

Sepa

ratio

n (%

)

Main interaction at 50 Hz mixing speed, 200 C with 2% SB polymer.

ainly

p

of research on low temperature properties modifications to the low temperature roduced by Crumb Rubber modification are

limited as compared to the modifications of the high temperature properties.


DOCUMENT PAGE 51



Evaluation of Superpave Construction Quality on Low Volume Roads


Funding Source: Not Funded Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Superpave, Construction Quality, Low Volume Roads

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Of the two million miles of asphalt pavement in the U.S., seventy percent experiences low traffic. To utilize the latest technology on the bulk of the network, local agencies are expanding the use of Superpave to low volume roads. Superpave specifications are less restrictive in low volume applications to accommodate the use of local materials. The effects of relaxing these limits are widely unknown. There is a need to determine if the same level of quality is being achieved for Superpave mixes on low volume roads as their high volume counterparts.

Graphics (photographs/images/graphs) CAA vs. Mix Type

RESEARCH METHODS This paper investigates the effects of traffic level on construction quality. Compliance and variability are both evaluated for seven Superpave mixes, each serving different traffic levels. Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) data from over 550 Nebraska Superpave projects showed construction variability was significantly higher for low volume mixes. On average, nearly 100% more variability was found on low volume roads in coarse aggregate angularity (CAA) and 65% more variability in fine aggregate angularity (FAA) when compared to high volume mixes.



DOCUMENT PAGE 52



Models Validation/Calibration for the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide


Funding Source: Not Funded Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Pavement Design, Validation/Calibration

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION NCHRP Project 1-37A met the task of changing the state of practice in pavement design (project-level PMS) toward a mechanistic nature. The product of NCHRP 1-37A was the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). The new Guide employs over 27 mechanistic models calibrated to field performance. While the state of the practice has improved for project-level PMS, the transition has not reached the network level, where prediction remains largely empirical. Furthermore, agencies often neglect model error in network-level analyses, which may lead to ill-advised decisions. Model accuracy directly

etermines the rationality of decisions based on erformance models.

dp


RESEARCH METHODS The objective of this research is to fulfill a timely need for a similar transition at the network level. An iterative calibration procedure developed default calibration coefficients for the mechanistic-empirical models in the Design Guide. Several descriptive statistics and statistical tests are used to show validity; no single statistical test exists to determine validation. The process of verifying the validity of a model should include a combination of statistical evidence and graphical comparisons.



DOCUMENT PAGE 53



Assess Current Pavement Design Investigators: Magdy Abdelrahman

Funding Source: Nebraska Department of RoadsDepartment: Civil Engineering, University of Nebraska‐LincolnResearch areas (max. 3): Pavement Design, Rehabilitation

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Roads and highways are a huge asset to the state of Nebraska, and a major portion of the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) annual budget goes toward constructing, improving, and maintaining these facilities. Much thought and effort goes into pavement selection and design to try to use the best strategies and elements in new and rehabilitated pavements. While to the best of our knowledge, the best and most cost effective designs are being used, there may be other factors affecting the life of the new and rehabilitated pavements. Such as construction techniques, material selection, and integration of various design features. and existing pavement design strategies in Nebraska and develop a comprehensive program to enhance the quality of new, rehabilitated and maintained pavements.


RESEARCH METHODS The objective of this project is to assess the current and existing pavement design strategies in Nebraska and develop a comprehensive program to enhance the quality of new, rehabilitated and maintained pavements. Many factors need to be taken into account when selecting and specifying new pavement strategies. Research is needed to systematically select and design the best and most cost effective pavements in Nebraska.



DOCUMENT PAGE 54



Investigation of Stripping in MN Class7 (RAP) and Full Depth e Material Reclamation Bas

Investigators: Magdy Abdelrahman and Dinish Katti

Funding Source: Minnesota Department of TransportationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Recycled Asphalt Pavement, Base layer

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION This research will assess the changes in the asphalt content and properties of RAP as used in base materials in Minnesota. This will help characterizing the effectiveness of RAP as a structural component in base layers. The research will also test if potential contamination to ground water is likely to occur as a result of using RAP in base materials.

Graphics (photographs/images/graphs) Effect of Dry Density on MR for 50% RAP+ 50% Aggregate (Mn/DOT records).

R2 = 0.4236

R2 = 0.0670R2 = 0.2707

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

0 0.0002 0.0004 0.0006 0.0008 0.001 0.0012 0.0014Strain

Res

ilien

t mod

ulus

(psi

)

Dry density = 125 pcf, M.C =7% Dry density = 130 pcf, M.C. = 8%

Dry density = 135 pcf, M.C. = 7%

9psi

3psi

4psi

5psi8psi

13psi

18psi

27psi

36psi

RE EARS CH METHODS ‐ Analysis of Mn/DOT testing records. ‐ Conduct Lab testing on RAP materials. ‐ Develop Freeze‐Thaw testing procedures to simulate actual conditions affecting the RAP as base layer.


Contact Information: email, website address(link). Tel. (701) 2317249, [email protected] http://rip.trb.org/browse/perprj.asp?i=6742&n=Magdy%20Abdelrahman

DOCUMENT PAGE 55



POLYMERIC SUBSURFACE DELIVERY VEHICLE FOR IRON NANOPARTICLES

Investigators: Achintya Bezbaruah, Bret Chisholm

Funding Source: USGS/NDWRRI Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Nanotechnology, Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Management

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Zero‐valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) are used for remediation of groundwater because of their unique physiochemical properties. Various chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons, explosive material, and arsenic have been successfully decontaminated with nZVI. However, nZVI is not only highly reactive with the contaminants, but also rapidly react with surrounding media in the subsurface (dissolved oxygen and/or water) and other non‐target compounds. Thus, significant loss of nZVI reactivity occurs before the particles reach the target contaminants. Additionally, strong magnetic interaction between particles causes agglomeration, limiting colloidal stability and reducing the reactive surface.

TEM Image of AGCP Coated Iron Nanoparticles

RESEARCH METHODS This research is targeted towards developing a cost effective and efficient subsurface delivery vehicle for nZVI. Functionalized amphiphilic polysiloxane graft copolymers (APGC) are an ideal class of polymers for this application. We have synthesized and carried out sedimentation, oxidation, and treatability batch studies for nZVI coated with a novel AGCP. The research is also directed towards making the polymer contaminant specific. Commercially available raw materials have been used for APGC synthesis and the ynthesized APGC is nontoxic. s

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Field testing of the new APGC will demonstrate its broader ramifications in the field of groundwater remediation. Targeted delivery of the nZVI will save resources and time needed for remediation of contaminants in the subsurface. The new polymeric delivery vehicle can also be pilot tested to create a reactive barrier/wall to contain contaminant plumes. Once this research is successfully completed, the polymer developed can be used for target specific delivery of nZVI to plumes of contaminants of environmental concern. Provisional patent application has been filed for this novel nZVI delivery vehicle.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/bezbarua/ www.ndsu.edu/ndsuem

DOCUMENT PAGE 56


http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/bezbarua/

http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsuem


IONIC AND MOLECULAR IMPRINTED POLYMERS FOR REMEDIATION AND SENSING

Investigators: Achintya Bezbaruah, Bret Chisholm


RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Arsenic present in drinking water is a serious environmental and health concern because of the toxicity of arsenic on human and other living organisms. In drinking water supplies, arsenic usually occurs naturally although some pesticides and preservatives also contain arsenic. The US EPA recently (2006) lowered the maximum containment level (MCL) for arsenic to 10 µg/L (10 ppb) from 50 µg/L (50 ppb) in drinking water. This new MCL has created an urgent need of low capital and technology intensive arsenic removal and sensing technologies, more particularly in small utilities and rural communities.

RESEARCH METHODS Functional monomers are allowed to self‐assemble around a template ion/molecule and get cross linked. The template molecule is later removed, leaving behind a cavity (or imprint) complementary in shape and functionality with the removed ion/molecule. The modified polymers with cavities (or ionic/molecular imprinted polymers, IIP/MIP) will bind molecules/ions identical to the template molecule. The imprint functions like a lock that is only compatible with the correct key. Arsenic will be studied as the contaminant of concern. Later the work will be expanded to other metals and organic contaminants. The IIP/MIP will also be used to develop sensors including arsenic sensors.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS IIP and MIP will find applications in environmental remediation. An advantage of such a remediation technology will be its target specificity. Ion/molecular imprinted chemical sensors (potentially biosensors at the later stage of the research) have potential applications in clinical diagnostics, environmental analysis, and food analysis as well as detection of illicit drugs, genotoxicity and chemical weapons.

Contact Information: e‐mail, website address(link). [email protected] www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/bezbarua/ www.ndsu.edu/ndsuem

Conceptual Model of IIP/MIP

DOCUMENT PAGE 57






PESTICIDE REMEDIATION WITH IRON NANOPARTICLES

Investigator: Achintya Bezbaruah

Funding Source: NDSU Development Foundation, USGS/NDWRRI Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Nanotechnology, Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Management


Pesticide contamination of groundwater remains an ongoing area of concern. One promising pesticide remediation technology is reductive dechlorination by iron filings or powder. This technology has been successful in both the laboratory and field. However, limitations inherent in this process have limited its use. Recent research has shown that nanoscale zero‐valent iron (nZVI), with its high surface area and reactivity, can overcome many of these l

imitations.

TEM Image of Iron Synthesized Nanaparticles

RESEARCH METHODS Zero‐valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) have been synthesized using borohydride reduction method and used in batch studies to remediate various pesticides of environmental significance. Batch studies were conducted in a controlled environment in 500 ml reactors. Column studies are also conducted with sand and polymer supported nZVI. Comparison studies have been completed with bare nZVI, polymer supported micro‐ZVI (mZVI), and bare mZVI.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS This research, for the first time, comprehensively investigates the effect of iron nanoparticles on chloro‐s‐triazine, chloroacetanilide, and benzoic acid class herbicides. The results of this research will be useful for the development of a treatment system for herbicide removal from groundwater. Such a system could remediate herbicides present at a higher concentration than possible with biological processes.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/bezbarua/ www.ndsu.edu/ndsuem

DOCUMENT PAGE 58






NANOPARTICLEMICROORGANISM INTERACTIONS

Investigator: Achintya Bezbaruah


RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Nanoparticles are increasingly being used for environmental remediation through physico‐chemical route. Microorganisms exist in the environment and there are interactions between nanoparticles and microorganisms. However, studies on nanoparticle‐microorganism interactions are limited. This is an area where a lot of understanding is needed to achieve better results in environmental remediation and to offset the possible harmful impacts of synthesized nanoparticles. Our hypothesis for this research is that nanoparticles and microorganisms can live symbiotically if proper environment is created for them.

Alginate Encapsulated Iron Nanoparticles

RESEARCH METHODS This research is focused on encapsulating metal nanoparticles and microorganism in small capsules (micro‐reactors) and studying their interactions in this confined environment. We are using natural biopolymers (e.g., alginate) to make ‘micro‐reactors’. The polymer capsule size, wall thickness, and bursting strength have been measured with an objective of optimizing the micro‐reactors. The encapsulated microorganisms will be studied for their growth and viability. Contaminant treatability batch studies will be conducted once we understand the “best” environment for nanoparticle‐microorganism symbiosis.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The present research exclusively focuses on nanometal‐microorganism interaction with specific reference to environmental pollution control. The results from this work will be useful in designing permeable reactive barriers for groundwater contaminant removal and can potentially be used in household filters to remove trace contaminants.

Contact Information: e‐mail, website address(link). [email protected] www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/bezbarua/ www.ndsu.edu/ndsuem

DOCUMENT PAGE 59






CONTACT INTERFACE MODEL (CIM) FOR SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS SUBJECTED TO LATERAL

CYCLIC AND DYNAMIC LOADING

Investigator: Sivapalan Gajan

Funding Source: NSF through Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (in the past)

Department: Civil Engineering

Research areas (max. 3): Geotechnical, Earthquake Engineering, Foundation Engineering RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION

The absence of practical reliable foundation

modeling techniques to accurately design

foundations with the desired capacity and

energy dissipation characteristics and

concerns about permanent deformations have

hindered the use of nonlinear soil-foundation-

structure interaction as a designed

mechanism for improving performance of

structural systems during seismic loading.

This project involves the development of a

new “contact interface model” to provide

nonlinear constitutive relations between

cyclic loads and displacements of the footing-

soil system during combined cyclic and

dynamic loading (vertical, shear, and

moment).

Contact Interface Model for Combined Cyclic

Loading on Shallow Foundations

RESEARCH METHODS

The research includes the development of

constitutive relations for contact interface

model and the implementation of the model

in a dynamic finite element framework. The

rigid footing and the soil beneath the footing

in the zone of influence, considered as a

macro-element, are modeled by keeping track

of the geometry of the soil surface beneath

the footing, along with the kinematics of the

footing-soil system, interaction diagrams in

vertical, shear, and moment space, and the

introduction of a parameter, critical contact

area ratio (A/Ac); the ratio of footing area (A)

to the footing contact area required to

support vertical and shear loads (Ac).


The comparisons of contact interface model

simulations with centrifuge experimental

results reveal that the contact interface model,

with only six basic model parameters, captures

the essential features (load capacities, stiffness

degradation, energy dissipation, and cyclic and

permanent deformations) of the cyclic load-

deformation behavior of the footing-soil

system. The model is implemented in

OpenSees (Open System for Earthquake

Engineering Simulations) finite element

framework, where it can be used along with

other structural and soil material models to

analyze the behavior of soil-foundation-

structure system during earthquake loading.

Contact Information: e-mail, website address (link): [email protected]

http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/gajan/

soil_max

asoil_min

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dc

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DOCUMENT PAGE 60



IMPROVED DESIGN OF EMBEDMENT DEPTHS FOR TRANSMISSION POLE FOUNDATIONS SUBJECT

TO LATERAL LOADING

Investigators: Sivapalan Gajan and Cassie McNames

Funding Source: N/A


Research areas (max. 3): Geotechnical Engineering, Pile Foundations, Lateral Loading RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION

The embedment depths for transmission pole

foundations are usually estimated by simple

“rule-of-thumb” methods in current civil

engineering practice. Most simple methods

used in practice do not include the type of

soils and soil properties of the site. However,

when the pole is subjected to lateral loading,

the depth of embedment required for the

stability of pole depends on pole type,

geometry, soil properties, and loading

conditions. This research evaluates the effects

of different soil types and soil properties on

depths of embedment of transmission poles

that are subjected to lateral loading, and

proposes improved methods to calculate the

embedment depths.

Transmission Pole Foundation Subjected to

Lateral Wind Loading

RESEARCH METHODS

The embedment depths for pole foundations

are calculated by using the analytical methods

available for laterally loaded piles, which

includes the passive resistance of soil.

Different soil types (sand, silt, and clay) and

site conditions (dry and saturated) are

considered in the analysis. The analytical

expressions for the passive resistance of soils

depend on basic soil strength parameters such

as friction angle and undrained shear strength,

which may not be evaluated accurately using

simple site investigation methods. The current

analysis classifies soils into different groups

and proposes expressions for embedment

depths that are easy to use, yet includes the

effect of important soil properties.


The embedment depths calculated by the

proposed improved methods are compared

with the estimations obtained by using the

simple rule-of-thumb methods. The

comparisons reveal that, for stronger soils, the

simple methods are slightly over-conservative,

and for relatively weaker soils, the simple

current methods dangerously under predict

the embedment depths. The proposed

improved methods include the effect of

important soil properties and do not require

extensive site investigation, as soils are

classified into groups based on their strength

properties. Thus, the proposed methods can

easily be used by engineers to improve the

performance of transmission poles.



DOCUMENT PAGE 61



NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF SOIL-FOUNDATION-STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS SUBJECTED TO

SEISMIC LOADING

Investigators: Sivapalan Gajan and Duraisamy Saravanathiiban

Funding Source: N/A


Research areas (max. 3): Geotechnical, Earthquake Engineering, Numerical Modeling RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION

The effectiveness of the structural fuse

mechanisms, used for seismic energy

dissipation in structures, depends on their

capacity, ductility, energy dissipation,

isolation, and self-centering characteristics.

Shallow foundations supporting buildings and

bridges can also be designed to possess many

of these desirable characteristics to improve

the performance of the structural system

during seismic loading. This research involves

nonlinear dynamic finite element simulations

of frame-shear wall-foundation systems to

study the effectiveness and advantages of

combined energy dissipation mechanisms in

structural elements and beneath foundation.

Frame-Shear wall-Foundation Systems used in

Seismic Lateral Load Resisting Structures

RESEARCH METHODS

OpenSees finite element framework is used to

analyze the behavior of shear wall-moment

frame-foundation-soil system for earthquake

shaking. Since the shear wall is rigid compared

to the frame structure and supporting soil, it is

modeled by a rigid elastic beam-column

element. Beam elements with inelastic fiber

hinges are able to simulate the physical

behavior of beams in finite element analysis.

Nonlinear beam-column elements represent

the behavior of columns. The behavior of the

foundation soil in the zone of influence and

the interaction between footing and

supporting soil during seismic shaking are

simulated by the contact interface model,

available in OpenSees.


Finite element simulations will be carried out

for some of the moment frame-shear wall–

footing structures tested in centrifuge

experiments to study the effect of foundation

rocking on the behavior of different structural

elements, such as, beams, columns, and beam

column joints as well as footing-soil system.

Energy dissipation at the footing-soil interface

due to rocking and sliding, and the reduced

force demands on the structure will be

compared to the adverse effects on the

structure, such as, permanent deformations of

foundation and the maximum drift ratio of the

structure. The findings of these analyses will

help improve the performance of structural

systems during seismic loading.



Shallow foundations

Moment frame

Shear wall

DOCUMENT PAGE 62



TITLE

Investigators: Chung‐Souk Han (PhD), R.V.S. Tatiraju

Funding Source: Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): micro/nano‐mechanics, computational methods, materials modeling

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION At small dimensions at the micro‐/nanometer scale the deformation mechanisms cannot be accurately predicted with methods based on conventional continuum mechanics. The knowledge and modeling of materials of small

tance length scales is however of immanent imporfor micro‐/nanometer composites and devices. These devises and composite materials and material systems have superior properties and this research is developing these advanced devices and materials.

Size dependent deformation studied by indenta‐tion‐testing: the hardness of silicone rubber can increase by several orders of magnitude.

RESEARCH METHODS The research involves experimental investigation and developing material models which then are implemented into simulation tools such as the Finite Element Method. Experiments are currently conducted on various polymers and composited by using micro‐ and nanoindentation. The modeling and simulations are based on strain‐gradient–type approaches which are capable in predicting size dependent deformation. This size

ically dependent deformation is related to physbased micromechanical deformations. These materials models require a special treatment when numerical simulation techniques re applied which are also developed in this esearch. ar

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Based on the physically derived material model a hardness‐indentation depth relation has been derived is in excellent agreement with experiments.

Contact Information: email: chung[email protected], website address: www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/chhan/

DOCUMENT PAGE 63



ROLE OF ICROSTRUCTURE ON WELLM S ING AND SWELLING PRESSURE IN EXPANSIVE CLAYS: EXPERIMENTAL & DISCRETE ELEMENT STUDY

Investigators: Dr. Dinesh Katti & Dr. Kalpana Katti

Funding Source: National Science FoundationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Expansive Clay, Discrete Element Modeling

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Microstructure in clays is known to play a key role in the mechanical and hydraulic behavior. In swelling clays the relationship between microstructure and swelling and swelling pressure properties is not understood. These fundamental relationships are important for developing better predictive capabilities of swelling and swelling pressures which in turn could lead to better design f structures and civil infrastructure in expansive oil areas. os

RESEARCH METHODS A new device “controlled uniaxial swelling cell” is designed and fabricated to measure both swelling and swelling pressure and study the microstructure of clay at predetermined amounts of swelling in a scanning electron microscope. In addition, the device allows for spectroscopic tudies to understand the nature of molecular sinteractions with swelling. A new discrete element modeling technique incorporating breakdown of particles is developed. The code is written in C language and allows simulation of particle‐particle interactions and subdivision of particles during simulations. This capability allows study of swelling and swelling pressure and the evolution of clay microstructure.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS We observed breakdown of clay particles during swelling and for the very first time, quantitatively related particle size to swelling and swelling pressure. Unlike conventional non‐swelling clays, article breakdown is a critical factor in the

pevolution of microstructure in swelling clays. For the first time, discrete element modeling technique with particle breakdown for modeling swelling clays have been developed. Relationships between particle subdivision, swelling and swelling pressure have been found.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] ; [email protected] ; web: http://www.ce.ndsu.nodak.edu/faculty/katti.htm and http://www.ce.ndsu.nodak.edu/faculty/kkatti.htm

DOCUMENT PAGE 64



http://www.ce.ndsu.nodak.edu/faculty/katti.htm

http://www.ce.ndsu.nodak.edu/faculty/kkatti.htm



M N M E SWELLING CLAY INTERLAYER: ECHANICS OF A ONTMORILLONIT A STEERED MOLECULAR DYNAMICS STUDY


Funding Source: National Science FoundationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Expansive Clay, Computational Chemistry

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Distress caused to infrastructure due to swelling and shrinkage behavior expansive clays is of the order of 7 to 8 billion dollars annually in the United States alone. These clays are also used in environmental engineering as barrier materials, in il and water well drilling and pharmaceutical oindustry. The goal of this research is to understand and model the interactions between water molecules and swelling clays to predict the evolution of microstructure and properties of swelling clays. This fundamental research involves developing an understanding of the physics of interactions and using and developing computational chemistry and computational mechanics techniques to bridge length and time scales from molecular to macro.

RESEARCH METHODS In this research, steered molecular dynamics is adapted to model the interlayer of swelling clay. Force field parameters for clays are found using an innovative approach. Forces are applied to individual atoms on the clay surface and response of the clay with various amounts of water molecules are found and the nature of water in the clay interlayer is studied.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Force field parameters for use with steered molecular dynamics have been found which opens the way for researchers to study clays and nteractions at molecular level and relate the iinteractions to mechanics of clays. Mechanical response of swelling clay interlayer for various levels of hydration is found. Also, the nature of water and its behavior in the interlayer nder external stress is evaluated providing an uinsight into clay water interactions. This work has resulted in about 6 peer reviewed journal papers


DOCUMENT PAGE 65







D M I P B ? : STEERED MOLECULAR O INERALS NFLUENCE ROTEIN EHAVIORDYNAMICS AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY


Funding Source: National Science FoundationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Biological Nanocomposites, Molecular Dynamics, AFM

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Many biological materials such as bone, teeth, nacre etc. are nanocomposite materials containing mineral and organic phase (mainly in the form of proteins) with hybrid interfaces. The properties of mineral and protein phases are typically obtained independently as discrete isolated materials and likely do not represent the properties when these materials are in close proximity to one another in real biological systems. In this research we study he influence of minerals on the unfolding of roteins and explain mechanisms involved. tp

RESEARCH METHODS Steered molecular dynamics simulations of proteins in the presence and absence of mineral to evaluate differences in the mechanical response uring unfolding and evaluate mechanisms dresponsible for the differences. After our steered molecular dynamics simulations showed large differences in the mechanical behavior in the proximity of minerals, atomic force microscopy was used to pull proteins off of the hybrid interfaces in nacre and mechanical response was obtained. Experiments confirm results from simulations.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Mineral proximity significantly influences the unfolding and mechanical behavior of proteins in nacre. For a slow pulling velocity, the energy needed to unfold the protein in the presence of the mineral was more than 10 times the energy required in absence of the mineral which is a very important finding. In addition, mechanisms were described that cause such large differences in the behavior and the important role of water. This ork has been extended for biological w

nanocomposite bone. Several journal papers have been published.


DOCUMENT PAGE 66







M L E T OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES IN ECHANISMS EADING TO NHANCEMENPOLYMER CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES


Funding Source: Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Nanocomposites, Multiscale Modeling, Computational Chemistry

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Small amount of nanosized clay particles (1 to 9%) dispersed in a polymer matrix very significantly alters ( 200 to 300%) the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite. These nanocomposites have applications in the aerospace, automobile, structural, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. However mechanisms responsible for enhancement of properties are not understood. Our goal is to develop understanding of specific mechanisms leading to enhancement of properties in a quantitative manner that will lead to the design of clay based nanocomposites with tailored properties and property enhancement that significantly exceeds levels that are currently achieved.

RESEARCH METHODS The research involves using multiscale simulations and experimental approach to relate molecular interactions between the nanocomposite constituents: polymer, clay and the organic modifier and connect these and the microstructure to mechanical behavior. Simulations include molecular dynamics, ab‐inito calculations, 3‐D finite element analysis and experiments include synthesis, mechanical testing, nanomechanical testing, atomic force microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy etc.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS This work has resulted in a major breakthrough: Molecular interactions alter the polymer and clay. This “altered phase” model explains the mechanisms esponsible for the huge property enhancement in rpolymer clay nanocomposites. ow polymer phase is altered by these interactions is H

explained. For the first time, maps of interaction energies between constituents have been developed that provide a quantitative picture of the exact nature and agnitude of interactions which will lead to m

optimizing and tailoring properties. This work has resulted in about 10 peer reviewed journal papers


DOCUMENT PAGE 67







PgA rich domains

Chitosan rich domains

B B DESIGNONE IOMATERIALS

Investigators: Dr. Kalpana S. Katti and Dr. Dinesh R. Katti

Funding Source: National Science FoundationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3):Biomaterials, nanomaterials, biomimetics

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION About 435,000 Americans have a hip or knee replaced each year (‘Joint replacement Surgery and You’, a report of NIAMS, NIH 2005). The current methods in hip replacement include use of polymeric, metallic, and ceramic materials for total joint replacement and surgeries often need to be revisited within 15 years. There is an acute need for design of novel material systems and structures for bone replacement that provide mechanical integrity similar to bone as well as biocompatibility. The focus of this research is to design improved bone replacement materials with inspiration from biology (BIOMIMETICS) using composites of hydroxyapatite (the mineral in natural bone) and synthetic and bio-polymers. The biomimetic routes consist of influencing molecular behavior at polymer-mineral interfaces in nanocomposites to manipulate mechanical properties as well as bioactivity of the composites This research involves extensive experimental and modeling studies.

New Chitosanpolygalactouronic acidhydroxyapatite composite designed. New nanocomposites of chitosan (biopolymer extracted from shrimp shells) - polygalacturonic acid (PgA)(from fruits)-hydroxyapatite have been synthesized using biomimetic routes. The strong interactions between negatively charged carboxylate groups of PgA and positively charged amino groups of chitosan lead to complex formation. Significant improvement in elastic modulus, strain to failure and compressive strength has been achieved. Mechanical tests in the compressive mode

indicate 103%, 120% and 190 % increase in elastic modulus, compressive strength and strain to failure

respectively. (Katti et al. MSEC 2007)

RESEARCH METHODS Experimental: • Synthesis of new hydroxyapatite/polymer materials

• r design of Investigate novel processing routes focomposite materials.

• Characterizing interfaces using FTIR microspectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, Nanomechanics studies, electron microscopy

Modeling:

• Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the polymer‐

te mineral interface and the role of such interactions on mechanics of the nanocomposi

• Ab initio quantum mechanics studies on molecules of polymers and minerals to obtain force field parameters for molecular dynamics.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS 1. Use of surface modification of hydroxyapatite with calcium binding polymers to successfully and predictably influence mechanical properties and biological properties of the new composites. 2. Successfully model the polymer-mineral interface in the nanocomposites designed using molecular dynamics and quantitatively evaluate role of weak interactions at interfaces on mechanics of nanocomposites. Katti et al. Polymer 2007. 11 Journal articles, 2 book chapters, 1 patent filed and 1 provisional patent filed

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/kkatti/indexbone.html

Influence of interactions on mechanical response of polymer in proximity of

mineral Interaction between polymer (greyred) and mineral (green)

DOCUMENT PAGE 68


http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/kkatti/indexbone.html



M B NE ECHANICS OF O


Funding Source: National Science FoundationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3):Bone, Bionanocomposites, nanomechanics

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Bone is the primary structural element of the human body. Understanding the mechanical behavior of bone is vital to our understanding of diseases related to bone, and also next generation design of bone replacement materials. As all the structural materials in nature bone exhibits hierarchy (structural order at many length scales). Modeling such a hierarchical structure is at the cutting edge of

science and technology.

In this work we attempt to develop

robust multiscale

models of bone

S

Stteeeerreedd MMoolleeccuullaarr DDyynnaammiiccss SSiimmuullaattiioonn ooff NNaannoommeecchhaanniiccss ooff BBoonnee

RESEARCH METHODS Modeling: • Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the

collagen-hydroxyapatite interface and the role of such interactions on mechanics of the bone

• Steered molecular dynamics simulation of response of collagen-hydroxyapatite interface with application of load at varying velocities.

• Development of finite element models incorporating hierarchy in bone.

Experimental: •

Novel Nanomechanics static and dynamic experiments on samples of bovine bone.

MAJOR RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Nonbonded interactions between collagen and mineral influence mechanics of collagen

Water affects the load-deformation behavior of collagen

Solvated collagen needs more energy to untie from surface

Water affects the overall mechanical properties of Natural Bone

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/kkatti/indexbone.html

collagenwater

hydroxyapatite

DOCUMENT PAGE 69





B T E ERINGONE ISSUE NGINE


Funding Source: National Science FoundationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3):Biomaterials, nanomaterials, tissue engineering

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Acute shortage of transplantable organs has lead to significant research interest in the field of tissue engineering. Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines cells, engineering materials and suitable growth factors to develop biological substitutes. For tissue regeneration, cells are seeded in a highly porous three dimensional construct called scaffold. Biocompatibility; ability to attach and promote cell growth, controlled biodegradation and adequate mechanical response are essential

properties of scaffold. This research involves novel scaffold material systems design, novel processing routes to design scaffolds with controlled degradability and mechanics.

RRoollee ooff MMoolleeccuullaarr iinntteerraaccttiioonnss oonn M

Meecchhaanniiccaall RReessppoonnssee ooff PPoollyymmeerrss iinn BBoonnee TTiissssuuee EEnnggiinneeeerriinngg SSccaaffffoollddss

RESEARCH METHODS Experimental: • Design of novel scaffolds of polyacrylic acid,

polycapralactone and hydroxyapatite • Design of novel scaffolds of chitosan,

polygalactouronic acid and hydroxyapatite, polycapralactone and hydroxyapatite

• Characterization routes: FTIR, AFM, Static and Dynamic Nanoindentation, scanning electron microscopy

Modeling: • Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the polymer-

mineral interface and the role of such interactions on mechanics of the nanocomposite

• Ab initio quantum mechanics studies on molecules of polymers and minerals to obtain force field parameters for molecular dynamics.

• Steered molecular dynamics simulation of response of interfaces with application of load.

MAJOR RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS 1. Successful design of novel composite scaffolds with porous structures using hydroxyapatite and combination of polymers (polyacrylic acid, polycapralactone, chitosan, polygalactouronic acid and clays). Mechanical properties as well as biocompatibility studies indicate the improved mechanical and biological response of these scaffolds. 2. Design of nanofiber formation methods from polymer-biopolymer-mineral composite systems. These nanofibers may be used in composite scaffolds. 3. Development of a modeling methodology for understanding role of molecular interactions on mechanics of hybrid nanocomposite systems 11 Journal articles, 2 book chapters, 1 patent filed and 1 provisional patent filed

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/kkatti/indexbone.html and http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/kkatti/tissue_engineering1.pdf

DOCUMENT PAGE 70



http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/ndsu/kkatti/tissue_engineering1.pdf



S B M D OF BIOMIMETIC NANOCOMPOSITESIMULATION ASED ATERIALS ESIGN

Investigators: Dr. Kalpana Katti & Dr. Dinesh Katti

Funding Source: National Science FoundationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Biological Nanocomposites, Multiscale Modeling

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Natural biological nanocomposites like nacre, the shiny inner layer of seashells exhibit extraordinary mechanical properties, properties far superior to those of individual constituents of nacre. The design of biomimetic (mimicking biology) synthetic nanocomposites based on nacre for applications such as ultra light weight armor, light weight damage resistant structural materials and materials for biomedical applications is of tremendous interest. The discovery of fundamental reasons why nacre exhibits extraordinary mechanical properties like toughness and strength would make design of new generation of high performance nanocomposites possible. In this research we use mechanics tools at various length scales with complementary experiments to unearth the secrets within nacre causing its unique behavior.

RESEARCH METHODS In this research, we have used 3D finite element modeling to construct the nano and micro architecture of nacre and then used simulations to understand the role of various features on the mechanical behavior. This systematic study allowed delineation of nano and microstructural features and attribute their presence to biological growth or mechanical properties. Experimental testing of dogbone shaped samples of nacre and subsequent observation of failure surface has led to a major discovery by our group of features we call “interlocks” between platelets. Subsequent finite element analysis incorporating these features has shown that these “platelet interlocks are key to toughness and strength in nacre”.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS One of the first key results from this research was evaluation of elastic modulus of the organic phase purely from simulation results which showed that he elastic modulus of the organic phase was tunexpectedly very high (15 to 20 GPa). The discovery of platelet interlocks in nacre and subsequent finite element analysis showing the mechanisms for strength and toughness in nacre arise from the presence of and from progressive failure of interlocks has provided critical nformation necessary for design of biomimetic inanocomposites. This research has resulted in 12 journal papers.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] ; [email protected] ; web: http://www.ce.ndsu.nodak.edu/faculty/kkatti.htm ; http://www.ce.ndsu.nodak.edu/faculty/katti.htm

DOCUMENT PAGE 71







FUNDAMENTALS OF CELL ENTRAPMENT FOR POLLUTION CONTROL Investigators: Eakalak Khan

Funding Source: National Science FoundationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Nanotechnology and Sustainability

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Microbial cells are beneficially used in several industries including wastewater treatment. They are sometimes entrapped in porous media to eliminate the need for their separation from liquid products. Some examples of the applications of entrapped cells include the production of alcohol and antibiotics. The use of entrapped cells for wastewater treatment has been empirical. There has been no clear understanding on the fundamentals of whether and how the entrapped cells function differently compared with free cells. The objective of this research is to investigate the effects of cell entrapment on physiological aspects of bacteria found in wastewater treatment systems.


0

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Free cellsAlginate entrapped cellsCarrageenan entrapped cellsPVA entrapped cells

Comparison of specific growth rates of free and entrapped cells.

RESEARCH METHODS The effects of cell entrapment on the growth rate and metabolic activity of mixed cultures in biological municipal wastewater treatment were investigated. Three different cell entrapment media [alginate, carrageenan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)] and three cell‐to‐matrix ratios (2.5%, 5% and 15% w/v) were examined. Free (non‐entrapped) mixed culture cells were included in the study for comparative purpose. Future work will investigate the effects of entrapment on cell morphology and surface properties, genetic material quantity, stress, and microbial diversity.

MAJOR RESULTS and ON LUS ONSC C I For the first time, it was found that the entrapment, type of entrapment media, and cell‐to‐matrix ratio had significant effects on the growth (See figure above) and metabolic activity of the mixed culture cells in wastewater treatment systems. PVA entrapped cells had the highest specific growth and specific substrate utilization rates in most cases while alginate entrapped cells provided the lowest rates. The specific growth and specific substrate utilization rates decreased as cell‐to‐matrix ratio increased from 2.5% to 5% or 15%.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected], http://www.ce.ndsu.nodak.edu/faculty/khan.htm

DOCUMENT PAGE 72


http://www.ce.ndsu.nodak.edu/faculty/khan.htm



CELL ENTRAPMENT FOR TREATING HIGH STRENGTH WASTEWATER

Investigators: Eakalak Khan

Funding Source: U. S. Geological Survey via ND Water Resources Research InstituteDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Sustainability

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Applications of cell entrapment for water pollution control have been mostly on low strength wastewater. The high cell density property of entrapped cell systems has not been taken an advantage of; entrapped cell systems should be effective for high strength wastewater due to high number of cells available to biologically transform target contaminants. This research involves the use of cell entrapment process for removing high‐level ammonia nitrogen in supernatant from anaerobic digesters via nitrification.


canning electron microscopy image of rupturing acterial colony on the surface of polymer bead Sb

RESEARCH METHODS A system with only entrapped nitrifiers was compared to a system that had denitrifiers entrapped along with nitrifiers in term of nitrification performance. Although this study focused on nitrification, the co‐entrapment could potentially offer benefits such as pH control with complete nitrogen removal as a side benefit. Scanning electron microscopy was used to probe the location and propagation of nitrifiers and denitrifiers within and on the surface of the entrapment matrix with time.

MAJOR LTS and CON LUSIONSRESU C This is the first study to report the abilities of entrapped nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria to accomplish partial nitrification and short‐cut denitrification of sludge digester supernatant. Nitrifying microorganisms colonized in the 100‐200 µm peripheral layers of the matrix beads. Large voids caused by denitrification gas production were found in a number of co‐entrapped bead samples. The application of entrapped cell systems to remove nitrogen in sludge digester supernatant is a viable alternative. There is a need to explore or develop a more durable entrapment matrix to make this process suitable for full scale operation.


DOCUMENT PAGE 73





BIODEGRADABLE ORGANIC NITROGEN IN TREATED WASTEWATER

Investigators: Eakalak Khan and Kimberly Jones (Howard University)

Funding Source: District of Columbia Water and Sewer AuthorityDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Sustainability

RESEARCH TATEM T/MOTI ATION S EN V Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) usually represents a significant portion of nitrogen in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants. Effluent DON can be as high as 1.1 to 2.1 mg/L compared to total nitrogen limits of 3 to 4 mg/L established by regulatory agencies for many treatment plants. The biodegradability of effluent DON is important because biodegradable DON (BDON) could support algal growth in receiving waters. Very little is known about the biodegradability of effluent DON because there is no established measurement method for it. This research presents the development of a procedure that can be routinely used at wastewater utilities for quantifying BDON in treated effluent.


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ON

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MLSS at 60 mg/LMLSS at 240 mg/LPrimary wastewaterCommercial BODNatural water

BDON of a tertiary effluent sample from 5 and 20 days of incubation.

RESEARCH METHODS The BDON procedure adopts the concepts of two existing bioassay methods in the wastewater field, biochemical oxygen demand and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon. The procedure is based on DON reduction during incubation and relies on the use of a mixed culture inoculum, which is agreeable with treatment plant conditions. The research focused on investigating the appropriate type and concentration of inoculum, the need for sample filtration after incubation, and suitable incubation time. Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) diluted to the concentrations of 60 and 240 mg/L, primary wastewater, and natural water were the inocula studied.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONC IONSLUS This research introduces a bioassay protocol for measuring BDON in treated wastewater. The development of the procedure was focused on the type and concentration of inoculum, incubation period, and filtration requirement after incubation. Diluted MLSS from where effluent sample was collected from at the concentration of 240 mg/L was the most appropriate inoculum. The incubation of 20 days was suitable for the BDON test. A filtration step after the incubation was not needed. Under these conditions, the procedure provided reliable BDON results.


DOCUMENT PAGE 74





CELL BIOAUGMENTATION FOR TREATING AGRICULTURAL INFILTRATE

Investigators: Eakalak Khan

Funding Source: National Science Foundation & Thailand Commission of Higher EducationDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Sustainability

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Traditional engineered biological processes used for waste treatment cannot be applied to treat agricultural infiltrate. Besides high fluctuations in its quantity, quality, and frequency, the cost of its collection for treatment and recharge operation is prohibitively expensive. In addition, the treatment system will fail between rain or irrigation events if substrates and optimum conditions are not provided. The objective of this research is to develop a sustainable method by using cell immobilization and bioaugmentation techniques for removing contaminants from agricultural runoff infiltrate. Cell immobilization can also prevent the transportation of augmented cells away from the site.


A diagram depicting an application of the research idea at a field scale.

RESEARCH METHODS Nitrate was used as a model contaminant. A bench‐scale sand column experiment was conducted to investigate nitrate removal in synthetic agricultural infiltrate by free cells and cells immobilized in calcium alginate. The effects of supplemented carbon (methanol) and cell loading (12.5 and 25 mg wet cell/mL empty bed volume) were examined. Leaching of bioaugmented free and immobilized cells from the columns was monitored. The morphology of the immobilization matrix and the presence and proliferation of immobilized denitrifying bacteria were examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

MAJ RESULT nd CONC SIONSOR S a LU The calcium alginate immobilized cell bioaugmentation is a promising technique for nitrate removal from agricultural infiltrate. At a sufficient organic carbon condition, nitrate was removed approximately 90 to 99% and 56 to 75% in the immobilized and free cell columns, respectively, with no nitrite accumulation. Doubling the cell loading (from 12.5 to 25 mg wet cells/mL empty bed volume) resulted in approximately two times the denitrification rates. The bacterial losses resulted in low nitrate removal efficiencies in the free cell bioaugmentation system. The SEM images show the denitrifying bacteria proliferation in the alginate matrices.


DOCUMENT PAGE 75





T : S PROTECTION AGAINST BLAST LOADSITLE TRUCTURAL

Investigators: Jimmy Kim, Ph.D., P.Eng.

Funding Source: ND EPSCoR Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Blast, Structural Protection, Advanced Composite Material

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION According to a recent survey (US Department of State 2005), more than 15,000 people were killed by 11,000 terrorist attacks in 2005 over the world. Most of the casualties were suffered by the collapse of buildings, including progressive collapse of multi‐story buildings. Adequate structural protection is, therefore, essential to guarantee the safety of the public. Advanced composite materials may provide excellent blast‐resistance with reasonable retrofit costs. An emerging material, Steel Reinforced Polymer (SRP), can be used for retrofitting existing structures. The SRP composite consists of unidirectional high‐carbon steel Hardwire® fabrics embedded into a polymeric resin.


<Constitutive testing of SRP composite>

RESEARCH METHODS To evaluate the effectiveness of SRP composites for structural protection against blast loads, experimental and numerical investigations are conducted. The first phase of the experimental work studies the energy absorption capability of SRP laminates for retrofitting concrete columns. A custom‐made gas gun (developed by Dr. C. Ulven) is used to impact the concrete specimens retrofitted with SRP laminates. Various projectiles are used to simulate the effect of fragments induced by bombing. A computational model is developed to predict the laboratory results. The second phase is conducted to computationally simulate a full‐scale multi‐story building subjected o blast loads. t

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The research is currently ongoing, so more technical results will be reported in the near future.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). Dr. Jimmy Kim, P.Eng., [email protected], http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/yakim

DOCUMENT PAGE 76




T : B CFRP COMPOSITES UNDER COLD TEMPERATUREITLE EHAVIOR OF


Funding Source: ND EPSCoR Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Cold region, Advanced Composite Material, Bond behavior

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are an excellent material to upgrade (or strengthen) deteriorated structures. To provide additional load‐carrying capacities, CFRP sheets may be bonded on the tensile soffit of reinforced concrete members using epoxy resin. Durability of the externally‐bonded CFRP sheets may be a critical issue, given that premature delamination failure occurs due to the deterioration of bond between the CFRP and the concrete. Although significant amounts of research has been conducted on the bond failure mechanism, the effect of cold temperature may still need to be discovered. This research is particularly important cold regions such as North Dakota.


<An environmental chamber of 15 ft3 capacity>

RESEARCH METHODS The research consists of intensive experimental and numerical modeling. The laboratory test investigates i) constitutive characteristics of CFRP composites subjected to very low temperature (i.e., ‐40°F or ‐40°C) and freezing‐and‐thawing cycles (‐40°F to +75°C or ‐40°F to +25°C), and ii) bond behavior of CFRP sheets externally bonded on concrete flexural members subjected to very low temperature and freezing‐and‐thawing damage. Numerical models are developed to predict the environmental damage on the CFRP composites, including bond behavior.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The research is currently ongoing, so more technical results will be reported in the near future.


DOCUMENT PAGE 77




T : L L D BUTIONS ON BRIDGE SUPERSTRUCTUREITLE IVE OAD ISTRI


Funding Source: ND EPSCoR Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Bridge Engineering, Live Load, Finite Element Analysis

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Live load distributions, induced by vehicular loading on a bridge, are commonly used for modern bridge design. As analysis techniques improve, more realistic representations are used such as those included in the Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Load Resistance Factor Design and the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code. However, considering the generalized equations that are provided by the existing bridge codes, accurate predictions for every different type of bridge are not easily achieved. Correspondingly, active research is on‐going to overcome the limit of the code equations and to enhance current design ethods. m


RESEARCH METHODS A calibrated finite element analysis (FEA) is conducted to examine the live load distributions on bridge superstructures. The study investigates important technical issues, namely, span length and number of girders, various loading configurations, and effect of nonstandard vehicular loads. Reduced‐scale bridges will be constructed and tested in the Structures Laboratory at NDSU in he near future. t

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The refined FEA models provided that the current design approach using AASHTO LRFD would be conservative for steel I‐girder bridges; however, the prediction should be improved for prestressed concrete girder bridges. Based on the solved FEA models, simplified design equations are proposed to aid practicing bridge engineers. Further study on improving the code predictions is currently on‐going.


DOCUMENT PAGE 78




T : I S B E DETERIORATIONITLE DENTIFYING OURCES OF RIDG

Investigators: Jimmy Kim, Ph.D., P.Eng. and D.K. Yoon, Ph.D.

Funding Source: ND EPSCoR Department: Civil Engineering and Emergency ManagementResearch areas (max. 3): Bridge deterioration, Geographic information system (GIS)

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION A number of factors contribute to the deterioration of bridge superstructures; for example, temperature, freezing‐and‐thawing, moisture, impact, corrosion, year built, and daily traffic volume. Although significant amounts of research efforts have been paid to study the contributing factors in the laboratory, very limited research has been reported on actual correlations between the factors and existing deteriorated bridges. The research addresses this important gap.


RESEARCH METHODS To achieve the primary objectives of the project, collaborative research is on‐going among the Department of Civil Engineering (Dr. J. Kim), Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Emergency Management (Dr. D.K. Yoon), and North Dakota Department of Transportation (Bridge Division). The first phase of the research includes use of a geographic information system (GIS) that can identify any correlations between the sources of deterioration and the actual deterioration of existing bridges in North Dakota. Approximately, 5,000 bridges in ND (county, urban, and state) are examined. The second phase studies detailed structural evaluations on selected bridges.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Phase I of the research is currently conducted and hence more technical results will be reported in the near future.


DOCUMENT PAGE 79




T : SITLE TRUCTURAL REHABILITATION USING CFRP SHEETS


Funding Source: Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Structural Engineering, Advanced Composite Material

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The deterioration of concrete structural members is one of the most critical problems facing the infrastructure of North America. The American Society of Civil Engineers reported an overall grade of D to the infrastructure of the US (ASCE News 2005. For example, the deterioration of concrete bridges may be induced by corrosion (due to the frequent use of de‐icing salts in winters), freeze‐and‐thaw, impact (by heavy trucks on highways), and excessive loads. During recent years, the use of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) on concrete structures has gained increased acceptance around the world as a suitable technique for repairing deteriorated infrastructure.


RESEARCH METHODS A promising solution to rehabilitate damaged concrete structures is the use of bonded carbon FRP (CFRP) sheets, and the technique has received significant interest from the civil engineering community in North America. To enhance the efficiencies of the repair and to use the full strength of the material, prestress may be applied to the CFRP sheets that are bonded to the tensile soffit of a structural component. Prestressing means that an initial force is applied to the CFRP sheets prior to bonding the sheets to the concrete structure. Prestressed CFRP sheets exhibit an active load‐carrying mechanism, and provide mproved durability and serviceability. i

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The prestressed CFRP sheets significantly improved the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete members subjected to flexural loads. Based on the laboratory investigations, an impact‐damaged prestressed concrete girder bridge in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, was repaired (Oct. 2003). In particular, the project was the first North American site application of its kind. Active collaboration between universities (Queen’s University and Royal Military College of Canada) and industry (Vector Construction Group) contributed to the success of the repair project. Research is currently on‐going to develop effective prestressing methods for CFRP sheets.


DOCUMENT PAGE 80




INVESTIGATION OF METAL REMOVAL BY CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

Investigators: Wei Lin Funding Source: LTV Steel Mining CompanyDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): constructed wetland, mining runoff, metal removal

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Constructed wetlands have been created and operated to remove heavy metals from mining runoff at sites of LTV Steel Mining Company in Hoyt Lakes, MN. The major objectives of this project include: determining metal sorption capacity by peat; investigating the impact of temperature and pH on metal sorption; and determining the impact of competitive sorption on metal removal capacity. The research activities include taking and digesting peat samples from onstructed wetland, performing batch sorption tests, nd metal analysis by atomic emission spectroscopy.

ca


RESEARCH METHODS System design evaluField sampling Laboratory testing

ation

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Removal capacities of targeted heavy metals by wetland peat were determine. mpact of temperature and pH on metal removal Iwere investigated. Different wetland designs were evaluated in terms f their hydraulic characteristics and metal oremoval performance. Operation duration of the constructed wetlands were estimated based on metal loading and adsorption capacities.


DOCUMENT PAGE 81




NATIONAL ECOLOGICAL OBSERVATORY NETWORK

Investigators: Wei Lin, Marinus Otte

Funding Source: National Science FoundationDepartment: Civil Engineering, Biological ScienceResearch areas (max. 3): ecology, sensor technology, cyberinfrastructure

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental‐scale research platform for discovering and understanding the impacts of climate change, land‐use change, and invasive species on ecology. NEON will gather long‐term data on ecological responses of the biosphere to changes in land use and climate, and on feedbacks with the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. NEON is a national observatory, not a collection of regional observatories. It will consist of distributed sensor networks and experiments, linked by advanced cyberinfrastructure to record and archive ecological data for at least 30 years. Using standardized protocols and an open data policy, NEON will gather essential data for developing the scientific understanding and theory required to manage the nation’s ecological challenges.


RESEARCH METHODS

ture

rucnt

Monitoring infrastSensor developmeModel calibration

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS State‐of‐art research infrastructure in ND nterdisciplinary research involving scientists, Iengineers, and social scientists. nvironmental monitoring and sensor Edevelopment Cyberinfrastructure development

ata mining and model simulations D


DOCUMENT PAGE 82




S N IFICATION IN FULL SCALE MOVING BED BIOFILM TUDIES OF ITR REACTOR (MBBR)

Investigators: Wei Lin

Funding Source: ND Water Resources Research Institute, City of Moorhead, MN Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): wastewater treatment, nitrification, water quality modeling

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The City of Moorhead is located near the northwest corner of Minnesota and is situated on the Red River of the North. Moorhead Wastewater Treatment Facility employs a separate stage moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) for nitrification. The goal of this study was to gain a better understanding of the MBBR reactor hydraulic characteristics and its impact on nitrification, and the effect of temperature variation on biofilm growth and treatment capacity. The objectives of this research include studying flow distribution in the MBBR under various hydraulic loadings, influent configurations, and aeration conditions; investigating the impact of organic loading, aeration, and temperature on biofilm growth; and determining nitrification kinetic parameters in relation to the full scale system operation.


RESEARCH METHODS

mpling Tracer study Full scale system saKinetic studies Model simulations

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS An enhanced hydraulic model was developed to rovide more close simulation of the full scale pMBBR system. Kinetic parameters were determined through bench scale experiments and these parameters ere used in model simulation of nitrification in the w

MBBR system. Impact of temperature and DO on biofilm growth and nitrification are currently studied.


DOCUMENT PAGE 83




Investigation f Ozone Byproduct Formation in Drinking Watero Treatments

Investigators: Wei Lin Funding Source: City of Moorhead, MNDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): water treatment, ozonation, disinfection byproducts

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Fargo and Moorhead are the first two cities in North Dakota and Minnesota, respectively, that use ozonation in drinking water treatment. A research was carried out to study the factors that affect ozone demand and ozonation byproduct formation in the ozonation systems. An investigation also was carried out to study the removal of ozonation byproducts in the filter systems. The major objectives of this project include: identifying and quantifying major ozonation byproducts; investigating the impact of ozone dose, pH, temperature and other factors on byproducts formation; studying the removal of biodegradable byproducts in the filtration systems; and investigating the impact of secondary disinfection and biological growth to the water quality in distribution systems.


RESEARCH METHODS Operational data analyProcess sampling Instrumental analysis

sis

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The primary DBPs found to be produced through zonation were formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, obutanal, glyoxal and methyl glyoxal. The greatest amount of these aldehydes were roduced during the summer when ozone dose pwas highest. During the summer, the medium filters removed 50 ‐ 80% of the aldehydes produced due to ozonation. In the winter after the water temperature cooled, the aldehyde remove in the filters declined and eventually ceased.


DOCUMENT PAGE 84




D N OF COLIFORM LOADING AND ITS IMPACT ON ETERMINATIO RED RIVER WATER QUALITY FOR TMDL DEVELOPMENT


Funding Source: ND Water Resources Research Institute, Minnesota Pollution Control AgencyDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): river water quality, TMDL, urban runoff

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Storm water runoff from urban areas contributes not only to the increase of flow rate in receiving rivers, but also is identified as a major source of surface water contamination. Estimations of hydraulic and pollutant loadings from urban drainage areas have been a challenge in developing total maximum daily load (TMDL) for water quality improvement. In this research, storm water flows and fecal coliform loading from Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN urban drainage areas were determined based on runoff sampling and model simulation with considerations of landuse [3, 4] and storm sewer system designs of each drainage area. The Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was calibrated with runoff data and was used to generate hydrograph and pollutograph for each drainage area.


RESEARCH METHODS

t and calibration Field sampling Model developmenModel simulation

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Urban storm water runoff from Fargo/Moorhead s a major source of elevated fecal coliform iconcentration in the Red River. ecal coliform load from different drainage areas Fis land use dependent. Sanitary sewerage bypass from Fargo and oorhead during large storm events has M

significant impact on river water quality. Model simulations were successfully carried out to explain the field sample results and to predict the impact of various storm events on river water quality.


Rainfall Intenstiy, in/hr

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

0 2 4 6 8 10

Duration, hr

Feca

l col

iform

EM

C, C

FU/1

00m

12L

0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5

1 1.5 2 2.5 3

DOCUMENT PAGE 85




USE OF CHANNEL CHARACTERISTICS FOR THE CALIBRATION OF INDEX TINGS FORVELOCITY RA ACOUSTIC DOPPLER VELOCITY METERS

Investigators: Wei Lin Funding Source: ND Water Resources Research Institute, and USGSDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): river flow, velocity measurement, ADVM

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meters (ADVMs) have become popular for estimating discharge in rivers exhibiting complex flow characteristics. To use the ADVMs for estimating channel discharge, a relation needs to be developed between the mean channel velocity and the index velocity provided by the ADVM. To improve the accuracy of ADVM discharge estimates, a more theoretical approach was developed for defining the relationship between a river’s mean channel velocity and the ADVM’s index velocity. The approach involves using the channel’s geometry at a single cross-section to more accurately define the mean channel velocity to index velocity relation by means of fewer discharge measurements. The use of the channel geometry allows for prediction whether the mean-index velocity relation within a channel is linear or parabolic, allowing for more accurate extrapolation of the rating.


RESEARCH METHODS

n t

Field data collectioModel developmenModel calibration

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Velocity rating equations were derived with consideration of channel cross section geometry roving a rational method for rating curve pdevelopment. more accurate method for channel cross section Aprofile estimation was developed. The methods developed from this study provided ore accurate fits to river flow data collected from different rivers. m6


DOCUMENT PAGE 86




SOURIS RIVER DISSOLVED OXYGEN TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD DEVELOPMENT


Funding Source: US EPA Region 8 and North Dakota Department of Health Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Water Quality, TMDL

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The upper portion of the Souris River, from

the border with Saskatchewan, Canada, to Lake Darling, ND, a total of 43.4 miles, has been on the North Dakota Section 303(d) list for water quality impairments, including low dissolved oxygen and high fecal coliform. The primary goals of this study are to identify the causes of DO depletion and pollution sources for high fecal coliform counts, and to quantify changes of DO and fecal coliform concentrations under various flow and environmental conditions.


RESEARCH METHODS Field sampling

ng Site inspections Experimental testiModel simulation

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS ow DO occurred during winter months when the Lriver is covered with ice and flow rate was low. enthic oxygen demand is the major cause of DO Bdepletion in winter months. eces from cattle operations along the river Fcontribute to the organic sediments in the river. eces from cattle operations cause high fecal coliform Fconcentration in the river during summer months. Nutrients in the feces also cause large amount algal growth and DO drops at night.


DOCUMENT PAGE 87




EFFECTIVENESS OF WINPOWERED MIXERS IN WASTEWTER LAGOONS

Investigators: Wei Lin Funding Source: City of West Fargo, NDDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): wastewater lagoon, BOD removal, odor control

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The City of West Fargo uses a system of lagoons to treat its wastewater before the effluent is ultimately discharged into the Sheyenne River. Because of springtime odor problems associated with anaerobic conditions that develop under winter ice, wind mixers have been installed in the smaller of two primary lagoons to prevent the occurrence of septic conditions during winter. The objectives of the research include: investigation of the effectiveness of wind‐powered mixers on DO levels and effluent water quality, and determination of the potential to increase wastewater loading to the lagoons mixed with wind‐powered mixers


RESEARCH METHODS Field sampling Laboratory testing

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The wind‐powered mixers were effective in ncreasing DO in the lagoon and reducing odor iproblems. igher organic removal rates were observed in the H

lagoon equipped wind‐powered mixers. Fluctuation in suspended solids in the lagoon was ependent on fluctuations in algae concentrations dthan on influent solids. The fecal coliform concentration decreased ignificantly in the presence of DO while showing ttle change in the absence of DO. sli


DOCUMENT PAGE 88




D OF FACTORS CAUSING ELEVATED PHOSPHORUS LEVELS IN A ETERMINATION NATURAL WETLAND AND METHODS FOR REMEDIATION

Investigators: Wei Lin Funding Source: Pelican River Water District, MNDepartment: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): wetlands, nutrients, water quality

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Wetlands are known for their capacity to act as sinks or traps for nutrients and are often used for phosphorus and ammonia removal from wastewater streams and agricultural runoff. However, natural peat wetlands near Detroit Lakes, MN, appear to be releasing phosphorus into a drainage ditch. The ditch water running through the wetlands enters Lake Sallie, an important recreational lake. A field study was conducted to determine the factors causing the elevated phosphorus levels in the ditch and a bench scale aeration study was conducted to determine the feasibility of aeration within the ditch as a method to decrease phosphorus at the outlet of the ditch.


RESEARCH METHODS Field sampling Laboratory analysis

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Biological decomposition of organic matter in the etland is resulting in the release of phosphate w

through mineralization. Microbial reactions might have produced an environment that is favorable for the dissolution of metal‐phosphates. These microbial reactions esult in high phosphorus concentrations in the rwetland pore water. A hydraulic gradient exists in the wetland‐complex with water moving from the wetland to the ditch ausing transport of phosphate from wetland to cthe ditch. Diffusing air bubbles into wetland peat may result in significant reduction in soluble phosphorus levels


DOCUMENT PAGE 89




TITLE

Investigators: G. Padmanabhan

Funding Source: No funded Projects as of now (One project working with EPSCoR)Department: Civil Engineering DepartmentResearch areas (max. 3): Educational Outreach, Hydrological modeling, GW Contamination

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION To attract Native American students into STEM degree programs and to increase their retention.


RESEARCH METHODS Summer camps, One‐day STEM academic activities, and engaging the tribal college students in undergraduate research (both discovery and skills aspects)

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The NATURE program of EPSCoR which started as a NAVY‐ funded project several years ago is a odel that is being seriously looked into by NSF m

for emulating nationally. I have been the PI or CoPI of several projects that culminated in NATURE. Those projects were unded by Office of Naval Research, NASA, NSF, fEPSCoR, etc. We have a strong educational collaborative platform of the tribal colleges and the universities in STEM area as a result of this program.


DOCUMENT PAGE 90



WARRANTS FOR RIGHTTURN LANE/TREATMENTS ON TWOLANE ROADS

Investigators: Dr. Amiy Varma

Funding Source: Mn/DOT Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Access Management, Traffic Engineering and Simulation, Highway afety SRESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The warrants for right turn lanes/treatments have not studied as much as that for left‐turns. The bases for right turn lanes have been questioned by developers. There is a need for sounder bases upon which decisions related to development and access management should be made. There is a need to balance the operational, safety, cost, and access needs when making such decisions. The goals of this project is to analyze broad range of conditions that exist within entire state of Minnesota and develop warrants for right‐turn lanes/treatments on two‐lane highways where there are no control on main highway.


RES REA CH METHODS

1. Exploratory analysis of crash information using accident database from Minnesota Public Safety Department, Mn/DOT’s videolog data, Google Earth, Mn/DOT Intersection inventory file.

2. Use of binary and logistic regression to

els. develop safety models.

3. Use of simulation to develop delay mod4. Use of cost‐effectiveness techniques to

develop warrants.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Work is still ongoing.


DOCUMENT PAGE 91



DEVELOPMENT OF MEASUREMENT SOURCES FOR FREIGHT PERFORMANCE INDICATORS


Funding Source: Mn/DOT Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Freight Transportation, Transportation Data, Performance easures/Indicators M

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Mn/DOT developed a performance‐based statewide transportation plan in 2003. Only one freight performance measure was included in this plan. In 2005, Mn/DOT developed a performance‐based statewide freight plan, which identified several measures and indicators. There is a need to evaluate which performance measures and indicators can be developed and whether there is adequate and accurate data and measurement sources to achieve that goal. Freight knows no jurisdictional boundaries and much relevant data is proprietary in nature, which increases the challenges to do freight planning and modeling and also development of freight performance measures. Freight data is dirty and there are several challenges related to its use, which is the focus of this study.


RES REA CH METHODS

1. Examine all data measurements and data sources in terms of geographical coverage, frequency, temporality, aggregation, accuracy, and applicability.

2. To identify freight performance measures applicable to movement of freight in, out,

, state, and within a region at local, substateand regional levels.

3. To do gap analysis to identify which measurement sources can support development of which freight performance measures, if any.



DOCUMENT PAGE 92



FEASIBILITY OF STATEWIDE TRAVEL DEMAND MODEL FOR MINNESOTA


Funding Source: Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Transportation Modeling, Transportation and Land Use Interaction, rban Goods Movement U

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Mn/DOT is interested in finding out if statewide travel model is feasible and practical for Minnesota and whether it will add value to the ongoing travel demand modeling efforts. The motivation for having a statewide travel demand model stems from the need to ensure consistency in modeling assumptions and methods, connect model outputs from rapidly growing and converging MPOs, forecast rural and intercity travel, integrate statewide systems planning, evaluate various transportation policies, assess the impact of various transportation improvements, and study the impact of commodity movements both within on through the state. There are many challenges in developing a statewide model. Statewide travel characteristics and issues are different than those in the metropolitan areas. Many of the statewide travel demand model development efforts have been heavily dependent on the methods of urban travel forecasting. The designs of statewide freight models have tended to rely on the philosophies and methods of passenger models. Little is known about how to integrate a statewide travel demand model with the various models of the MPOs and counties. The study will assess the need, usefulness, and feasibility by looking into all the data, modeling, and resource challenges involved in development of statewide travel demand model for Minnesota, which is calibrated, validated, coordinated, integrated, flexible, responsive, and address both passenger nd freight movement. a


RES REA CH METHODS

1. Examination of plans, programs, goals, objectives related to different transportation planning and studies in Minnesota.

2. To survey and interview professionals and modelers within Minnesota and out of Minnesota.

3. To do gap analysis and identify challenges and opportunities.



DOCUMENT PAGE 93



URBAN GOODS MOVEMENT


Funding Source: Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Transportation Modeling, Transportation and Land Use Interaction, rban Goods Movement U

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Urban areas, large, medium, and small, are very much dependent on freight movement and deliveries. Often times the last mile of freight movement also is most critical for freight carriers to meet their service obligations and customers expectations. The network, loading/unloading, and parking are critical issues affecting freight mobility in urban areas. Often times such needs are not adequately voiced or are overshadowed by the needs of retailers and businesses with regard to car parking for employees and customers. There is need for studies to truly understand the operational, safety, environmental and economic impacts of urban goods movement in general, and curbside pickup and delivery in particular. Such understanding can help develop and set priorities in more balanced way.


RES REA CH METHODS

1. Examine nature of urban goods movements.

2. To model urban freight movement using transportation models and simulation.

3. To develop evaluation methods to assess freight movement compatibility in urban areas.



DOCUMENT PAGE 94



AIRPORT PLANNING D, ESIGN, OPERATION, SAFETY, COMPATIBILITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY


Funding Source: Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3): Air Transportation, Sustainability, Airport‐Aircraft Compatibility

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Airport –aircraft compatibility with regard to A380, Boeing 787, Regional Jets, and Very Light Jets cross cut many areas in airport planning, design, operation, safety, compatibility, and sustainability. Many design and operational procedures are being questioned and looked at in holistic way using systems engineering and planning approaches. Safety Management Systems, required by ICAO is another area which cross cuts many areas.


RES REA CH METHODS

1. Analysis airport‐aircraft compatibil

ity 2. Modeling and Simulation of landside

n of airside n of terminals

3. Modeling and Simulatio Simulatio

4. Modeling and

5. Economic Assessments 6. Gap analyses 7. Modeling energy needs and environmental

impacts of airport operations



DOCUMENT PAGE 95



N LINEAR CONSTITUTIVE MODELINGON

Investigators: Frank Yazdani

Funding Source: Department: Civil Engineering Research areas (max. 3):Failure theories, Damage Mechanics, Structural Engineering

RES R NEA CH STATEMENT/MOTIVATIO

1. Developing realistic non‐linear constitutive models for various engineering materials is paramount for the design engineers. The efforts by Dr. Yazdani and his research group have been focused to develop robust constitutive models for a range of materials such as

s concrete, ceramics, composites, as well aissues in soft tissue modeling.

2. Engineering materials undergo damage due to a variety of reasons such as loads, temperature changes, fatigue, etc. An understanding of the type of damage and the extent of damage is needed for engineers to address the problem.


Normailized Stress-Strain Curves in Uniaxial Tension

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

0 1 2 3 4 5Normailized Strain, u

Nor

mai

lized

Str

ess

/ Fc

RESEARCH METHODS We have used Continuous Damage Mechanics approach for our modeling efforts coupled with plasticity and non‐linear large strain elasticity.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Both stress and strain based models have been developed. These models provide engineers with the analytic tools for their design efforts in cases involved in simple as well as complex loading paths.


DOCUMENT PAGE 96

Construction Management & Engineering

DOCUMENT PAGE 97



D S EVALUATING THE PROJECT ECISION UPPORT FOR APPLICABILITY OF PREFABRICATION, PREASSEMBLY, AND MODULARIZATION

Investigators: Jongchul Song, Ph.D.

Funding Source: Construction Industry InstituteDepartment: Construction Management and EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Construction methods, Decision support systems

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Owners demand high levels of value, safety, quality, productivity, and performance in their capital projects for their competitiveness and profitability. Prefabrication, preassembly, modularization, and off‐site fabrication, collectively termed as prework, can help overcome such project challenges and, properly used, offer a substantial opportunity for improved project performance. However, successful implementation of these construction methods on a particular project requires systematic analysis and early decision making based on specific factors of the project. This research was to identify those factors influencing decisions on the use of prework and develop a decision framework and tools to assist industry practitioners with evaluating the applicability of prework on their project.

RESEARCH METHODS

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSCurrent industry practices and decision factors for evaluating the applicability of prework on industrial projects were identified, and a decision framework and a computerized tool were eveloped to aid project teams in the decision‐dmaking process. The developed framework and tool were validated by practitioners in the industry as useful, effective, and easy to use, and they (1) serve as a means to facilitate a decision process dialogue; (2) provide transparency in invoking decision‐makers’ judgment on relative importance of decision factors; and (3) help users sort out what factors drive or impede the use of prework on the project under consideration.

Contact Information: e‐mail, website address(link)[email protected]

su/josonghttp://www.ndsu.edu/nd

DOCUMENT PAGE 98


http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/josong



AUTOMATICALLY RT ACKING THE DELIVERY AND RECEIPT OF PREFABRICATED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS


Funding Source: Department: Construction Management and EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Materials management, Radio frequency identification

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Current practices of manually tracking prefabricated construction materials present the problems and inefficiencies in identifying and ocating the materials and collecting data on lshipping, receiving, and inventory. This research was conducted to examine the technical feasibility of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology in automatically racking prefabricated pipe spools during their elivery and receipt. td

RESEARCH METHODS Field tests of off‐the‐shelf RFID systems were conducted, and their technical feasibility was evaluated for automatically identifying and tracking individual pipe spools in laydown yards and under shipping portals.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSThe field tests indicated that RFID technology could function effectively in the construction field environment involving large metal objects and requiring relatively long read range. It was also shown to some statistical significance that commercially available active RFID technology can automatically identify pipe spools with 100% ccuracy and precision under realistic field aconditions. Potential benefits from the use of RFID technology in automated pipe spool tracking may include (1) reduced time in identifying and locating pipe spools upon receipt and prior to shipping, (2) more accurate and timely information on shipping, receiving, and inventory, (3) reduced misplaced pipes and search time, and (4) increased reliability of pipe fitting schedule.

Contact Information: e‐mail, website address(link)[email protected] http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/josong

DOCUMENT PAGE 99





AN VALUATION OF UARTE Q Z PIEZOELECTRIC WEIGHINMOTION SENSORS


Funding Source: Texas Department of TransportationDepartment: Construction Management and EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Highway traffic monitoring, Weigh‐in‐motion sensors

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION To collect quality traffic data for transportation planning and pavement design, state departments of transportation (DOTs) have been using bending plate and piezo-electric ceramic weigh-in-motion (WIM) sensor technologies. Bending plate sensors produce high quality data but are costly to deploy. Piezo ceramic sensors, though lower in cost, produce less accurate results due to sensitivity to temperature. A relatively new type of piezo sensors, called Quartz sensor, was potentially appealing because it does not require the pavement structure needed for a bending plate and is much less temperature sensitive. This research was undertaken to evaluate the performance and durability of Quartz piezo-

o state DOTs can make an ecision.

electric WIM sensors sinformed investment d

Source: http://www.kistler.com

RESEARCH METHODS Quartz sensors were installed in Portland cement concrete pavement at two sites, and truck weight and sensor condition data were collected. Periodic site visits were conducted to inspect the condition of the sensors in the road, evaluate sensor signals, and perform periodic calibration checks. Based on continuous traffic data collected from the Quartz sensors at the two sites, the accuracy and consistency of the truck weights over time were analyzed.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSThe results of data analysis showed that the Quartz sensors meet or exceed the weight accuracy specified by the ASTM specification for Type 1 highway WIM systems. The data analysis further showed that the truck weights produced by the WIM system were stable over time with minimal variation due to temperature change. No sensor failures or degradation of the installations had been observed. Further study is needed to validate the weighing accuracy and durability of Quartz sensors in asphalt pavements by installing additional test sites in different asphalt pavement structures.


DOCUMENT PAGE 100





E M L PAVEMENT DISTRESS DATA VALUATION OF ANUA VARIABILITY


Funding Source: New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Department: Construction Management and EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Pavement management, Pavement distress survey

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Transportation agency managers need comprehensive and timely information on the conditions of their pavements to make budgeting, planning, construction, and maintenance decisions. Pavement surface distresses, such as cracking, are used as one component of overall pavement condition indexes that present a useful tool for planning maintenance and rehabilitation strategies. To improve the effectiveness of pavement condition indexes, accurate and consistent distress data are needed. Training programs can help distress evaluators improve the accuracy and consistency of their evaluations. This research was to identify particular distress types that are most difficult for inexperienced

accurately and consistently mental training.

evaluators to evaluate so need focused supple

RESEARCH METHODS In conjunction with the NMDOT’s statewide pavement distress evaluation program, three student crews were chosen to evaluate surface distresses of 19 asphalt pavement sections. Six weeks later, the student evaluators resurveyed the same set of 19 sections. The same 19 pavement sections were also evaluated by an NMDOT expert evaluator in two rounds, six weeks apart. Two evaluations by each student were compared as well as those by the expert evaluator. Evaluations by one of the student evaluators were also compared to those of the expert evaluator. Using the Kendall’s correlation coefficient, the variability between multiple evaluations by one evaluator and the variability between different evaluators were measured for each individual distress type.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSStudent evaluators showed greater variability between multiple evaluations than the expert evaluator did. Student evaluators also showed considerable differences from the expert evaluations. However, certain distresses, such as bleeding, were found to be most difficult for both the expert and student evaluators to repeat in multiple evaluations. Focusing additional training efforts on those distress types will improve overall quality of manual distress data.


DOCUMENT PAGE 101





AN AUTOMATED ETHODM FOR LOCATING HIGHWAY ASSETS SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY


Funding Source: Department: Construction Management and EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Transportation infrastructure asset management

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Managing highway assets requires inventorying of each asset item located on or near roadways. Collecting asset inventory data requires significant time and effort due to the sheer number of assets that are deployed over a great range of geographic scale. Despite the maturity of global positioning systems (GPS) technology and its ubiquitous deployment, existing approaches based on GPS are not sufficiently effective. This ongoing research is to demonstrate the feasibility of an unproven concept that presents tremendous safety and efficiency advantages of being able to locate roadside assets at highway speed without having to

us right‐of‐ways. walk around dangero

RESEARCH METHODS



DOCUMENT PAGE 102





I ING HIGHWAY MPROV WORK ZONE SAFETY

Investigators: Zhili Gao (Co‐PI)

Funding Source: Transportation Institute, KUDepartment: Construction Management and EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Safety, Transportation, Construction

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The federal and state government agencies have been expanding and enhancing the existing highway networks. The highway work zones have created disruptions on regular traffic flows and have resulted in traffic safety issues for travelers. The FHWA and the AASHTO have developed practical highway work zone safety guides and programs followed by many state DOTs. However, work zone safety is still concerned by publics and remains unsatisfactory nationwide. Despite many research projects initiated in many states, there is still an urgent need on research for solving work zone safety related issues including construction layout, project management, public education, and traffic control.


RESEARCH METHODS A real‐time video camera system (includes a video camera, a data processor, an AC transformer, two antennas, and a laptop computer) is installed to monitor the construction activities in the work zones. Then, the collected data is used to analyze the construction progress, identify safety hazards, and take necessary actions to prevent accidents, and further to develop the best safety practice for the contractors.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The project is to develop best safety practice in work zones for contractors and to help contractors to improve policies, procedures, and practices for highway construction work zones.


DOCUMENT PAGE 103




APPROACHES TO MPROVING THE

I QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS

Investigators: Zhili Gao; Charles McIntyre

Funding Source: Department: Construction Management and EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Construction Drawing; Constructability; Quality

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The issue of poor‐quality drawings and ineffective specifications often cause problems on accomplishing a project on time and under budget. It is believed there is a need to improve the quality of construction drawings to facility an effective and efficient communication between designers and contractors. The purpose of this project is to gather information, from contractors’ perspectives, on the current problems related to construction drawings and how its quality can be improved. We believe contractors’ experience and opinions are keys for Architects/Engineers to improve their designs and eventually facility the construction process. This study is investigating approaches to improving the quality of the contract drawings from contractors’ perspectives.


RESEARCH METHODS T he as b ic methodology of this project includes:

1. Literature Review. A literature review was conducted to identify suggestions, concepts, and practices from previous studies.

2. Data Collection. A survey approach was used to request information such as the need for, motivation for, and actual

s from consideration of enhancing drawingvarious contractors.

3. Data Evaluation and Best Practices Identification. The data were analyzed, summarized, and reported in a best practices format.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The sis will be focusing on the follo in construction drawings:

study and analys of

nce w g aspect

1. Appeara

2. Layouts 3. Details 4. References 5. New technologies

The study is still on‐going

Contact Information: email, website address (link). [email protected]; [email protected]

DOCUMENT PAGE 104





IMPROVING STUDENT LEARNING USING VISUALIZATION

Investigators: Charles McIntyre; Zhili Gao

Funding Source: Instructional Development Grant Department: Construction Management and EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Visualization; Estimating; Scheduling

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Student feedback from the past three semesters indicate that most students struggle with construction estimating and scheduling regarding to visualize a “live” image of the construction process in spatial (3D) and temporal (time) aspects, which is required in order to determine, not only the resources required for the project (i.e., labor, equipment, and materials), but also the time at which these resources are applied during the construction process. Current literature suggests that visualization techniques offer an effective tool that is used at some institutions of higher learning, but has not been effectively applied in the area of construction estimating and scheduling. This project will allow students to experience the entire construction process in a compressed format through the use of visualization technologies.


RES REA CH METHODS The osc pe of work consists of several phases:

1. Review appropriate software packages and platforms that can be used for construction visualization;

2. Obtain and test the most appropriate software;

3. Develop the teaching visualization and incorporate this technology into the courses, and

4. Assess and evaluate the technology as it relates to student learning.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS It is t an icipated that this project will result in:

1. Easy and Friendly Learning Environment. The use of visualization technology will provide a measurable increase in the understanding of the construction estimating and scheduling processes and details as indicated in their ability to

develop accurate and realistic estimatesand schedules.

2. High Quality of Learning. User‐friendly visualization materials will increase student interest and comprehension of knowledge, which will ultimately lead to higher quality student work.

Contact Information: email, website address (link). [email protected]; [email protected]

DOCUMENT PAGE 105





H F YDRATION O ACTIVATED CEMENT KILN DUST AND FLY ASH BINDERS

Investigators: Zhi Ge

Funding Source: Department: Construction Management and EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Concrete Materials, Sustainable Concrete Materials

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Concrete is the most widely used construction material. Approximately 1.7 billion tons cement is produced annually. Production of one tone of Portland cement generates approximately one ton of carbon dioxide, consumes about 1.7 tons of nature raw materials, and require approximately 7000 MJ of electrical power and fuel energy. Concern for ecological impact of the cement industry has increased. In order to reduce the negative impacts of the cement industry, researches have been conducted to develop a new cementitious material using two industrial wastes: cement kiln dust (CKD) and fly ash. This research focus on the hydration of sodium silicate activated CKD and fly ash binders using thermal analysis technology.


RESEARCH METHODS In this research, type and amount of hydration products of a sodium silicate activated CKD‐Fly Ash system were examined. Thermal properties of the binder and hydration products were studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA).

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The major hydration products of the binders were calcium aluminum oxide (carbonate and/or hydroxide) hydrates and aluminosilicate or calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel. The amount of gel formation generally increases with the CKD‐FA ratio of the binder. It is more significantly affected by the curing time in the pastes with a low DKD‐FA ratio and a low modulus of sodium, silicate. Despite the amount of gel, the structures of gel formed in the binders were significantly influenced by the modulus of sodium silicate and curing time.


5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60

Two-Theta (Deg)

(a) 28-day m=0.5 30% CKD no

*

Calcium Aluminum Oxide Carbonate Hydroxide hydrateQuartz

Cal

Calcium Silicate

Calcium Aluminum Oxide Carbonate Hydrate

Gismondine

Katoite ∗ Calcium silicate related phase

Aluminate silicate related phase

(c) heat-treated up to 200 °C

(d) heat-treated up to 600 °C

(b) heat-treated up to 110 °C

(e) heat-treated up to 780 °C

DOCUMENT PAGE 106



IDENTIFYING MATERIAL INCOMPATIBILITY

Investigators: Zhi Ge

Funding Source: Department: Construction Management and EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Concrete Incompatibility, Isothermal Calorimetry Test

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Material compatibility is an important issue for concrete construction. Incompatible materials can cause unexpected or unacceptable performance features such as flash set and delayed early strength development. Nowadays, more and more admixtures are added to concrete. This significantly increases the possibility of material incompatibility. The material incompatibility is normally caused by shortage of soluble sulfate during the

hydration process that could be monitored bycalorimetry test. This research focus on testing the isothermal calorimeter’s ability to identify the incompatibility problem.

RESEARCH METHODS Concrete mixed with different type and dosage of cement, cementitious materials, and chemical admixtures will be tested. The heat evolution process for each mix is monitored by a simple isothermal calorimeter. The incompatibility issue will be identified from the heat evolution curve. Also the boundaries will be established. oncrete mixes within the boundaries will not ave the incompatibility issue. Ch

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS It found that the simple isothermal calorimeter is able to identify the incompatibility issue caused by the cement, cementitious materials, and chemical admixtures. But some other incompatibility issues may not be able detected by the isothermal calorimeter. More tests such as XRD, SEM, and strength tests are required to indentify the exact cause of the incompatibility issue.


DOCUMENT PAGE 107

Electrical & Computer Engineering

DOCUMENT PAGE 108



CARDIOVASCULAR ENGINEERING

Investigators: Dan Ewert

Funding Source: various Department: ECE Research areas (max. 3): cardiovascular engineering

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Development of algorithms and computational models to describe cardiac function. Knowing this will allow physicians to better diagnose and treat cardiac disease


RESEARCH METHODS M et dho s include

1) computational models 2) experimental models

(human/canine/swine/bovine)

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Cardiac function can now be divided into three ub‐categories; 1) pressure generation, 2) Passive lastance and 3) viscous losses. se


DOCUMENT PAGE 109



CARDIOVASCULAR ENGINEERING II


Funding Source: various Department: ECE Research areas (max. 3): cardiovascular engineering

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Development of algorithms and hardware to test cardiovascular devices using prescribed pressure and flow waveforms. This allows standardized bench top testing for various CV devices such as ventricular assist devices, stents, catheters, valves, etc.



1) computational mode) adaptive control alg) pumps and motors

ls o2

3

rithms

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS ressure and flow waveforms can be delivered to a est chamber. Pt


DOCUMENT PAGE 110



ELECTRIC SURFBOARD


Funding Source: private Department: ECE Research areas (max. 3): Multiple

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Development of a self propelled electric surfboard capable of 10 mph . rather than wake surfing behind a boat the user can now surf any inland waterway.



1) Electric motor drives

l2) Hydrodynamic propu

3) PV panel recharging 4) Control algorithms)

sion

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS resently the device is under construction with nitial testing in April 2008. Pi


DOCUMENT PAGE 111



M S ATION OF ODELING AND IMUL WIND TURBINE GENERATION FOR LOW VOLTAGE RIDETHROUGH Investigators: Lingling Fan

Funding Source: potential funding from electric power utility industry Department: Electrical & Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Wind technology, Grid integration, Power System Dynamics

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION With the continued growth of wind generation, there is a growing awareness of wind plant sensitivity to grid disturbances. On detecting a grid fault, the generator unit is usually tripped to protect the rotor‐side converter for high rotor current. However, low voltage tripping will aggregates the system instability. Low voltage ride through is a requirement for wind generation. In this project, we will examine the reactive power from WTG and perform dynamic simulations to test the ind turb es

low voltage ride thru capability of w

in . The major tasks are

1) modeling wind turbine generation2) modeling wind farms

ion

3) modeling supervisory control and protections for wind turbine generat

4) examining low voltage ride through capability


RESEARCH METHODS DP

ynamic modeling of wind generatower system dynamic simulation

ion MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The proposed project will investigate the low voltage ride through capability of wind turbine generation at various scenarios including marginally stable transfer scenario. Models of wind farm, wind turbine generation, its protection and control loops will be developed. The study should identify requirements for specific plant‐level functions, including low voltage ride through via voltage regulation and reactive power supply.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] http://ece.ndsu.nodak.edu/~lingling.fan

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C P ITY OF CASCADING IN A POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OMPUTING ROBABILBASED ON A CONTINGENCY DATABASE Investigators: Lingling Fan

Funding Source: potential funding from electric power utility industry Department: Electrical & Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Power Systems, Probability, Database

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION When one line is tripped for any reason, e.g., faults or manually switched off for maintenance, the power through this line will be redistributed to other lines. Load level of some lines will increase, which could cause these lines tripped by relays, e.g., zone 3 distance relays. Cascading could happen due to the continuous tripping. The probability of this type of tripping depends on line loading level, line length, system transfer pattern and etc. The cascading probability could be dramatically increased with one or two lines outages. In this project, the probability of cascading will be computed to give a better eliability assessment of the system. r


RESEARCH METHODS Probability of cascading is computed based on a contingency database designed to document contingencies and contingency analysis results. The database is implemented in MS ACCESS platform and its application in probability computation is done by Visual Basic Scripts.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Real system examples will be simulated to demonstrate the dramatic increase of cascading probability in a power grid when initial outage happens. The database approach is very effective to determine the critical contingencies of cascading


DOCUMENT PAGE 113




RELIABILITY TUDIES OFS TRANSMISSION SYSTEM WITH NEW WIND FARMS Investigators: Lingling Fan

Funding Source: potential funding from electric power utility industry Department: Electrical & Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Power Systems, Reliability, Wind Power

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION New wind farms impose challenges to integrate with the existing transmission systems. Reliability needs should be identified with the new wind farms and transmission solutions should be proposed to meet reliability standards.

The project will start from a baseline study and model new wind farms in load flow. Reliability analysis will be performed to various wind fluctuation scenarios to identify the needs and verify the transmission solutions.


RESEARCH METHODS Reliability analysis, including contingency analysis in load flow and dynamic simulations to identify thermal and voltage violations; voltage stability analysis for reactive power planning.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS New wind farms demand transmission solutions to meet reliability needs of the system. Due to the fluctuating nature of wind, various generating/load scenarios should be developed. Reliability analysis and transmission solutions will be performed/proposed based on the reasonable and practical assumptions.


DOCUMENT PAGE 114




TITLE: LIGHT AND AUDIO REFLEX TEST APARATUS

Investigators: Wolfgang Teder‐S i (PI), Jacobӓlejӓrv Glower (ECE) Funding Source: Dept. of PsychologyDepartment: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Embedded Systems

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Develop a device which can test the coupling between seeing and hearing for tracking objects.


RESEARCH METHODS A custom electronic device was developed which drives 85 elements arranged in a 17x5 array. Each element has two sets of tri‐color LEDs which can display 1e9 colors. Each also has a speaker which can mix and play four different audio signals in 256 loudness levels. A An external computer or internal look up table sets which signals are passed to which element as well as which lights turn on. The resulting design is able to respond within 10ms of an external signal, allowing complex motion of the light and sound through the array.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS This device was designed, built, and delivered to Wolfgang Teder‐Sӓlejӓrvi on the Department of Psychology. He will be using it for his research nto the coupling between hearing and seeing for itracking objects. It also demonstrated our department’s ability to design, build, test, and deliver fairly complex computer controlled devices in a short time frame (4 months).

Contact Information: email, website address(link).

DOCUMENT PAGE 115



T : RFIDITLE ANIMAL RACKINGT

Investigators: Doug Freeman (PI), Jacob Glower (ECE), Aaron Reinholz (CNSE), Robert Nelson

Funding Source: USDA Department: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): RFID, Animal Tracking

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION evelop a method to identify cattle in an D

unobtrusive manor. To mitigate future disease outbreaks, it is important to be able to track large numbers of cattle from birth to death. In this project, we are developing a method which allows cattle to be accurately identified at a distance, without having to impede the movement of the cows or interfere with the normal operations of personnel working with large numbers of cattle.


RESEARCH METHODS Passive UHF (916MHz) RFID tags are being developed for use in a cattle ear tag. These tags have antennas which are custom designed at NDSU to account for the dielectric of the tag as well as the cow nearby. Field testing on a small (50+) heard of cattle in Dickenson, ND, is being used to assess the performance of such designs under various weather conditions.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The first generation of custom RFID tags were developed and tested in 2007/2008. These tags performed fairly well, but not as well as Alien Technology’s tags. Considering that our tags are smaller and our first attempt at designing such an RFID tag, their performance is very encouraging. At present, we are refining this design and trying to shrink the size further to fit on smaller ear tags.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). www.ece.ndsu.nodak.edu/~glower/RFID/index.htm

DOCUMENT PAGE 116



T : S N EITLE MART OS

Investigators: Surinjan Panigrahi (PI), Jacob Glower (ECE)

Funding Source: USDA Department: Research areas (max. 3): Embedded Systems

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Develop a device which can detect spoiled meat.


RESEARCH METHODS Dr. Glower is supporting Dr. Panigrahi’s research project with development of custom embedded systems. These include custom devices to facilitate data collection (such as 12‐channel A/D boards, instrumentation amplifiers, etc.)

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Several iterations of automated data collection circuitry have been developed. The latest iteration is under testing as of Fall 2007 with a bank of gas sensors obtained commercially and developed by Dr. Panigrahi.


DOCUMENT PAGE 117



T : LIGHT DOMEITLE

Investigators: MarkBrady (PI), J. Glower

Funding Source: Dept. of PsychologyDepartment: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Embedded Systems

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION evelop a custom system which can recreate the ighting from a photograph. Dl


RESEARCH METHODS A microcontroller‐based system was developed which drives 700 tri‐color LED’s with 1E9 colors. These LED’s are placed in an arc over the item to be lit up. Servo motors with optical encoders monitor the position of the item and alternate the lighting based upon the angle of the motor. A PC is able to download a bitmap image to the 134 processors for later use.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Dr. Glower’s contribution was in designing and building the hardware to enable Dr. Brady’s research. On the hardware side, it demonstrates our department’s ability to build fairly large and complex systems in a short time frame (4 months).


DOCUMENT PAGE 118



E I S B I ONLECTROCHEMICAL MPEDANCE PECTROSCOPY ASED NSTRUMENTATI

Investigators: Roger Green, Victoria Gelling, David Farden, Gordon Bierwagen, and others

Funding Source: U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Gamry Inc.Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dept. of Coatings and Polymeric MaterialsResearch areas: Real‐time signal processing, spectral analysis, non‐stationary systems

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is commonly applied to the energy conversion, coatings, sensor and corrosion control markets. Targets often exhibit time‐varying (non‐stationary) and non‐linear behavior. These factors, coupled with broad frequency equirements (<0.001 Hz to >100,000 Hz), provide

opportunities. rsignificant challenges as well as The cu fo s of this research is to:

1) Develop algorithms to enhance the performance of EIS instruments.

2) Develop custom DSP‐controlled EIS hardware.

3) Integrate algorithms into custom and commercial EIS devices.

4) Explore novel applications to EIS methods, algorithms, and hardware.

RESEARCH METHODS Due to the cross‐disciplinary nature of this research, expertise is required from multiple disciplines. The primary electrical engineering methodologies include 1) signal processing, 2) digital signal processing, 3) non‐stationary system analysis, 4) non‐linear system analysis, 5) spectral analysis, 6) statistical signal processing, 7) real‐time signal processing, 8) embedded system design, 9) instrumentation, 10) electronics design, 11) printed circuit board design, 12) computer‐aided simulation and design, and others. A solid understanding of electrochemistry is also required, although this expertise is primarily provided by collaborating investigators from the NDSU Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS This research has spanned multiple years and mul leacco p

tip funding agencies. Highlight m lishments include:

1) Successful development of improved

n. optimized multi‐tone test signals.

2) Improved DSP algorithm implementatio ing 3) Design and implementation of workDSP‐based EIS prototypes.

4) Development of effective real‐time performance monitors, including methods for automatic parameter adjustment.

5) Development of a fully‐functional, battery powered, hand‐held EIS‐based coating health monitor.

6) Adaptation of methods and techniques for commercial EIS equipment.


DOCUMENT PAGE 119



CRYPTOGRAPHIC ALGORITHMS AND HARDWARE

Investigators: Raj Katti

Funding Source: NSF Department: Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Cryptography, Computer Arithmetic, Algorithms


Develop new algorithms in cryptography and their efficient mplementation in hardware. i


RESEARCH METHODS

Develop new pseudo‐random bit sequence generators for use in cryptography. Use data compression for encryption. Use “Boolean Satisfiability” and “Lattice‐based approaches” for cryptanalysis. Implement these new methods in ardware. h


We have developed a new recoding scheme for binary numbers for use in elliptic curve cryptography. We have used linear congruential generators for pseudo‐random bit sequence generation. We have used arithmetic coding for encryption of mages and text. i

Contact Information: email, website address(link). : [email protected] http://www.ece.ndsu.nodak.edu

DOCUMENT PAGE 120




CRYPTOGRAPHIC ALGORITHMS AND HARDWARE

Investigators: Raj Katti

Funding Source: NSF Department: Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Cryptography, Computer Arithmetic, Algorithms


Develop new algorithms in cryptography and their efficient mplementation in hardware. i


RESEARCH METHODS

Develop new pseudo‐random bit sequence generators for use in cryptography. Use data compression for encryption. Use “Boolean Satisfiability” and “Lattice‐based approaches” for cryptanalysis. Implement these new methods in ardware. h


We have developed a new recoding scheme for binary numbers for use in elliptic curve cryptography. We have used linear congruential generators for pseudo‐random bit sequence generation. We have used arithmetic coding for encryption of mages and text. i

Contact Information: email, website address(link). : [email protected] http://www.ece.ndsu.nodak.edu

DOCUMENT PAGE 121




T : P , ISUALIZATION AND PROTECTION IN THE ITLE OWER SYSTEM DYNAMICS VWIDE AREA CONTEXT

Investigators: Rajesh Kavasseri, Lingling Fan

Funding Source: Department: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3):

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Wide area measurement/monitoring (WAMS) based systems are recently

eans to being considered as a promising mperform real time control and monitoring of modern power systems. WAMS based controllers rely on

remote measurements made eitherthrough phasor measurement units (PMU), or signals relayed through communication channels to synthesize their control law. The research goal is to integrate wide area signal information in to a control and visualization framework that will: (i) enhance dynamic control performance, (ii) improve situational awareness and (iii) allow co‐coordinated (area wide) protection strategies.


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RESEARCH METHODS . Analysis of Power Systems Dynamics in 1the Presence of Time Delays. 2. Minimum Volume Enclosing Ellipsoid Algorithm for Visualization of Power System Dynamics.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS 1. successfully characterized two dynamic disturbances namely – (a) frequency deviation and (ii) angle deviation

n area from real time PMU data acquired from the Easterinterconnect system. 2. Identified (input‐ attribute) pairs that are most ppropriate for detection of system wide frequency and ngle disturbances. aa

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17:00 18:00 17:16:48 17:31:11 17:45:35 Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] (701) 2317614

DOCUMENT PAGE 122




T : SPEED PERMANENT MAGNET ITLE DIRECT DRIVEN LOW AC GENERATORS FOR WIND ENERGY CONVERSION

Investigators: Rajesh Kavasseri

Funding Source: Department: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3):

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Wind generation is increasingly playing a part in the development of a sustainable renewable energy plan for the future. While induction and doubly fed induction machines have been examined and deployed in the past (at unit sizes of a few hundred up to 1 MW), the use of permanent magnet ac generators (at unit sizes up to a 2 kW) has received considerably little attention. The goal of the research is to optimize the design of low speed, direct driven (no gear

p box) ac generators for power generation uto a few kilo watts, suitable for small scale renewable energy applications.RESEARCH METHODS 1. Preliminary design, analysis and testing f a roof top mounted permanent magnet c generator. oa

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS An interdisciplinary senior design team (ECE and ME) successfully designed, assembled and tested a prototype roof top mounted wind turbine generator system. The unit which is housed on the ECE Dept. rooftop consists of a permanent magnet NdFeB (Neodymium Iron Boride) ‐ 3 phase AC generator driven by 10 ft diameter blades at a hub height of 20 ft (from the roof top). The unit was designed to deliver 1 kW at a wind speed of 18 mph. The generator, rectification and braking system were designed by ECE students while the tower, blades, nacelle, mounting and hoisting system were designed by ME students. The effort is part of the Department’s long term goal of building a sustainable renewable energy infrastructure. Currently, the Dept. has a 1200 W solar panel system (also roof mounted) and a 1200 W proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Optimizing the generator design (magnetic structure and rotor geometry) to aximize the unit rating and performance is the next mmediate goal of this research. mi

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] (701) 2317614

DOCUMENT PAGE 123




EXPONENTIAL TIME DIFFERENCE METHOD TO MODEL LASERS SYSTEMS

Investigators: Ivan T. Lima Jr. and Orven F. Swenson (Physics)

Funding Source: NDSU Research FoundationDepartment: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Lasers, laser modeling, difference methods.

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Traditional numerical methods like the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method and the Runge‐Kutta method are commonly used to solve the rate equations. However, laser systems such as the gain‐switched dye laser systems are highly nonlinear stiff systems where the absorption of pumping photons and amplification of lasing photons can cause both pump and lasing fields to vary rapidly over short periods of time along the cavity. We show that the exponential time difference method is orders of magnitude faster than the standard finite difference time domain method to model the dynamics of stiff laser systems, such as a longitudinally pumped sub‐nanosecond pulsed dye lasers.


RESEARCH METHODS A gain‐switched dye laser system was built in the Physics Optics Research Laboratory. The numerical method was developed and the numerical simulations were carried out in the ECE Photonics and Bioengineering Laboratory.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The exponential time difference method is orders of magnitude faster than the standard finite difference time domain method to model the dynamics of stiff laser systems. We are currently improving the accuracy of the method and extending to fiber laser systems.

[email protected] Information: http://www.ece.ndsu.nodak.edu/~limajr/

DOCUMENT PAGE 124




MICROCHIP LASER SEEDED PHOTONIC CRYSTALATMOSPHERIC LIDAR SYSTE

FIBER AMPLIFIER FOR MS

Investigators: Ivan T. Lima Jr. and Orven F. Swenson (Physics)

Funding Source: NASA EPSCoR Department: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Lasers, optical fibers, light detection and ranging

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION This project is aimed at establishing an integrated research and graduate education program in optical fiber lasers and nonlinear optics applied to the development of fiber based LIDAR systems that can be used in terrestrial and extra‐terrestrial atmospheric studies. We will use rare‐earth‐doped optical fibers to build a master‐oscillator power amplifier system that will be capable of producing pulses in the infrared with very high peak power and with nanosecond duration at a repetition rate of a few thousands of kilohertz. This system will be easier to build and to maintain when compared with bulk lasers.


RESEARCH METHODS We are building a prototype system in the ECE Photonics and Bioengineering Laboratory, which will be optimized using computer simulations.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSThis is still an ongoing investigation.


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POLARIZATION EFFECTS IN FIBER OPTICAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS

Investigators: Ivan T. Lima Jr. and Aurenice Oliveira (Michigan Tech)

Funding Source: Department: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Polarization impairments, optical fibers, PMD

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Polarization‐mode dispersion is one of the effects that limit the data rate increase in a significant number of the currently deployed optical fiber communication systems from 10 Gbit/s to 40 Gbit/s. The goal of this research is to characterize the impact of PMD in the performance of high‐speed optical fiber communication systems and investigate optical and electrical techniques that ave potential to mitigate the performance egradation due to polarization‐mode dispersion.

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RESEARCH METHODS The numerical methods were developed and the numerical simulations were carried out in the ECE Photonics and Bioengineering Laboratory and at Michigan Tech.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS We showed that the optical and the electrical filters in the receiver that minimize the outage probability due to PMD are equivalent to the receiver filters optimized for systems in the absence of PMD for practical on‐off keyed formats.


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DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN THEBRAZIL

US AND IN

Investigators: I. T. Lima Jr., R. Pieri (ME), R. Kavasseri, A. Oliveira (Michigan Tech)

Funding Source: FIPSE of the US Department of EducationDepartment: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Engineering education

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Because globalization is a relatively new phenomenon, most worldwide higher educational systems have not adapted their curriculum to enable engineering and technology graduates to fulfill their technical potential as international professionals. This project is an attempt to address these problems with a bi‐national U.S.‐Brazil exchange that will focus on cooperation between institutions of higher education to educate professionals in a shared curriculum in both countries to enable credit equivalence, which will lead to degree equivalence and a sustainable cademic and professional exchange between hem.

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RESEARCH METHODS We are cooperating with two leading institutions of higher education in Brazil to carry out course equivalence and degree equivalence in engineering and technology.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The four‐year project initiated in October 2007.


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Architecture


ELECTROMAGNETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF AIR FORCE SYSTEMS

Investigators: Robert Nelson, Benjamin Braaten (student)

Funding Source: Sverdrup Technology (i.e., Eglin Air Force Base, FL) Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)Research areas (max. 3):Computational electromagnetics; interference; antenna

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The ambient electromagnetic (EM) environment in the modern battle space often results in severe limitations in the full use of electronic equipment employed on combat aircraft, UAVs, and other weapon systems. Test and evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of weapon systems has become critical. Unfortunately, complete EM testing of complex configurations is very expensive. An alternative is use a mixture of computational and test methods. Although using computational methods has been done for years, some types of problems for which accurate, cost‐effective solutions are available. This research treats one such problem.

Induced Current along dielectric‐loaded antenna

RESEARCH METHODS The particular problem being addressed is one which (1) contains both electrically small, complex (geometrically and materially) regions as well as electrically large regions and (2) requires detailed solutions in both types of regions. Starting with Maxwell’s equations, a new computational method was developed to address this problem that included deriving new integral equations for the magnetic and electric fields, charge and current in each region. Methods were then developed to solve the equations using a technique called the “method of moments” (or “moment method”) ‐ which is very similar to the method of weighted residuals.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Numerically stable electric field integral equations were developed to determine the electric and magnetic fields as well as induced charge and currents for problems involving electrically large and electrically small, complex regions. The equations were implemented and solved using the moment method for axially symmetric problems. A graphical user interface (GUI) was also developed to provide a user‐friendly interface. These results allow the user to not only determine induced effects from internal and external sources, but also determine the scattered fields created by the induced effects.

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Architecture


POWER LINE CARRIER SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND TUNER DESIGN

Investigators: Robert Nelson and Yuxin Feng

Funding Source: Ottertail Power Company, Fergus Falls, MNDepartment: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Power Line Carrier (PLC); transmission lines; energy systems

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Power line carrier (PLC) techniques have been used by the power industry since the early 1930s for protection of high‐voltage transmission lines. The basic idea consists of superimposing a high‐frequency signal onto the 60 Hz line by the use of appropriate line tuners, coupling capacitors and line traps. From 1999‐2003 NDSU and Ottertail Power Company worked together to evaluate OTPC PLC tuners and test methods, and develop new PLC test methods. In addition, a method to numerically simulate the performance of a PLC system was developed, and a new “self‐tuner” system was designed, developed and tested at an OTPC substation.

Simulated PLC Return Loss (the dip shows the

center frequency of the tuner).

RESEARCH METHODS Several aspects were involved in this project. The first aspect involved testing and evaluation of OTPC PLC tuners ‐ first using OTPC equipment and methods, and then using newly developed test methods. This evaluation was carried out on each PLC tuner in the OTPC service area. When needed, adjustments and changes were made to OTPC tuners to enhance PLC performance. To better understand PLC systems, transmission‐line theory and ABCD analysis methods were used to numerically simulate PLC systems. Finally, a “self‐tuner” was designed, developed and built at NDSU. This tuner was successfully tested at an OTPC substation.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive review of the OTPC PLC tuner system was carried out which included several performance‐enhancing improvements. A method to numerically simulate PLC systems using transmission line theory and ABCD analysis was developed and tested. Although limited by assuming a one‐line model, results from this method worked very well. The plot shown above closely resembled measured data from a 185 kHz OTPC PLC system. Finally, comprehensive design of a “self‐tuner” was carried out by an MS student. The purpose of the design was to allow changing transmission and weather conditions to be automatically incorporated into tuner performance. The test system worked as planned.

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C OMPUTER AIDED MICROWAVE DESIGN

Investigators: Divya Bais and David A. Rogers

Funding Source: Department: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): radio‐frequency (RF) and microwave engineering education

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Ms. Divya Bais is developing as her M.S. thesis a package of MATLAB‐based computer routines for the design and analysis of microwave devices. This package will facilitate the design and analysis of passive radio‐frequency (RF) and microwave evices by advanced undergraduate and graduate ngineering students (advisor: D. Rogers). de

RESEARCH METHODS The package uses original MATLAB computer algorithms developed for the personal computer to implement the design and analysis of a wide variety of RF and microwave devices. Future graduate students will build on this package to add elements appropriate to the different areas of the iscipline such as active devices, antennas, and adiowave propagation. dr

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The package is currently under development. The preliminary version will deal with the design of transmission‐line and waveguide devices including stripline and microstrip geometries. Additional evices and systems will be included as the project dprogresses. When complete, the package will be made available free to students and engineering educators.


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T : B AIN COMPUTER INTERFACE SYSTEMSITLE R

Investigators: Mark Schroeder

Funding Source: Department: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Biomedical, Signal Analysis, Instrumentation

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The goal of brain‐computer interface (BCI) technology is to augment an individual’s ability to control a device without the need for the individual to physically move. The majority of BCI applications are for those that are severely disabled and are unable to reliably control their movement. Additionally, applications such as aiding the control of a prosthetic device or providing military personnel with augmented control capabilities are being investigated.


RESEARCH METHODS Various stages of the BCI system have been targeted in an attempt to improve the current state of BCI systems. The research methods have included the development of an ambulatory BCI device as shown by the block diagram in the accompanying graphic, the investigation of linear and nonlinear signal analysis methods as shown in the accompanying histogram, classification using linear discriminant analysis and support vector machines, and the development of an nteractive hyper‐training software program and n advanced robotic arm control system. ia

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Overall, steady progress is being made in BCI‐related investigations and applications. Currently, a smart augmentative robotic arm is being developed and a scholar team is developing a stand‐alone nalog BCI system to maneuver remote controlled avehicles. The scholar team web‐site can be seen at: ttp://saturn.ece.ndsu.nodak.edu/ecewiki/index. hp/Brain‐Computer_Interface_%28BCI%29_Gaming hp

Contact Information: email, website address(link). Email: [email protected] http://www.ece.ndsu.nodak.edu/people/Faculty/Mark%20Schroeder.htm

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FORMAL VERIFICATION OF MICROPROCESSOR MODELS

Investigators: Sudarshan Srinivasan

Funding Source: ND EPSCoR New Faculty Start‐UpDepartment: Electrical and Computer EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): hardware verification, formal methods

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Functional verification is a critical problem facing the microprocessor industry as processor designs are extremely complex and highly optimized and as the cost of fixing defective products is prohibitively expensive. In this project, we are developing efficient and scalable formal techniques to verify that processor designs work correctly.


RESEARCH METHODS The verification is performed using a combination of automatic verification engines such as decision procedures and deductive reasoning.



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TITLE

Investigators: Chao You

Funding Source: 3M Department: ECE Research areas (max. 3): VLSI, FPGA, Structural Health Monitoring

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION we have developed a prototype of an impedance based structural health‐monitoring (SHM) device. The SHM device uses piezoelectric materials to detect structural damage. The devhas been submitted for a patent application. Thdesign and results have been published in Journal of Intelligent Materials, a major journal inthe area, and will be presented in two conferences. The goal of the current research is to reduce the size and cost of the device so that itis suitable for massive deployment.

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RESEARCH METHODS



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RESEARCH ON PEM FUEL CELLS

Investigators: Dr. S. Yuvarajan

Funding Source: Department: ECE Research areas (max. 3): Renewable Energy, Power Electronics, Electronics

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells provide clean power that can be used for stationary and vehicular applications. With a suitable power conditioner, it can also be used as a back‐up power source.


RESEARCH METHODS 1. Develop an electronic circuit model for a PEM fuel cell. 2. Convert the dc voltage from the PEM fuel cell to regulated dc or ac using a dc‐dc onverter/inverter. ac

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS ECE Department has a Nexa 1200W PEM fuel cemade by Ballard Power Systems. 1. A simple circuit model of PEM fuel cells have

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been developed and the results published in the Journal of Power Sources. 2. A power converter for interfacing a PEM fuel cell to a three‐phase induction motor has been developed and the results published.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). Email: [email protected]; Ph: 701231Webpage: :

7365 http://venus.ece.ndsu.nodak.edu/%7Eyuvaraja/

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P R CONVERTERS FOR SOLAR ENERGYOWE

Investigators: Dr. S. Yuvarajan

Funding Source: Department: ECE Research areas (max. 3): Solar Power, Power Electronics, Electronics

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Solar or photovoltaic (PV) power is abundant and can be used to provide an alternative to fossil fuel. The maximum output power from a PV panel at a given light level is higher at lower temperatures nd this justifies the research on PV power in cold laces like North Dakota. ap


RESEARCH METHODS 1. Develop a curve tracer to obtain the I‐V characteristics of PV panels. 2. Convert the dc voltage from PV panels to a

oint regulated dc or ac using a maximum power ptracker (MPPT). 3. Explore different MPPT schemes through simulation and experimentation

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS 1. A simple curve tracer for PV panels has been

al developed and the results published in the Journof Power Sources. 2. A self‐contained power converter with MPPT has been developed and the results published.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). Email: [email protected]; Ph: 701231Webpage: :

7365 http://venus.ece.ndsu.nodak.edu/%7Eyuvaraja/

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Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering

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DIRECT WRITE TECHNOLOGY FOR PRINTED ELECTRONICS

Investigator: Val Marinov

Funding Source: DoD ‐ Defense Microelectronic Activity – Microsensor Systems ProgramDepartment: Industrial and Manufacturing EngineeringResearch areas: printed electronics; electronics manufacturing; direct write technology

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Printed electronics technology (a.k.a. organic electronics) develops and applies semi‐conductive or conductive organic and inorganic materials to create discrete components, systems, or entire devices by means of sequential and/or parallel material additive technologies such as screen printing, ink‐jet printing, or direct‐writing. The term “direct‐write” describes a family of additive fabrication techniques that create features with controlled architecture and composition on substrates by moving either the material deposition system or the substrate along a predefined path. The objective of this research is to study the direct write technology as a cost‐effective alternative to the currently used expensive and environmentally unfriendly methods such as lithography and thin‐film deposition.


RESEARCH METHODS Our approach is based on the Mesoscale Maskless Material Deposition (M3D®) direct write technology. In our version of the M3D® deposition, silver nano‐particle inks are aerosolized by means of a device called “ultrasonic atomizer”, then carried by a carrier gas (nitrogen) through a small diameter nozzle, focused with the help of an annularly supplied sheath gas to a small diameter microjet, and deposited on a polymer substrate located at about 3‐4 mm below the deposition tip. After deposition, the “green” material is oven or laser sintered in situ in order to achieve its final properties and characteristics.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated the applications of the M3D® technology for fabrication of a variety of electronic components incl. conductors,

le antennas, resistors, interconnects, and simpelectronic devices (rf filters)

Developed and demonstrated was the first Nanoblock‐based prototype of a fiber RFID tag

fabricated using direct write technology In collaboration with other CNSE researchers, we have demonstrated the first all‐direct‐write chemiresistor arrays on plastic

Developed and demonstrated is a modification of the M3D® method suitable for printing high‐frequency transmission lines on polyimide substrates using a silver nano‐particle ink.

Contact Information: email, website address (link). Dr. Val Marinov, [email protected], 701.231.8073

M3D printed antenna for a cow RFID ear tag

M3D printed Ag electrodes for chemical sensors

Tenali chip (25 I/Os, 1 mm2) with M3D printed I/O pad redistribution pattern, 30 μm Ag interconnects

M3D printed Ag lettering on a housefly

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L S DASER INTERING OF IRECT WRITE MATERIALS FOR PRINTED ELECTRONICS

Investigators: Val Marinov, Orven Swenson

Funding Source: DoD ‐ Defense Microelectronic Activity – Microsensor Systems ProgramDepartment: Industrial and Manufacturing EngineeringResearch areas: printed electronics; electronics manufacturing; laser sintering

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Direct‐write technologies are rapidly reaching the goal of printing an entire microelectronic device on polymeric substrates. The term “direct‐write” describes a family of additive fabrication techniques that create features with controlled architecture and composition on substrates by moving either the material deposition system or the substrate along a predefined path. The technology is used in printed electronics for both packaging and fabricating electronic components. Direct write has already been demonstrated for fabrication of a variety of features in the mesoscale range, i.e. between 1 and 100 micrometers. Post‐processing methods complete the synthesis of the deposited material. Laser sintering is one of the most promising but also one of the least studied sintering methods for direct write conductors deposited on heat‐sensitive l i b


RESEARCH METHODS Maskless Material Deposition (M3D®) direct‐write deposited silver nano‐particle lines on polyimide were sintered with a continuous wave Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser at different power levels and scanning speeds. The sintering parameters were determined from a series of preliminary screening experiments. Sintering on a hot plate was performed for bench‐marking the bulk resistivity and elemental composition. In another series of experiments, 0.1‐mm long lines were irradiated with a stationary laser beam. Dynamic in‐situ monitoring of the electrical resistance was used to identify the energy required for the start of the resistance drop and the completion of the sintering process.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The laser sintering resulted in a better bulk resistivity in the deposited materials compared to the hot plate sintering.

The total deposited laser energy per unit volume required for sintering the conductors was determined. It was shown that less than 0.05‐μJ/μm3 initiated the sintering and 0.34‐

osited μJ/μm3 was enough for sintering the depsamples regardless of initial resistance.

The bulk resistivity of the laser‐sintered materials is a function of the normalized laser energy. Four different sintering regions were identified in the bulk resistivitynormalized laser ener gy graph (see the figure).

Contact Information: email, website address (link). Dr. Val Marinov, [email protected], 701.231.8073

Bulk resistivity of laser sintered lines as a function of normalized laser energy.

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Optimal Supply Chain Risk Management based on Jump diffusion process

Investigators: Dr. Jun Zhang

Funding Source: Department: Industrial and Manufacturing EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Supply chain risk management, simulation optimization

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Supply chains risks, such as machine breakdown, natural disaster and terrorism attacks, can cause huge loss to all the partners inside the supply chains and even to the whole society. Designing a robust system to reduce the loss caused by the supply chain risk is essential for the healthy of the supply chain. The research first models the risk mathematically. And then, optimal control policies are evaluated based on the risk model for the entire supply chain in order to reduce the total operation costs.


RESEARCH METHODS Jump diffusion process is used to model the supply chain risk. Simulated annealing is applied to determine the optimal dynamic inventory control policy and production planning policy in order to reduce the total operation costs.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The research results show that the traditional inventory control policy is not optimal if the supply chain faces the risk. Proposed method reduced the operation costs when supply chain risk is existent.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] Url:

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Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics

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Permeability Measurements of Fiber Reinforcement in Composites

Investigators: Profs Iskander Akhatov & Chad Ulven

Funding Source: Department of Mechanical Engineering Department: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Composite Material, Fabric Preform, Permeability Tensor

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Resin transfer molding (RTM) techniques are popular manufacturing methods of composite materials renowned for their simplicity, reduced time‐to‐market design, lower cost, and high quality in producing thermoset composite parts and structures. Optimization and numerical simulation of these techniques requires knowledge of physical properties such as the values for permeability tensor components. Of specific interest is the measurement of permeability in natural fiber preforms for the process modeling of newly developed biobased composite materials. These natural fiber preforms are finding use as reinforcement in polymers for the automotive, mass transit, and building products industries because of their renewability and low cost.

Physical Model for Transverse Permeability Measurements

RESEARCH METHODS The goal of this research is to develop theoretical and experimental methods for simultaneously determining the principal values of a permeability tensor for fibrous reinforcements which accounts for finite dimension of the inlet gate, when its diameter is comparable or larger than thickness of a fabric preform. Newly developed natural fiber preforms are tested under conditions similar to those during RTM (i.e. same pressure, temperature, viscosity of resin, etc.) and measured for permeability. To‐date, the understanding of polymer resin flow through natural fiber preforms is limited.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Analytic solutions for the direct problem of liquid spreading in an anisotropic fabric preform are derived and analyzed. These solutions are compared with point source approximate solutions used by other authors. Algorithms for evaluating principal components of transverse and in‐plane permeability are proposed. Experimental setup for monitoring of liquid spreading in an anisotropic fabric preform is built and tested. • Mekic, S., Akhatov, I.S., Ulven, C.A. A radial infusion model for transverse permeability measurements of fiber reinforcement in composite materials, Polymer Composites, accepted for publication (2007).

Contact Information: email, website address (link). [email protected], http://www.ndsu.edu/me/faculty/akhatov.php [email protected]

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Collimated Aerosol Beam – Direct Write

Investigators: Profs Iskander Akhatov & Douglas Schulz

Funding Source: DoD/Defense Microelectronics ActivityDepartment: Mechanical Engineering & CNSEResearch areas (max. 3): Aerosol Focusing, Direct‐Write Fabrication

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The term direct‐write encompasses film deposition processes whereby no additional processing steps (e.g., photolithography) are required to produce patterned functional structures of electronic materials such as metallic interconnects and semiconductor diodes and transistors. Material deposition based upon directed aerosol flow has the potential of finding application for fabrication of electronic and sensor devices.

Recently, the influence of Saffman force upon the fluid dynamics of focused aerosol flows through micro‐capillaries has been established by our group through a combined theoretical/experimental approach.

≈1 mm≈ 0.5 mm ≈1 mm≈ 0.5 mm

Laser‐illuminated aerosol beam leaving 100 μm micro‐capillary

RESEARCH METHODS These results were used in the rational design of a micro‐capillary “aerosol gun” capable of generating a focused collimated beam where aerosol particles stay very close to a capillary center line. The feasibility of CAB‐DW was established theoretically and experimentally and the utility of such an aerosol gun was demonstrated by printing Ag‐based and Si‐based inks.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS • Akhatov, I.S., Hoey, J.M., Swenson, O.F, Schulz, D.L. Aerosol flow through a long micro‐capillary: focused collimated aerosol beam. Microfluidics and Nanofluidics, 2007: DOI 10.1007/s10404‐007‐0239‐3.

• Hoey, J.M., Akhatov, I.S., Swenson, O.F., Schulz, D.L. Focusing of Aerosol Particles. U.S. Provisional Patent Application # 60/956,493 (2007).

• Han, S., Dai, X., Loy, P., Lovaasen, J., Huether, J., Hoey, J.M., Wagner, A., Sandstrom, J., Bunzow, D., Swenson, O.F., Akhatov, I.S., Schulz, D.L. Printed Silicon as Diode and FET Materials – Preliminary Results. Journal of Non‐Crystalline Solids, 2007: DOI 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2007.10.090.

Contact Information: email, website address (link). [email protected], http://www.ndsu.edu/me/faculty/akhatov.php [email protected], http://www.ndsu.edu/cnse/about/bios/schulz_doug.php

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http://www.ndsu.edu/cnse/about/bios/schulz_doug.php�



STMbased Liquid Nanodeposition

Investigators: Profs Iskander Akhatov & Douglas Schulz

Funding Source: NSF/EPSCoR and ND/EPSCoR Department: Mechanical Engineering & CNSEResearch areas (max. 3): Surface Tension, Intermolecular Forces, Nanolithography


Liquid Deposition Concept

Modified STM Head

RESEARCH METHODS STM‐Controlled Capillary Based Non‐Contact Material Deposition Nanolithography consists of a Au‐coated glass nanocapillary tip integrated into a commercial STM scanner platform where the tip serves the dual purpose of imaging and deposition. The small diameter hollow fiber (O.D. < 500 nm, I.D. < 100 nm) coupled with a conducting coating allows sub‐angstrom‐level z‐resolution imaging using standard STM methodology. For fluid deposition, the tip is first located within 10 nm of the substrate before the nanocapillary is pressurized with a fluid (P = 50‐500 KPa) leading to the formation of a small meniscus that then interacts with the underlying surface to give small spot of fluid deposition.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Initial results show the ability to form features less than 500 nm in diameter and 10 nm in thickness using α‐terpineol as the model fluid and highly‐oriented pyrolytic graphite as the substrate. In addition to non‐contact deposition, this technology also allows non‐contact imaging using the constant height STM mode thereby eliminating the difficulties associated with finding nanometer‐sized features. Additional benefits of this new technology for nanoengineering and biomedical applications will be explored in future research.

Contact Information: email, website address (link). [email protected], http://www.ndsu.edu/me/faculty/akhatov.php [email protected], http://www.ndsu.edu/cnse/about/bios/schulz_doug.php

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NANOSCALE CAVITATION AS A NEW BRAIN INJURY MECHANISM

Investigators: Profs. Mariusz Ziejewski and Iskander Akhatov

Funding Source: FM Foundation Department: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Biofluid Mechanics, Brain Injury, Cavitation in a Micro‐ and Nano‐ scale Confinement

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Due to the different nature of the blast environment (excessive pressure followed by head acceleration) it is reasonable to expect a unique brain injury pattern involving a new brain injury mechanism. The classical cavitation theory which is based on bubble collapse is not a complete representation of the cavitation phenomena.

RESEARCH METHODS If the impact is severe enough, it may produce cavitation in the brain, which provides mechanisms for brain injury. The complexity of this problem is mainly due to the fact that liquid in the brain is confined at very different scales from 1 cm to 0.1 µm. We develop a theoretical approach to estimate liquid cavitation in the brain.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The goal of this study is to demonstrate, and quantify, the potential danger hidden in the liquid in the brain exposed to an intense tension. The following important questions are addressed: Why cavitation may occur in the brain? Where cavitation may occur in the brain? Why cavitation may cause brain damage? The solution to this problem is crucial for early diagnosis interpretation of MTBI. Our preliminary work indicated that, at the cellular level, the nanoscale cavitation inception might be responsible for the brain injury. This concept has to be further investigated and correlated to neuro‐imaging studies.

Contact Information: email, website address (link). [email protected] [email protected], http://www.ndsu.edu/me/faculty/akhatov.php

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DOCUMENT PAGE 144






N C FATIGUE DAMAGE METHODOLOGIES FOR ONLINEAR UMULATIVE AIRCRAFT ENGINE COMPONENTS UNDER MULTIAXIAL LOADINGS

Investigators: Alan Kallmeyer

Funding Source: Air Force Office of Scientific ResearchDepartment: Mechanical Engineering and Applied MechanicsResearch areas (max. 3): Fatigue and Fracture, Computational Mechanics

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Most current lifing algorithms used on aircraft engine components utilize an effective stress parameter for multiaxial loadings and linear damage accumulation. These methods cannot account for different damage mechanisms between large and small cycles or the nonlinearities from cycle interactions, load sequence, and load paths. The objective of this research is to increase aircraft engine reliability through improved life prediction algorithms, leading to reduced engine replacements and field failures. Specific goals are to gain a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms contributing to fatigue damage accumulation under multiaxial loading, and develop an improved lifing methodology to assess multiaxial fatigue damage accumulation in aircraft engine components subjected to realistic mission profiles.

RESEARCH METHODS In cooperation with the University of Illinois and University of Utah, a large‐scale experimental rogram is being undertaken to assess fatigue pdamage accumulation under multiaxial loadings. The modeling approach employs a “critical‐plane” methoThis a

dology to assess multiaxial fatigue damage. pproach

• of fatigue Provides a physical interpretationcrack nucleation/growth processes.

• Can account for different damage mechanisms between large and small cycles

(load‐path relationships). A nonlinear damage accumulation model is being developed with the ability to account for large/small cycle interactions and load sequencing.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Preliminary results indicate a high degree of nonlinearity in the rate of fatigue damage accum path.

ulation that is strongly dependent on load

• Microcracks nucleate due to shear‐stress mechanisms in large cycles.

• Microcracks propagate due to tensile‐stressmechanism in small cycles.

• Influence of small cycles is amplified in the presence of existing damage.

Conventional damage accumulation methodologies (linear damage rule) can be highly non‐conservative. The new approach is much better adapted to model the observed fatigue behavior, resulting in more accurate fatigue life predictions for aircraft engine components.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] http://www.ndsu.edu/me/faculty/kallmeyer.php

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E M XIAL FATIGUE PARAMETERS FOR VALUATION OF ULTIA AIRCRAFT ENGINE MATERIALS

Investigators: Alan Kallmeyer

Funding Source: General Electric AviationDepartment: Mechanical Engineering and Applied MechanicsResearch areas (max. 3): Fatigue and Fracture, Computational Mechanics

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Many critical engineering components are routinely subjected to cyclic multiaxial stresses. Accurate fatigue life predictions for such components require fatigue models that can account for the nuances of complex multiaxial loading conditions. Historically, simple equivalent‐stress based methods have been used to model multiaxial fatigue damage; however, these models often do not accurately account for the complexities of multiaxial loadings. More recently, “critical‐plane” models have been shown to provide a better interpretation of the physical mechanisms governing the nucleation and growth of small fatigue cracks. The objective of this research is to develop a robust multiaxial fatigue parameter that accurately models fatigue damage under a variety of loading conditions, and which can be implemented within existing design codes.

RESEARCH METHODS In cooperation with the University of Illinois and General Electric Aviation, a large amount of uniaxial and biaxial fatigue data has been generated for several high strength titanium and nickel‐based steel alloys used in aircraft engine components. These tests include torsional, proportional, and complex non‐proportional load paths. The results from these tests are being used to guide the development of a multiaxial fatigue damage parameter based on the “critical‐plane” methodology. Fatigue life predictions made using the new parameter are being compared to results obtained using other equivalent‐stress and critical‐plane based fatigue models.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS A stress/strain based critical‐plane parameter has been developed that produces excellent correlation with experimental data from several aircraft engine alloys. This parameter demonstrates a better ability to correlate data from different loading conditions (uniaxial, torsional, biaxial) than existing models currently used by many industries, resulting in improved reliability in fatigue life predictions. Current work is focused on determining the effects of elevated temperatures and thermo‐mechanical fatigue.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). [email protected] http://www.ndsu.edu/me/faculty/kallmeyer.php

30

50

70

90

110

130

1.E+03 1.E+04 1.E+05 1.E+06 1.E+07 1.E+08

Damaga Parameter

Cycles to Failure

Uniaxial TorsionProportionalNon-Propotional

0

50

100

150

200

250

1.E+03 1.E+04 1.E+05 1.E+06 1.E+07

Damage Parameter

Cycles to Failure

UniaxialTorsionProportionalNon-propotional

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1:M M BRAIN UNDER BLAST ULTISCALE ODELING OF

Investigators: Ghodrat Karami and Mariusz Ziejewski

Funding Source: AFOSR Department: Mechanical EngineeringRCesearch areas (max. 3): Computational Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering, Composite haracterization and Analysis, Multiscale and Cellular Mechanics RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The purpose is to establish a multiscale computational modeling for simulation of the human brain and a microstructural analysis of its tissue. The procedure will include a macro‐scale (brain and skull level) and micro‐scale (cellular level) biomechanical computational tool for examination of the brain injury under mechanical impact loadings from any disturbances. The method is based on the mechanics of biomaterials and has widespread applications including: characterization of the tissue at different geometrical scale levels; examination of mechanical interactions of the different brain components and elements; studying the tissue responses under various loading conditions, particularly under impact and blast loading.

RESEARCH METHODS The method is based on the mechanics of biomaterials formulated in a finite element modeling procedure. The material of the tissue and its components can be assumed to have viscoelastic and hyperelastic behavior under external loads.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The proposed algorithm is partly established and has been examined for the brain under blast waves. We have also developed a micromechanical modeling where the material of a composite tissue can be numerically characterized.

Contact Information: email, website address (link). Dr. G. Karami, Mechanical engineering Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 581055285, phone: 701231 5859, Email: [email protected] Dr. M. Ziejewski, Mechanical engineering Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 581055285, phone: 701231 5859, Email: [email protected]

(

(a) FEM brain simulationmacroscale [5] (b) Macroscale pressure

at

distribution of the brainunder blast waves [5] (c) Monitored pressure distribution with time at four points shown in Fig 1(d) (d)The sagital distribution of pressure with points

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2:M L CHARACTERIZATION OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS ICROMECHANICA

Investigators: Ghodrat Karami

Funding Source: Department: Mechanical EngineeringRCesearch areas (max. 3): Computational Micromechanical Analysis and Characterization of omposite Materials RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Material development for applications in aerospace, biomedical, sport and industry need composite matters. The characteristics of composites are dependent on the properties of the constitutive materials. To design composite materials, their microstructures should be examined considering the micromechanical properties of the constituents. In this project a micromechanical algorithm have been developed to examine the impact of microstructure on the material behavior and characterization of composites.

RESEARCH METHODS The method is based on the mechanics of composite materials formulated in a finite element package. The material of the tissue and its components can be assumed to have elastic, viscoelastic and hyperelastic behavior depending on the constituent’s behavior. Unit cells made of representative volume elements of the composite material will be chosen and will be imposed under various loading scenarios for characterization procedure.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS We have developed this computational algorithm for materials with periodic microstructures. At this stage unidirectional fibrous composites and bidirectional fibrous composites have been examined. Elastic and viscoelastic characterization has been implemented. We have to extend the computational schemes to hyperelastic behavior and include complicated microstructures such as weaved microstructures.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). Dr. G. Karami, Mechanical engineering Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 581055285, phone: 701231 5859, Email: [email protected]

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3:M M DELING OF ULTISCALE O ADHESION IN CELLULAR MECHANICS

Investigators: Ghodrat Karami

Funding Source: Department: Mechanical EngineeringRCesearch areas (max. 3): Computational Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering, Composite haracterization and Analysis, Multiscale and Cellular Mechanics RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The purpose in this project is

(a) To establish a characterization procedure for biomechanical behavior of cells

f (b) To characterize the tissue made ocells

o (c) To investigate the impact due tadhesion in cell and matrix

(d) To mechanically formulate the damage and tolerance of cells

(e) To get lessons fro biomaterials in developing new industrial materials

RES REA CH METHODS (a) Development of a micromechanics

model for characterization of cells base on finite elements

(b) Development of an interface model tostudy the adhesion

ith (c) Study of the adhesion behavior wexperiments to verify the model

(d) Development of an optimization procedure to couple with the micromechanics FEM model to extract the behavior of cells within the matrix in the tissue

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS This research is at an initial stage. We have developed the micromechanics modeling of the cells and the matrix. Cohesive zone modeling has been used to model the surface interaction between the cell and matrix.

Contact Information: email, website address(link). Dr. G. Karami, Mechanical engineering Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 581055285, phone: 701231 5859, Email: [email protected]


1: RVE with random Distribution of fibers

2: 2D random modeling distribution of fibers in matrix

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Integrated Flow control on Low Pressure Turbine Blades using Active and Synthetic Jets

Investigators: Zakaria Mahmud

Funding Source: NASA EPSCoR Department: Mechanical Engineering and Applied MechanicsResearch areas (max. 3): Experimental Fluids, Turbo‐machineries, Aerodynamic Flow Control

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION DBD (Dielectric Barrier Discharge) plasma actuators have been proven to be an excellent means of flow control in low‐speed flow regime, whereas direct air injection has been used in a wide range of flow conditions depending on the jet momentum. Strong control jets often impose extra challenges, especially in turbo‐machinery applications. Therefore, the current research will focus on developing a combined flow control mechanism consisting of weak air jets that will be strengthened by DBD plasma actuators and thus enhance the overall performance of the control authority.

Graphics (photographs/images/graphs) Bu

Jet

Free-stream

ried ElectrodeExposed

Electrode

AC Volts

Figure 1: Schematic of a synthetic jet

RESEARCH METHODS The DBD actuators in annular configuration (Shown in Figure 1) form a synthetic jet, which can be mounted in a jet orifice as shown in the Figure to strengthen the overall control momentum of the jet. The ring‐like geometry (see Figures 1) will create a body force to induce the air in the vicinity. The induced force engulfs the surrounding fluids inwards and then forces them towards the center creating a synthetic jet. The ctuator will be mounted on a turbine blade and will abe used in a wind tunnel to investigate flow separation. This integrated flow control method will be first tested on a flat plate to obtain the best performance characteristics and then be mounted on a turbine blade to study the effectiveness in aerodynamic drag reduction. Figure 2 shows the experimental methods that will be used to conduct this research. TSI brand PIV (particle Image Velocimetry) system and the hot‐ire system will be used to capture spatial and emporally resolved data. wt


(a)

(b)

(c)

Figure 2: Integrated Flow Control method

Contact Information: email, website address (link). Contact: [email protected] http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/me/faculty.php

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North Dako chitecture ta State University: College of Engineering & Ar


Parametric Characterization of DBD Plasma Actuator Investigators: Zakaria Mahmud

Department: Mechanical Engineering and Applied MechanicsResearch areas (max. 3): Experimental Fluid Mechanics, Aerodynamic Flow Control

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Aerodynamic Flow control technologies have paramount importance in many applications; such as drag reduction, normal force control, Boundary layer cooling, etc.; Whereas conventional methods typically includes direct injection, suction, ejector pump, etc. The most recent innovations in flow control techniques are surface morphing, piezoelectric materials, MEMS technology, and Plasma based flow controls (PFC). Continuous researches on these recent and novel technologies focus mainly to improved understanding of the flowfield, strengthening the control mechanism, and ease of applications. Hence both experimental and computational efforts are simultaneously performed. Among many of these flow control techniques, Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) Plasma Flow Control has been given higher attention due to its effectiveness in low‐speed flow regime and for its simple and ease of operation.


AC Volts

Electrode

Exposed Electrode

Buried

Plasma

Induced Flow

Dielectric Material

Figure 1: Schematic of Plasma Actuator

RESEARCH METHODS The DBD plasma actuator (see Figure 1) consists of two electrodes that are separated by a dielectric material. A high‐voltage AC (~4 – 6 kV at 4 – 12 kHz) signal supplied to the electrodes causing the adjacent air to weakly ionize. The ionized air (plasma) and the electric field gradient produced by the electrodes generate body force that acts on the external flow and thus induce steady or unsteady velocity components as illustrated in the Figures 1. Figure 2 shows the experimental results of a DBD plasma actuator induced velocity fields and streamline patterns in a quiescent medium obtained from the 2D TSI brand PIV system. The body force generated from the plasma actuators ngulfs the fluids from upstream and then forces them edownstream as shown in Fig 2. The ongoing research will obtain robust parametric characteristics of the DBD PFC to optimize the performance. The parameters are mainly geometric, power/electrical, and external flow‐field variations.


a: Velocity vectors

b: Stream line pattern

Figure 2: Quiescent medium velocity vectors and streamline patters obtained by 2D PIV.

Contact Information: email, website address (link). Contact: [email protected] http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/me/faculty.php

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ALTERNATIVE NERGY E APPLICATIONS FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM MUNICIPALITIES

Investigators: Bob Pieri, Wei Lin , Dennis Wiesenborn,

Funding Source: Department: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Sustainable energy, Energy development, Energy Education

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Small & medium sized municipalities across the state & region are caught between supplying services to their constituents and increasing fuel cost to accomplish them. If ways can be incorporated to take components within those services and harvest their inherent energy content, i.e. bio‐conversion, methane capture, etc, or apply efficiency up‐dates, it may provide reduced tax liabilities or actual cash sources.


RESEARCH METHODS Small demonstration projects will be proposed to the City of Fargo that can apply existing technologies to service requirements in a fashion that provides for: energy efficiencies, liability reductions and possible economic development. These projects would be accomplished so as to provide a demonstration for municipal planners from through out the region to witness and consider similar activities in their locations.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS None yet.


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GH2AIR IESEL IXTURESD M TO EFFECTIVELY OPERATE COMPRESSION IGNITION ENGINES

Investigators: Bob Pieri, Austin Decker

Funding Source: Department: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Alternative fuels, sustainable energy, CI engines

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION As an aspect of the application of sustainable fuels to various sectors of the US economy, a more complete understanding of the utilization of renewable fuels, like gaseous hydrogen (GH2), in traditional equipment, like diesel fueled Compression Ignition (CI) engines, is needed. By using a fumigation method with conventional fuel as an igniter, vast reductions on petro‐diesel fuel may be possible, or complete change to bio‐diesels may be possible.


RESEARCH METHODS A small displacement, single cylinder CI engine is being converted to allow control of the injection of diesel fuel and the fumigation of GH2 into the air inlet system. Pressure and temperature sensors are installed to monitor combustion parameters and a water‐brake dynamometer is used to measure performance. The test plan is to construct the performance map of the three variables for extension to larger engines.



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H2TRACTOR

Investigators: Bob Pieri, Allen Kallmeyer, Mike Stewart, Les Backer

Funding Source: Dept of Energy through Basin Electric CooperativeDepartment: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Alternative fuels, sustainable energy, Hydrogen energy

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION As part of the DoE sponsored Wind to Energy program, that provided for a hydrogen gas (GH2) electrolyzer installed on the commercial electric grid containing wind turbines. Basin Electric Cooperative requested NDSU to convert a diesel powered tractor to burn both GH2 and conventional diesel fuel.


RESEARCH METHODS After a study of existing conversion technologies, it was decided to apply a GH2 fumigation method utilizing a greatly reduced quantity of diesel fuel to ignite the GH2. After initial studies to confirm the basic approach, gas plumbing and safety issues, additional work has been focused upon modification of vehicle control systems to allow for ease of operation.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The initial finding in this on‐going work was that the fumigation process works without catastrophic damage. And it was also found that simple fumigation of gas would provide an increase in power (PTO dynamometer measured).


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SENIOR DESIGN PROJECTS

Investigators: Bob Pieri

Funding Source: Department & Assorted CompaniesDepartment: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Design Process, Engineering Education, Prototyping

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION As part of the educational preparation of students for careers in engineering disciplines, projects are assigned to teams of students and professors to practice design activities and develop skills in nearly‐real world situations.

RESEARCH METHODS Projects on products or processes from local companies, inventors and organizations are sought out and manipulated to form activities that can provide positive student experiences, demonstrate several applications of specific technical knowledge, provide a service for the community and encourage regional economic development. Student –mentor teams apply nearly 900 person‐hours and the department’s resources to these projects. Deliverables run from working prototypes, to virtual models, detail drawings, reports, presentations & posters. Some lead to entrepreneurial actions.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Major companies benefit from confirmatory analysis of problems, alternative approaches or basic review. Small companies and start‐up receive services not affordable or available and gain experience with engineering potential. All parties receive valuable insights to the others’ operation, constraints and potentials.


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S , T , &M T EXPANSION CIENCE ECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ATHEMATICS ALENTPROGRAM (STEP)

Investigators: Bob Pieri, G. Karami, A. Tangpong, C. Ulven, E. Asa & G. Keterling

Funding Source: Department: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Energy Usage, STEM Education, Minority Education

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The projections for students, minority and mainstream, entering Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) career fields are indicating steady declines. This activity designed a series of after school competitions that would utilize students’ natural competitive natures to learn information and experience about the options available in STEM.

Graphics

RESEARCH METHODS The work proposed to tie together teachers from Middle & High schools with instructors in community colleges and universities to mentor and administer the programs. A series of monthly focused qualification activities on basic skills used in STEM are combined over the academic year to address a larger issue for the society, i.e. energy use or bio‐products, etc. Each level would be mentored by students at a higher level, providing support and role models. A special emphasis would be placed upon recruiting girls/women and Native Americans.



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North D cture akota State University: College of Engineering & Archite


LOCOMOTION OF ROBOTIC VEHICLES ON SLIPPERY TERRAIN

Investigators: Majura F. Selekwa

Funding Source: NONE Department: Mechanical Engineering and Applied MechanicsResearch areas (max. 3): Mechatronics, Robotics, Vehicle Dynamics and Controls

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The motion of many wheeled robotic vehicles depends heavily on wheel‐road friction; such vehicles perform poorly over slippery roads. It is well known that the motion a body can be generated by using other means that do not depend on friction; for example a snake has less dependence on friction for its mobility as it achieves motion through geometric configuration and reconfiguration of its body. This research studies different vehicle wheel configurations that can defy friction and improve vehicle mobility on slippery roads.

RESEARCH METHODS Experimental: A robotic vehicle equipped with various sensors for wheel torques, wheel angles, wheel and vehicle speeds, and heading direction ill be driven over an icy road while recording all hese quantities. wt Numerical and Analytical: Numerical and analytical models of the robot vehicles will be created and simulated for greater understanding of the vehicle dynamics under slippery road condition.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS A preliminary robotic vehicle capable of manipulating its wheel configurations such as drive torques and drive angles is under onstruction. This vehicle will be used in the ubsequent experiments. cs


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SPEED CONTROL OF ROBOTIC VEHICLES OVER UNEVEN TERRAIN


Funding Source: ND‐EPSCOR Department: Mechanical Engineering and Applied MechanicsResearch areas (max. 3): Mechatronics, Robotics, Vehicle Dynamics and Controls

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The performance of multisensor robotic vehicles depends heavily on the accuracy of its sensor data, which also depends on the vehicle speed. High speed heavy robotic vehicles loose speed as they go over an uphill terrain and gain speed when they go over downhill terrain. This research finds ways of maintaining vehicle speed as it goes over an uphill or downhill terrains.

RESEARCH METHODS Experimental: Robotic vehicles of different weights are driven over a ramp of varying nclination angles at different speeds while ecording thir eir instantaneous speeds. Numerical: Numerical models of the robot vehicles are created in Simulink and simulated to reproduce the experimental results. Control techniques are developed based on these numerical models to stabilize speed over uphill/downhill motions.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS We have experimentally established that vehicle speed loss/gain due to terrain inclination depends on he inclination angle, vehicle speed and vehicle tweight. Preliminary results have shown that inclusion of a controller that depends on the terrain inclination to djust vehicle torque improves the speed stability of he vehicle. at


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NUMERICAL MODELLING AND CONTROL OF HYSTERESIS IN SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS


Funding Source: NONE Department: Mechanical Engineering and Applied MechanicsResearch areas (max. 3): Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Systems and Controls

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Shape memory alloys are emerging as effective light weight actuators in many robotic systems where they are used to mimic human muscles. However, they have an undesirable characteristic of hysteresis which makes it hard top control them. Current thermo‐mechanical models for capturing hysteresis are generally not controllable and hence no effective control algorithm has even been developed to completely cancel the hysteresis effects observed in shape memory alloys. This research studies hysteresis in order to understand and develop controllable models that relate inputs to outputs explicitly

RESEARCH METHODS Experimental: Shape memory wires of different izes are subjected to various thermo‐mechanical oads while sl recording their displacements Numerical: Numerical open loop models that directly relate input temperature to output strain are generated to reproduce the observed thermo‐mechanical data. Closed loop controllers are designed based on these models to cancel the hysteretic behavior observed in shape memory alloy wires.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS We have collected experimental data, but no major esults on modeling and control have been btained at this time ro


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MOTION CONTROL OF UNDERACTUATED MECHANICAL SYSTEMS


Funding Source: NONE Department: Mechanical Engineering and Applied MechanicsResearch areas (max. 3): Mechanical Systems, Dynamics and Controls

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The motion of any mechanical system requires an actuator that pushes or pulls the system into the direction of motion. However, many mechanical system are built with less actuators than their degrees of freedom, and are known as under‐actuated systems. Such systems are naturally uncontrollable and must be modified in some way to make them fully controllable. This research studies underactuated systems to develop a theoretical framework for increasing their mobility in multiple degrees of freedom .


RESEARCH METHODS Numerical and Theoretical: The Lagrangian model is studied against actual mobile vehicles (wheeled, tracked, and legged) using geometrical mechanics to find if new constraints can be defined in a way that modify vehicle kinematics so that the available actuation affects more degrees of freedom.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS N o major results at this time.


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T T MODELING FOR RANSITION AND URBULENCE AERODYNAMICS APPLICATIONS

Investigators: Dr. Yildirim Bora Suzen

Funding Source: Department: Mechanical Engineering and Applied MechanicsResearch areas (max. 3): Transition and Turbulence Modeling, Computational Fluid Dynamics

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The process of transition from laminar to turbulent flow plays an important role in various engineering applications and is a major unsolved problem in fluid dynamics and aerodynamics. Accurately simulating and predicting transitional flows is the key in improving designs and aerodynamics efficiency of many applications. Aerodynamics design of turbomachinery components, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high altitude‐long endurance (HALE) reconnaissance aircrafts, commercial airliners, wind turbines and helicopter blades depend on accurate modeling and simulation of transitional and turbulent flowfields. The research focus is development and testing of transition and turbulence models for a wide range of aerodynamics applications.


Simulation of Unsteady Transitional Wake‐Blade Interaction in a Low‐Pressure Turbine – Vorticity Contours

RESEARCH METHODS The research includes development and testing of new transition and turbulence modeling methods. The computational tools used include both in‐house Navier Stokes solvers and commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics software such as ANSYS‐CFX. The initial model development and testing tasks are performed using the in‐house code that is capable of handling multiblock, overset, moving grids on parallel computing latforms using MPI and has been validated for a ide variety of flow problems.

pw

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS A computational model to accurately simulate the complex transitional flow fields in low‐pressure turbines to predict losses under various operating conditions, which could lead to better‐designed turbine blades has been developed. The success of the model has been instrumental in developing more advanced transition models for turbomachinery applications and for external aerodynamic applications such as wind turbines, aircraft wing/body flowfields, and helicopter flowfields. This research has received two prestigious awards from the Royal Aeronautical Society, London, England. Specialist Silver Award, and the Ackroyd Stuart Prize from the Royal Aeronautical Society.


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F N DAMPING IN NANOCOMPOSITESRICTIO

Investigators: Annie Tangpong

Funding Source: ND NASA EPSCoRDepartment: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Friction damping, nanotechnology, vibrations.

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Development of high performance space vehicles faces challenges in many areas including acoustic vibration control for long term and far space mission. Being lighter and stiffer than traditional metallic materials, nanocomposites have great potential to be applied in new space aircraft. Studies of friction damping in nanocomposites are largely experimental, and there has been a lack of understanding of the damping mechanism in nanocomposites. This research focuses on the modeling and analysis of friction damping, as well as some relevant material properties of nanocomposites.


The new generation of Boeing 787 Dreamliner that is 80% composite.

RESEARCH METHODS The concept involves a base matrix structure (here the polymer resin) that is in contact with a large number of nanofillers such as carbon nanotubes or carbon nanofibers, and mutual dynamic coupling is generated between the matrix structure and the nanofillers through sticking/slipping nonlinear relative motions at their interfaces. Statistic models of nanofillers in different dispersion situations in contact with the matrix will be developed. The results will serve as a guideline for development of nanocomposites with optimal friction damping without compromising other important mechanical properties.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS On‐going.


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F RICTION ANDWEAR STUDIES OF ARTIFICIAL JOINTS

Investigators: Annie Tangpong

Funding Source: Department: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Friction, wear, biotechnology.

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Total joint replacement is one of the most common and successful procedures in modern orthopedic surgery. Each year in the U.S., more than 200,000 people undergo knee replacement surgery, and over 170,000 hip replacement operations are performed. The life expectancy of artificial joints has been no more than 25 years, and there is an increasing need for artificial joints that can have much longer lifespan for younger patients. The objectives of this research are to understand the failure mechanisms of artificial joints, and invent new materials that will provide longer lifespan of those joints.


RESEARCH METHODS This research explores the impacts of both friction and wear to the lifespan of artificial joint analytically and experimentally.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS On‐going.


Acetabular cup (plastic UHMWPE)

Femoral head (metal or ceramic)

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L P M C U.S. N UNMANNED IGHTWEIGHT OLYMER ATRIX OMPOSITES FOR AVYSURFACE VEHICLESInvestigators: Dr. Chad A. Ulven, Dr. Alan Kallmeyer, & Dr. Ghodrat Karami

Funding Source: SpaceAge Synthetics, Inc. / U.S. NavyDepartment: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Advanced Polymer Matrix Composites, Composite Material Design

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION A collaborative research project between North Dakota State University (NDSU), SpaceAge Synthetics, Inc. (SAS) and the U.S. Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division (NUWCD) has been established to develop applications of SpaceAge Synthetics, Inc. Thermo‐Lite Board® composite materials for the U.S. Navy’s unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and mission modules program. The implementation of lightweight structural composites in these USVs will improve their speed and maneuverability, improve corrosion resistance, allow for greater payload and/or additional fuel capabilities, as well as reducing their radar signature.

The U.S. Navy unmanned surface vehicle (USV) PARTAN Scout during an at sea trial. S

RESEARCH METHODS The SPARTAN Scout is one of many USV platforms currently being developed by the U.S. Navy and is the initial focus of this research effort. The research group at NDSU is conducting quasi‐static and dynamic property tests, material characterization, and finite element modeling of SAS fiberglass / rigid polyurethane (PU) foam sandwich composites (i.e. Thermo‐Lite Board®) for the design and implementation of electronic ontrol enclosures and hatch doors aboard the U.S. avy’s USVs and mission modules.

cN

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Electronic control enclosures designed by the research team using SAS Thermo‐Lite Board® composite have shown a 46% weight savings over the current aluminum structures while maintaining the required mechanical performance. SAS Thermo‐Lite Board® composite materials are shown to provide excellent stiffness and impact resistance along with weight savings based on optimal fiber orientation, fiber architecture, and PU foam density. With proper design and implementation of SAS lightweight composites, a arked increase in performance will be realized in variety of USV platforms. ma


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U F F RS IN POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITES FOR TILIZATION OF LAX IBESTRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS Investigators: Dr. Chad A. Ulven

Funding Source: DoE / ND EPSCoR and Composites Innovation Centre, Winnipeg, MB, CanadaDepartment: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): renewable materials, biobased composite materials

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Natural fibers have attracted increasing research interests owing to their potential of serving as alternatives to synthetic materials in reinforced plastics. Recently, renewable natural fibers have been used in composite materials for non‐load bearing applications in the automotive, housing, construction, marine, and transportation industries. The development and use of flax fibers in structural composites could potentially result in greater cost savings and higher efficiency while also being environmentally friendly. Flax fibers exhibit good modulus, good strength, and lower density than glass fiber. The current study investigates the viability of using several grades of flax fiber as polymer reinforcement for use in windmill blade technology.

Flax growing in the field (left), composite windmill blades (center), and processed flax fiber (right).

RESEARCH METHODS Varieties of flax fibers are currently being investigated at NDSU from North Dakotan, Canadian, and European suppliers. Concerns about fiber surface/matrix bonding, moisture absorption, consistency, and availability are being addressed. Through this work, a protocol for flax fiber grading is being developed. Fiber pullout tests are being used to determine interfacial shear strength between the fibers and matrix. Several fiber surface treatments are being investigated to improve adhesion and wettability of the fibers. Composites of flax fiber and vinyl ester are being produced using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and tested for static and dynamic mechanical properties.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS To‐date, flax fiber / epoxy resin composites have been processed in the same way that E‐glass fibers / epoxy resin composites. This exhibits that replacing synthetic fibers with cheaper, renewable flax fibers will not require a change in composite processing methodology. While the densities of the flax fiber/epoxy composite panels were found to be 40% lower than the E‐glass/epoxy composites in initial studies, their specific flexural strengths and modulus were more than 70% lower. This indicates that further processing optimization along with fiber surface treatment is needed to achieve similar mechanical performance between flax fiber / epoxy composites and E‐glass fiber / epoxy composites.


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D S L FEVELOPMENT OF HORT IGNOCELLULOSIC IBER FOR REINFORCEMENT IN POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITESInvestigators: Dr. Chad A. Ulven, Dr. Dennis Wiesenborn, & Dr. Scott Pryor

Funding Source: ND Corn Council and USDA / CSREESDepartment: Mechanical Engineering / Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Research areas (max. 3): renewable materials, biobased composite materials

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION As technology develops towards the utilization of agricultural byproducts, lignocellulosic fibers have shown strong potential as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. Advantages such as low cost, high stiffness, low density, renewability, biodegradability, and low toxicity have lead to a growing interest in the use of cellulose fiber. One direction has been to explore the usage of cellulose based microfibers as reinforcement in commodity thermoplastics, such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The goal is to create a low cost reinforcing filler agent that can supplement polymer usage while improving the mechanical properties of the material.

Slcanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) image of ignocellulosic fibers derived from sunflower hull.

RESEARCH METHODS The agricultural byproduct precursors used in this research exist as untreated natural fibers consisting of crystalline cellulose, amorphous hemicellulose, starch, lignin, waxes, proteins, and pectin. Natural fibers derive their strength from crystalline cellulose components; however, the other constituents are amalgamated with the cellulose fibers, making it difficult to achieve optimal mechanical properties without cellulose isolation. To address this, research has been focused upon the use of chemical fiber treatments and suspensions to separate the cellulose from the non‐crystalline components of the lignocellulose. Fibers are fractionated and treated using a ball mill, dispersed using twin screw extrusion, and shaped using injection molding.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Polypropylene / lignocellulosic fiber composites have been prepared using corn chaff, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), sunflower hull, and sugar beet fibers mechanically fractionated using a ball mill. Through the use of compatibilizer agents, it has been possible to yield composite systems that exhibit increased elastic modulus and strength in comparison to neat polypropylene. This is achievable with a number of waste lignocellulosic fibers that currently hold little economic value and yield results comparable to composites reinforced with pure crystalline cellulose. As such, the economic advantage of pursuing cellulose isolation over raw lignocellulose is currently being addressed.


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INTEGRATION OF OMPOSIT

C E MATERIALS INTO SPRAYER BOOM DESIGN

Investigators: Dr. Chad A. Ulven

Funding Source: AGCO CorporationDepartment: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Advanced Polymer Matrix Composites, Composite Material Design

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The integration of composite materials into the next generation of AGCO Corporation sprayer boom designs is being investigated to improve the performance of the spraying equipment. The need for this research originated from users of AGCO Corporation Machinery. Farmers have been concerned of the current weight of the spraying equipment. When spraying equipment is heavy, compaction of the soil occurs in the wheel paths of the sprayers which lead to lower crop yields. In addition, farmers are concerned about rising fuel cost and are pushing for lighter machinery with longer booms for greater coverage. This will educe the amount of passes they need to make in he field and reduce the amount of fuel used. rt

AGCO Corporation 7000 series Spra‐Coupe current ll‐steel boom design. a

RESEARCH METHODS In the second year of the project, material selection, analysis, and performance continue to be evaluated using existing testing equipment. New tests are being initiated; specifically fatigue and impact of composites and composite joints. Adhesives continue to be analyzed for different joint geometries and repair strategies continue to be investigated (both quick out‐in‐the‐field and overnight in‐the‐shop solutions). Manufacturing evaluation and innovation has been discussed with two U.S. pultrusion companies as pultruded composites appear to be the most feasible for the sprayer boom design at this time.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS In the first year of the project, a 30 ft boom section prototype composed of E‐glass/polyester pultruded composite was designed, analyzed, built, and evaluated. The finite element analysis (FEA) predicted a 0.87 in of tip deflection and an overall weight of 143.5 lb, while an actual tip deflection of 0.75 in and overall weight of 156 lb was realized with the prototype. This resulted in an overall weight savings of 53% over an equivalent steel boom. In addition, a 10 ft composite boom tip prototype was manufactured and sent to AGCO Corporation for testing, several successful repair strategies were established, and an adhesive erformance database for joining similar and issimilar materials was generated. pd


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DYNAMIC RESPONSE AND COMBUSTION MITIGATION OF FIRE EXPOSED POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITES Investigators: Dr. Chad A. Ulven

Funding Source: Department: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Fire Exposure of Composite Materials, Impact of Composite Materials

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are increasingly exposed to catastrophic events such as fire and dynamic loading (i.e. impact) as their use in defense, transportation, civil infrastructure, and petrochemical sectors expands. The structural integrity and ability to sustain dynamic loading of PMCs can be dramatically compromised as a result of fire exposure, yet there exists limited knowledge in the combined effects of fire and dynamic loading. Specifically, marine and aircraft grade composite structures used on current and future U.S. Naval vessel and U.S. Air Force aircraft designs are at risk because of limited life‐saving and survival capabilities, such as fire fighting personnel and active fire suppression systems. A

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polymer matrix composite exposed to a high emperature and high heat flux propane flame.

RESEARCH METHODS This research program is investigating: (a) damage progression in PMCs during fire exposure, (b) dynamic loading response of PMCs before, during, and after fire exposure, (c) development of models which predict the structural response of fire exposed PMCs under dynamic loading, and (d) development of affordable passive fire barriers incorporated into the processing of PMC laminates and sandwich composites using current low cost composite manufacturing techniques. The main intent of this program is to develop a knowledge base to increase the prediction capabilities for composite vehicle designers to evaluate their structures in the event of catastrophic damage (fire and impact) and to prescribe measures which improve material performance under these adverse conditions.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Sandwich panels have been constructed using a low cost process, exposed to different fire intervals, and impacted at high velocities to examine the decrease in impact resistance as exposure intervals increase. All panels were subjected to an 800 °C, 80 kW/m2 flame during the duration of the exposure interval. The high velocity impact testing confirmed that increasing the fire exposure time of a sandwich composite does decrease the impact resistance. The ballistic limit of the panels decreased 5% for the 50 s of fire exposure, 10% for the 100 s of fire exposure, 20% or the 150 s of fire exposure, and 30% for the 200 of fire exposure. fs


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M M BRAIN UNDER BLAST ULTISCALE ODELING OF

Investigators: Ghodrat Karami and Mariusz Ziejewski

Funding Source: AAFOSR Department: Mechanical EngineeringRCesearch areas (max. 3): Computational Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering, Composite haracterization and Analysis, Multiscale and Cellular Mechanics RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The purpose is to establish a multiscale computational modeling for simulation of the human brain and a microstructural analysis of its tissue. The procedure will include a macro‐scale (brain and skull level) and micro‐scale (cellular level) biomechanical computational tool for examination of the brain injury under mechanical impact loadings from disturbing sources. The method which is based on the mechanics of biomaterials has widespread applications including: characterization of the tissue at different geometrical scale levels; examination of mechanical interactions of the different brain components and elements; studying the tissue responses under various loading conditions, particularly under impact and blast loading.

RESEARCH METHODS The method is based on the mechanics of biomaterials formulated in a finite element modeling procedure. The material of the tissue and its components can be assumed to have viscoelastic and hyperelastic behavior under disturbances.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The proposed algorithm is partly established and has been examined for the brain under blast waves. We have also developed a micromechanical modeling where the material of a composite tissue can be numerically characterized.


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(a) FEM brain simulationmacroscale [5] (b) Macroscale pressure

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distribution of the brainunder blast waves [5] (c) Monitored pressure distribution with time at four points shown in Fig 1(d) (d)The sagital distribution of pressure with points

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AN NGINEERING INE L K TO TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY DIAGNOSIS

Investigators: Mariusz Ziejewski

Funding Source: Otto Bremer FoundationDepartment: Mechanical EngineeringResearch areas (max. 3): Impact Biomechanics, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosis

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition with potential for serious consequences. The goal of initial management of traumatic brain injury is to identify the patients at risk of intracranial abnormalities. The objective is to provide a complementary tool to current existing trauma detection techniques for accurate and fast diagnosis of TBI under a telemedical scenario to overcome the geographical distance and human resource availability barriers. Specifically, the study is set up to demonstrate that the tools can be incorporated in routine evaluation in Emergency Room and to illustrate the utilization of the results from the proposed tool in the ER physician decision‐making process.

RESEARCH METHODS An impact data collection form was developed, consisting of 21 data entries. The emergency medical personnel were trained to fill out the form. This method employs wireless technology that allows instantaneous data transfer, rapid analysis and the retrieval of results by EMTs. The results page will be part of the data for EM hysicians review at the time of initial valuation. pe

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS Using biomechanical analysis of impact data will significantly improve the accuracy of the diagnosis and referral of patients with acute closed head injury. This tool allows the attending physician to benefit from over 40 years of extensive research in the aerospace and automotive industries in the area of impact biomechanics for determination of probability of TBI as well as quickly referencing the cases with high biomechanical and medical similarities for ideas in treatment, rehabilitation plan making and outcome prediction. The methodology with application of Wireless Handheld PC will serve as a model for continuation of biomechanical assessment of TBI in Emergency Room settings.


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M C ILICONE DIELECTRIC GEL: A BRAIN ECHANICAL HARACTERIZATION OF SSUBSTITUTE MATERIAL

Investigators: Mariusz Ziejewski, Ghodrat Karami

Funding Source: FM Area FoundationDepartment: Mechanical EngineeringR esearch areas (max. 3): Experimental Biomechanics, Tissue Engineering

RESEARCH STATEMENT/MOTIVATION The purpose of this research is to use silicone dielectric gel as a physical model for the study of brain tissue dynamics. Since it is not feasible to use actual brain tissue in impact simulation, it is necessary to find a suitable modeling material. The material should be viscoelastic and have a complex modulus similar brain tissue when subjected to shear strain. Results from this investigation will be used to validate finite element (FEM) computer model of the brain.

RESEARCH METHODS The mechanical characterization of Silicone dielectric gel is done using a DMTA (Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analyzer). Mechanical properties of silicone dielectric gel such as storage modulus, loss modulus, and phase angle values are compared to that of brain tissue.

MAJOR RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS The suitability of silicone dielectric gel was confirmed through our independent testing using accepted techniques of measuring the complex modulus of brain tissue by applying an oscillating shear strain and measuring the resulting strain and phase shift between input stress and output strain. The results of our testing show a correlation between our testing and tests performed by others with similar gel components, porcine brain tissue, and human brain tissue.


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