Award Data

The ultimate objective of this project is to develop an instrument capable of remote detection and location of tornadoes and/or storms containing tornadoes. There are many reports, both scientific and anecdotal, suggesting that tornadoes and tornadic thunderstorms emit anomalous electromagnetic (EM) radiation-both RF and luminous. This radiation is characterized by unusually high rates of EM pulse ...

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The overall quality and the comprehensive strength, in particular, of concrete are critically dependent on the water content in the concrete mixture. It is also essential to know if the concrete has reached a stage of moisture equilibrium before surface finishes such as paint or carpet can be applied. At present, no reliable method or easy-to-use instrument exists for determining the moisture co ...

In response to the increasing demand for better understanding of the manufacturing processes and the machining systems, a new testing standard--ASME B5.54 and a family of new testing instruments have been developed for evaluating the performances of a variety of CNC machining centers. Because of the advancement and versatility of the new instruments, test data are being collected at a much higher ...

We will develop technology, termed a Ruggedized Wind Measurement System (RWMS), to measure directly extreme winds with high space and time resolution, focusing on the winds that occur beneath hurricanes at land fall. This development effort will include design, fabrication of two prototype RWMS units, and a series of proof-of-concept demonstrations in strong mountain-induced downslope and severe t ...

It is proposed to develop a miniature guarded hot plate apparatus that can be used to determine the thermal conductivity or thermal resistance of very small specimens (1 to 3 cm square) of thermal insulation materials over a temperature range from at least -40 degrees Celsius to +65 degrees Celsius, with the apparatus having the capability to carry out measurements under controlled environments of ...

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In the program, we will develop a measurement system based on the dynamics of the machining process. This system will use the variation in the forces or accelerations occurring during machining to characterize the mechanisms occurring between the cutter and workpiece. This will provide real time indications of the finish of the surface that is being created, the proximity to the chatter threshol ...

During the last two decades, software to support the manufacturing lifecycle has become pervasive. Sophisticated off the shelf packages are available for most standard manufacturing activities such as MRP, inventory control and dynamic scheduling. Unfortunately, most of this software has been developed in isolation by independent vendors and does not interoperate well with other independently de ...

The feasiblity of developing a PC based, pulsed ultrasonic test system for the economical and reliable testing of aluminum cylinders for sustained load cracking is addressed. A system consisting of a host PC, ultrasonic pulser/receiver and data acquisition hardware, control and analysis software, and transducer fixture for accurate positioning is proposed. In addition to the system development, ...