College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology - FY 2006 Research Abstracts

ARCHITECTURE

Discover Architecture 2005

The “Discover Architecture” academy will promote the importance of architecture to society, and illustrate potential career opportunities within the fields of architecture and architectural engineering. Over three years, 144 participants will be introduced to the challenges and rewards of these disciplines, and how mathematics and technology are applied in the problem-solving process and creation of architecture. Professional architects and engineers from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa have pledged their support of this academy, and along with the resources extended by OSU, this academy has the potential to become an ideal model of industry, government and academia working together to promote a brighter future for our state.

Sponsors: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Dewberry Design, Fritz Baily Architects, Scott Goble Architects, SelserSchaefer Architects, The Architects Collective, Wallace Engineering, FSB Architects, LWPB Architects, Mass Architects, Studio Architects, TAP The Architectural Partnership, Zahl-Ford Engineering

PI: Suzanne D. Bilbeisi

Architecture Students Teaching Elementary Kids (ASTEK)

Fifth grade students are introduced to fundamental concepts of art and design through hands-on activities over the 10 week program. For every fifth grade classroom of 24 students, four OSU Architecture students volunteer to lead the hour-long weekly sessions.  Students begin with a visualization/imagination drawing exercise, and then expand their thinking, skills and knowledge of art and design with each new exercise.  The final activity for each fifth grade class is the creation of a master plan for a city, with each student responsible for the design of a building within their city. 

Sponsor: National Endowment for the Arts

PI: Suzanne D. Bilbeisi

Artificial Sky to Test Daylighting Physical Models

The School of Architecture has a strong belief in the conservation of natural resources through sustainable design. That is why the school is seeking to integrate the engineering of daylighting systems into the curriculum of both architecture and architectural engineering programs.  This NSF grant is being utilized to build a new laboratory, which is an Artificial Sky Dome. The sky dome, which is a 100% controlled luminous environment, should simulate a variety of sky conditions, under which students will be able to test daylighting physical models. This laboratory will enable graduate and undergraduate students to explore new concepts of daylighting design, and consequently to help conserve energy in buildings. Utilization of daylight is one of the most cost-effective, energy-conserving strategies in the design and engineering of low-energy buildings. Integration between daylight and electric light in commercial buildings results in significant reductions in annual energy use and operating cost. This new laboratory is one-of-a-kind in the US. It will be open for the use of the building design community in Oklahoma and the country.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Khaled A. Mansy

Designing a Professional Practice Curriculum for Cross-Cultural Mobility and Community Engagement

The purpose for this project in designing a professional practice curriculum for cross-cultural mobility and community engagement is three-fold: first, to enhance the potential for future professional mobility in architectural practice under NAFTA; second, to strategically re-deploy studio pedagogy to address shared momentum with emerging cross-border professional practice competencies in digital media, sustainable development, and cultural community contexts; and third, to define an innovative approach to language development and cultural literacy in professional practice education and continuing education.

Sponsor: University of Illinois-Chicago for the Department of Education

PI: Randy Seitsinger

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY OUTREACH

HAZWOPER for First Receivers

The purpose of this project is to provide training designed to better prepare hospital staff for the medical management of victims resulting from hazardous material exposures or events associated with chemical terrorist attacks.  Oklahoma State University, CEAT Continuing Education Department has developed a consistent certification training program for employees of hospitals within the state for the Oklahoma Department of Health.  This program is based on OSHA’s best practice document, “Protecting Hospital-Based First Receivers during Large-Scale Emergencies.”  The OSU course is titled, “HAZWOPER for First Receivers.”  CEAT Continuing Education, in cooperation with the OSU School of Fire Protection instructors, produced a module style CD training that meets and exceeded the applicable standards as requested by the Oklahoma Department of Health for part one of the training.  Upon satisfactorily completing part one the participant attends the second component of training, which is a four-hour, hands-on training session.  This program was developed under the Health Resources and Services Administration grant for homeland security and preparedness.

Sponsor: Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH)

PI: Clayton Moorman

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH

Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Measurement and Control Engineering

OSU created a Measurement and Control Engineering Center in affiliation with the National Science Foundation and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). Twenty-five companies are contributing both financial support and program direction. The Center will bring industrial needs for improved control into the university for studies and evaluations by faculty and students. The Center was developed at UTK, where the research emphasis has been in measurement and analysis. The reputation of OSU faculty in applied control makes OSU attractive to all of them, and the establishment of an affiliate site in Stillwater will help broaden the industry support base. For industry considering joining the OSU control center, becoming a partner with the MCEC is very attractive because it opens access to prior technology,

Sponsor: Raytheon Company

PI: D. Alan Tree

CENTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY

Proposal for the County Government Personnel Education and Training Program

With the oversight provided by the Commission, the Center for Local Government Technology and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service will execute the County Government Personnel Education and Training Program by conducting training programs and providing technical assistance mandated by this legislation for County Assessors, County Clerks, County Commissioners, County Court Clerks, County Sheriffs, Country Treasurers and their deputies, and other county personnel.

Sponsor: Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector (OSAI)

PI: Micheal L Hughes

Oklahoma's Public Rural Transit Systems

The Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) provides training, technical assistance, and software applications to 21 rural public transportation systems in Oklahoma.  RTAP is funded through a contract with the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) and ODOT.  Training is presented in workshops, annual meetings, and “one-on-one” site visits.  Current information supporting rural transit operations is provided on the CLGT website.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT)

PIs: Micheal L Hughes, K. Kiner

Proposal to Assist Oklahoma's Public Rural Transit Systems:  Web-Based Software Implementation

Oklahoma State University’s Center for Local Government Technology (CLGT) has continuously performed work for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Transit Program Division (TPD) for many years. The following scope of work reflects a work plan for developing new software to be used by Oklahoma rural transit systems. CLGT will design, test, and implement a new web-based software program to replace the current MYLE and MYLEO software previously developed and maintained by CLGT.  The new software program will be used by Oklahoma Rural Public Transit Projects and the TPD for financial and vehicle ridership statistics. CLGT will provide research, program software development, and testing with the help of a private software developer and consultant.  The new software will have many of the same

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT)

PIs: Micheal L Hughes, K. Kiner

Oklahoma Tribal Transportation Summit

This project provides funding in support of the Oklahoma Tribal Transportation Summit sponsored by the Oklahoma Tribal Technology Assistance Program.

Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration (FHA)

PI: Jim T Self

Tribal Technical Assistance Program

Funded by the Federal Highway Association and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this program provides for a resource center to furnish information, training, and technical assistance related to road and bridge construction, repair, and maintenance to over 49 tribal governments in a four-state area.  The TTAP mission is to meet the educational needs of tribal governments related to roads, bridges, public transit, transportation systems, inter-governmental coordination, and economic development.  An important part of the mission is to provide training sessions, classes, and workshops geared to specific tribal needs. The TTAP center also maintains a mailing list, publishes a quarterly newsletter, keeps a library of technical literature and videotapes, and provides on-site assistance. The TTAP center at OSU is one of seven TTAP centers across the U.S. and part of a network of 58 technical assistance centers.

Sponsors: Federal Highway Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs

PIs: Jim Self, Michael L. Hughes

Local Technical Assistance Program FY06

The major tasks of the LTAP Center are: 1) to develop and conduct training, 2) to provide technical assistance, 3) to serve as Oklahoma APWA Chapter Headquarters, 4) to publish a quarterly newsletter, and 5) to provide technology transfer material. The Center offers a County Roads Scholar Certification program, and is one of four original LTAP centers in the nation.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), Federal Highway Administration

PIs: Doug A. Wright, Michael L Hughes

Erosion Control on Rural Unimproved Roads in Stillwater Creek Watershed

This project is intended to assess sediment loss from unpaved rural roads in Payne County, demonstrate BMPs to reduce erosion and sediment yield, and educate county road crews, county commissioners, city road crews, and the general public about controlling erosion and sedimentation from unpaved roads.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Conservation Commission

PIs: Douglas A. Wright, Michael Hinkston

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Michael D. Smolen, Don Turton

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Ultrapure Water Research Consortium

The overall objective of the UWC is to improve the fundamental understanding of ultrapure water processing. This objective is accomplished by developing detailed computer models that accurately predict ion exchange and membrane technology performance. The precise focus of the project is continuously refined through consultations with the sponsors at annual meetings, which has proven to be very successful in expanding dialog among students and industrial liaisons.

Sponsors: Dow Chemical Company, Intel, Pennsylvania Power and Light, Knoll’s Atomic Power Laboratory, British Energy, Arizona Public Service, Virginia Power, Public Service Electric and Gas

PIs: Gary L. Foutch

College of Arts and Sciences: Allen Apblett

Gas Phase Corona Technology for Treatment of VOC Paint Booth Emissions

This research project has four phases. The first phase will utilize OSU’s most recent plasma design, which is scalable by constructing many small reactors and packing them like straws in a can. This phase will focus on assessing the destruction efficiency of the VOCs contained in typical exhaust from a paint booth by the plasma reactor. The second phase of the project will size and construct/purchase the requested adsorption technology to concentrate the VOCs, and investigate the most effective manner (likely steam) to release these VOCs back into the air phase so they can be directed to the plasma reactor for destruction. Phase three of the project will involve the scale-up calculations and actual construction of a plasma reactor to handle the specified airflow rates. The fourth and final phase will involve testing the large-scale plasma reactor both with and without the pre-concentrator adsorber system to assess system performance, and develop detailed operational costs and maintenance costs.

Sponsor: Automated Sciences Group, Inc.

PIs: Gary L. Foutch, A.J. Johannes

Civil and Environmental Engineering: John N. Veenstra

Division of Engineering Technology: E. C. Nuckolls

Design of Chemical Penetration Enhancers for Transdermal Drug Delivery

Extensive efforts have been expended in the search for chemicals that enhance the penetration of therapeutic drugs through human skin. Although such “chemical penetration enhancers” (CPEs) can be valuable in increasing the amount and/or rate of drug delivery, they can also have undesirable effects, including skin irritation and toxicity. A distinct need exists for effective methods to identify new CPEs to provide optimum penetration enhancement with minimum side effects.  The primary goal of our proposed research is to integrate non-linear, theory-based quantitative-structure-property-relationship (QSPR) modeling and robust genetic algorithms (GAs) to design improved CPEs. Our basic premise is that novel, effective mathematical models can be developed to describe accurately the relationship between the molecular structure of a chemical and its CPE behavior, and that these models can form the basis for the virtual design of promising molecular structures for use as CPEs. Ultimate benefits of such a design capability include: identifying novel CPEs, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming experiments, and setting the stage for the synthesis and commercialization of improved CPEs for use by the medical community.

Sponsor: National Health Institute

PIs: Khaled A.M. Gasem, Sundar V Madihally, Robert Robinson

IPEC Associate Director Allocation, FY 2006

The funds provided in this project are for Dr. K.A.M. Gasem’s annual allocation as the OSU Associate Director of IPEC. The funds will be used to assist him discharge his duties as described by the IPEC bylaws.

Sponsor: Integrated Petroleum Environmental Consortium (IPEC)

PI: Khaled A.M. Gasem

Improved Adsorption Models for Coalbed Methane Production and CO2 Sequestration

The goal of the adsorption research is to develop reliable coal-structure-based generalized equilibrium models that are suitable for generalized CBM adsorption predictions and reservoir simulations.  Such models will be capable of: 1) representing pure and mixture isotherms precisely, 2) fully incorporating moisture effects, and 3) facilitating a priori coal-property-based prediction.  To achieve this goal, and to deliver models of high industrial utility, we plan to use rigorous methodologies rooted in fundamentals.  Only then we can gain the required insight to delineate the cause and effect of the many complex phenomena involved in CBM operations.

Sponsor: Advanced Resources International, Inc. for Department of Energy

PIs: Khaled A. M. Gasem

Effective Stormwater and Sediment Control during Pipeline Construction Using a New Filter Fence

A need exists for replacing current ineffective silt fence technology with a workable, cost effective alternative that is capable of trapping sediment for the duration of the construction project. Preliminary studies at OSU and other locations confirm the feasibility of this endeavor. The specific objectives of this research project are to: 1) modify the current silt fence technology to make it an effective stormwater and sediment control best management practice for pipeline (linear) construction, 2) test and optimize the technology under laboratory and field conditions, 3) develop and validate a computer model and graphic design aids for evaluating the performance of silt fence in the field and developing designs, and 4) develop mechanical techniques for installing the fence in a cost effective manner.

Sponsor: University of Tulsa–Integrated Petroleum Environmental Consortium for Environmental Protection Agency

PI: Khaled A.M. Gasem

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Bill Barfield

Biomass-Based Energy Research

The overall project goal is to further develop the unique bioconversion process technology currently under investigation that uses low-cost biomass for the production of ethanol and other valuable products. This multidisciplinary, multi-institutional project is taking a holistic approach, addressing the more critical issues for the production of biomass to the production of liquid fuel. Project areas include feedstock development, gasification and syngas conditioning, gas fermentation, microbial catalyst development, process modeling, and economics. In this bioconversion process, the total biomass, including lignin, is utilized, which could result in ethanol yield being increased by more than 20 percent over the more common starch-based fermentation process.

Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

PIs: Arland H. Johannes

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Raymond L Huhnke, Mark Wilkins, Danielle Bellmer, Charles Taliaferro, Francis M. Epplin

Conversion of Low-Cost Biomass to Ethanol

Conversion of underutilized low-cost biomass to liquid fuel and other useful products at a price competitive with fossil fuel derivatives is one of the prime objectives of renewable energy research. The primary mission of our project is to further develop the bioconversion technology, which uses low-cost biomass for production of ethanol.

Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture

PIs: A.J. Johannes

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Ray L. Huhnke, Danielle Bellmer, Charles Taliaferro, Francis M. Epplin, Timothy J. Bowser

Tissue Engineered Scaffolds for Bladder Reconstruction

This project will explore the utility of gelatin and chitosan matrices to regenerate bladder tissue.  Scaffolds in the form of bladdere will be constructed and tested in vitro and in vivo with the help of the OU department of Urology.  The underlying hypothesis is that blends of synthetic and natural matrices can be optimized by altering their proportions and configurations in the matrix.  We will tailor the mechanical and degradation properties using synthetic polymers while the biological response will be regulated by natural polymers such as gelatin and chitosan.  For this purpose, scaffolds with two distinct configurations with synthetic polymers such as amorphous 50:50 poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) or semi-crystalline ploycaprolactine (PCL) will be combined with naturally derived chitosan and gelatin in different proportions.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST)

PI: Sundar V Madihally

Biodegradable Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration

This project will focus on: 1) developing novel blends of biomaterials that can be tailored to required biomechanical properties, 2) optimizing macro- and micro-architecture of scaffolds, and 3) design and development of bioreactors. Emphasis will be placed upon developing optimized scaffolds for applications such as heart valves and vascular grafts.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology

PI: Sundar V. Madihally

Oklahoma IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (OK INBRE) Summer Research Program for Undergraduates

The basic premise of this project is to develop 3D constructs for engineering periodontal tissue that can be used clinically or as an in vitro model system to understand the progression of periodontal diseases and wound healing characteristics.  A number of biomaterials have been evaluated as mechanical barriers in guided periodontal tissue regeneration or for tissue engineering.  The hypothesis is that blending gelatin, Polycaprolactone (PCL), and chitosan together will give a superior biomaterial in which the beneficial properties of individual polymers are complemented by others.  A summer student will be involved to evaluate the effect of blending and scaffold architecture on cell-material interaction.  The mode of blending will determine whether chitosan-based scaffolds will retain their antimicrobial activity while supporting cellular activity. 

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for National Institutes of Health

PI: Sundar V. Madihally

Characterization of Chitosan-Based Scaffolds for Periodontal Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering offers a new avenue for regenerating lost periodontal structures.  Conceptually, the biodegradable scaffold should guide the in-growth of diverse cells that constitute the required structure while degrading and disappearing from the site.  A number of biomaterials have been evaluated as mechanical barriers in guided periodontal tissue regeneration or for tissue engineering.  The basic premise of this proposal is to evaluate the effect of porous chitosan microarchitecture on the behavior of periodontal tissue cells and the antimicrobial activity relevant to periodontal regeneration. 

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center for National Institute of Health National Center for Research Resources

PI: Sundar V. Madihally

Health Monitor for Automation

Models are used for predicting (model predictive control) and inferring (inferential sensors, soft sensors) measurements. However, the manufacturing process behavior is always changing, and therefore the model becomes out of date, and the effectiveness of the model-based predictor/sensor degrades. Whether PID-based or model-based, controllers are tuned for good control, but performance degrades when the process gains or dynamics change.   It would be good to have a practicable health monitor that observes either controller, model, or soft-sensor performance and automatically flags poor performance. A health monitor for controllers, using Markov Chain analysis of the distribution of deviations from setpoint was conceived in the first stage of this project, this stage will explore its applicability for a wide variety of both control and model validation situations.

Sponsor: Measurement and Control Engineering Center

PI: R. Russell Rhinehart

CAREER: Solid Freeform Fabrication of Multi-Material Functional Devices Using Colloidal Inks

The objectives of the project are to discover critical interrelationships between colloidal gel rheological, viscoelastic, and drying properties and the performance of extrusion-based, solid freeform fabrication (SFF) processes and to apply multi-material SFF to the assembly of novel devices. Deposition of multiple materials and the accompanying issues of heterogeneous materials integration will be explored to enable the assembly of currently un-manufacturable 3-D passive electronics devices. Living inks will be created to open new avenues in tissue engineering, such as for integrated bone and cartilage scaffolds, by investigating incorporation of in-situ cell seeding into biodegradable colloidal inks.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: James E. Smay

Directed Assembly of Metal-Ceramic Reentrant Structures

The role of OSU in this project is to develop the colloidal ink formulations containing both metal and ceramic particles with appropriate viscoelastic properties for robotic deposition and shape retention.  The initial stage will focus on production of 2-D reentrant structures with and without piezoelectric ceramic inclusions.  The second stage of the project entails production of a 3-D scaffold with appropriate support materials. 

Sponsor: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technologies, LLC

PI: James E. Smay

Robotic Deposition of Dental Restorations

This project will support the efforts of the NIDCR Ceramics Team as a subcontractor and collaborator. This technology is on the cutting edge of freeform fabrication. Broad goals providing guidelines for the anticipated workload will be: 1) fabricate alumina and zirconia dental core structures using extrusion based robotic deposition (EBRD), 2) fabricate porcelain veneer structures for subsequent joining to cores and direct printing onto cores, and 3) investigate the feasibility of using EBRD to produce graded ceramic layer structures for optimal mechanical performance.

Sponsor: New York University for National Institutes of Health

PI: James E. Smay

Robotic Deposition of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds from Latex-Based Inks

The goal of this research project is to investigate the use of latex-based colloidal gels to fabricate tissue engineering scaffolds using freeform fabrication.  Research goals include the following: 1) synthesis of bio-compatible latex with mechanically prescribed properties, 2) formulation of colloidal gel based inks and demonstration of spatial composition grading of properties, and 3) in vitro characterization of the artificial lymph node in the simulated human immune system.

Sponsor: VaxDesign Corporation

PI: James E. Smay

Robotic Deposition of Piezoelectric Devices

This project will explore the use of robotic deposition for the creation of piezoelectric devices.  This short duration project will be a trial to assess the feasibility of the robotic deposition process for the devices specified by Phillips CFT.

Sponsor: Phillips Centre for Industrial Technology

PI: James E. Smay

Flooding Sensor – OSU Project Component

The goal of this project is the development of a novel sensor to detect incipient flooding and other undesirable hydraulic states in distillation columns.  The premise is that incipient flooding is characterized by high frequency pressure variations that can be recognized via nonlinear time series analysis.  Typically, column operation is based on time-averaged (low frequency) column pressures along with other “signature characteristics.” The time-averaged quantities are likely imposed as constraints rather than actual monitoring of hydraulic state.

Sponsor: Measurement and Control Engineering Center

PI: James R. Whiteley

CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Examining the Potential for Shuttle Bus Services on the Oklahoma City and Tulsa Corridor

The Turner Turnpike provides the critical infrastructure for passenger transportation along the Oklahoma City-Tulsa (OCT) corridor, since no passenger rail service exists and air service is limited to one-way trips from Tulsa to Oklahoma City. Bus service along the OCT corridor is provided by a private operator (i.e., Greyhound), but the current service level (the rural stops between Oklahoma City and Tulsa) is now under study for possible elimination.  This study will examine the viability of “shuttle bus” service along the OCT corridor by providing a preliminary market demand forecast and an analysis of schedules, location of stops, and cost.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Transportation Authority

PI: Mohammed S Ahmed

Light Rail Transit: Best Practices for Improving Pedestrians Safety

This research project will synthesize best practices for reducing pedestrian accidents experienced in LRT systems.  The research will examine the effects of alignment decisions, geometric design features, and risky pedestrian behavior on crash experience. It will also identify the most effective traffic engineering treatments, traffic control devices, public education techniques, and ITS technologies that can be integrated into LRT operations to reduce crashes and incidents.  The products of this study will be a “Best Practices Manual” and training materials that provide a “one-stop shopping” guide for LRT agencies in engineering, design, and operations.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Federal Transit Administration

PI: Mohammed S. Ahmed

Freight Movement Model Development for Oklahoma

This purpose of this project is to develop a Freight Movement Model for the State of Oklahoma.  The state model development is divided into two years.  The first year will model the traffic inside the state, using the regional model as inputs.  During the first year, the research team will conduct a literature review of state freight movement models, determine validation procedures for the state model, develop the mathematical formulation of the state model and begin the software development that will interface the regional model with the state model.  The results of this research project will be a prototype software system that will run the Freight Movement Model for the State of Oklahoma.  This software system will be deployable to state employees and members of the Oklahoma Transportation Center for their use.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration

PIs: M. Samir Ahmed

Industrial Engineering and Management: Ricki G. Ingalls, Manjunath Kamath

Investigation of Feasibility of Using Continuous Live Load Design for Steel Bridges

The purpose of this research is to objectively examine the possibility of using continuous for live load construction for steel bridges in Oklahoma.  Previous work has shown the possibility of several advantages in ease of construction and cost saving features.  This project is expected to examine the available research and existing erections of this system to provide the OTC with an objective report on the feasibility of using continuous for live load steel bridges in Oklahoma. 

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration

PI: Charles M. Bowen

TCSP: Load Rating of Steel Bridges with Deteriorated Members

The Federal Highway Administration estimates that approximately one-third of our nation’s highway bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.  Unfortunately, the largest percentage of these are located in the state of Oklahoma.  In the cases where the deficiency is caused by the superstructure, the source of the problem may be deteriorated and/or distressed structural members.  The research seeks to provide a practical, simple, yet reliable method of load rating bridges with distressed members.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation

PIs: Charles M. Bowen

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Hongbing Lu

Evaluation of the In-situ Response of Steel Bridges: Field Load Tests

To supplement two on-going research projects for the state (Load Rating of Steel Bridges with Deteriorated Members and Investigation of Feasibility of Using Continuous for Live Load Design for Steel Bridges), it is proposed to perform two field load tests--one test on an existing continuous for live load bridge in New Mexico, and the second on a select damaged (impact or corrosion) bridge in Oklahoma.  Both current research projects are using finite element analysis and the true response of the bridge due to a known vehicle weight could greatly enhance the research effort.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT)

PI: Charles M. Bowen

Evaluation of Variability in Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity Determination

The determination of the theoretical maximum specific gravity (Gmm) of bituminous paving mixtures is an important part of the Superpave mix design system and the ODOT construction quality assurance program.  This project seeks to determine what factors affect Gmm test results and to determine what steps can be implemented to keep AASHTO T 209 test variability between quality control and quality assurance laboratories to a minimum.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration

PI: Stephen A. Cross

Determination of Dynamic Modulus Master Curves for Oklahoma HMA Mixtures

The goal of this project is to develop a procedure where ODOT can approach level 1 reliability for HMA master curves without performing detailed dynamic modulus testing for each mix in a pavement system. Based on the results of the analysis, the need for typical master curves based on asphalt binder grade and/or nominal aggregate size or from customized prediction equations based on Oklahoma mix properties would be determined.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT)

PI: Stephen A. Cross

Validation of the CoreDry and CoreReader Apparatus

There are two main objectives of this study.  The first objective is to determine if the Gmb of pavement cores determined using the CoreDry apparatus produce statistically similar results to OHD L-14, resulting in substantial time savings to contractors and the ODOT.  The second objective is to determine if the CoreReader produces statistically similar bulk specific gravities to both or either OHD L-14 or OHD L-45.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT)

PI: Stephen A. Cross

Evaluation of Cold In-Place Recycling for Rehabilitation of Transverse Cracking on US 412

Successful rehabilitation of transverse cracked hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements has been a challenge for state DOTs.  Cold in-place recycling (CIR) has been shown to be a cost-effective procedure for rehabilitation of transverse cracked HMA pavements.  Two rehabilitation projects on US 412 in Beaver County will be studied to investigate the suitability of CIR with slurry crack injection as a rehabilitation technique for transverse cracked pavements in Oklahoma. 

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation

PI: Stephen A. Cross

University Transportation Center Management Account

This purpose of this project is the development of a strategic plan for a University Transporation Center.  This is a joint project with the University of Oklahoma and Langston University.  This mission of the UTC is to advance U.S. technology and expertise in the many disciplines comprising transportation through the mechanisms of education, research and technology transfer at university-based centers.

Sponsor: US Department of Transportation (US DOT)

PI: Gorman Gilbert

Civil Engineering Student Design Squad FY07

Seven OSU undergraduate students will be scheduled to perform tasks assigned by ODOT Roadway Design Supervisor. Tasks will include, but not be limited to, designing and drafting highway plans, calculating quantities, completing checklists and other items of work.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation

PI: Gorman Gilbert

Oklahoma Transportation Center (OTC)

This project sets forth a working relationship between the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oklahoma Transportation Center (OTC). The goal of this relationship is to bring the resources of the Oklahoma universities to bear on important transportation issues in the state and to do so in a cooperative and effective manner.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation

PI: Gorman Gilbert

Assisting the Federal Transit Administration’s Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation in Preparing a Strategic Research Plan

The purpose of this project is to assist FTA’s Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation in finalizing its Strategic Research Plan for the Federal Transit Administration.  The research team will perform the following tasks: 1) review the situation statements in the draft Strategic Research Plan, 2) verify and suggest modifications based on the professional experience of the research team and literature search, 3) research and suggest relevant performance outcome measures that can be easily calculated from available data for inclusion in the Strategic Research Plan, 4) research and recommend to the Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation ways of integrating the Performance Assessment Rating Tool (PART)^2  into the research management process.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Federal Transit Administration

PI: Gorman Gilbert

Development of an Improved System for Contract Time Determination

The main objective of this research is to investigate different types of highway construction projects by analyzing the critical construction activities in each project and their associated production rates, and finally, to develop a computer program to automate the process of determining contract time of highway projects.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT)

PIs: Hyung (David) Seok Jeong, Garold D Oberlender

Evaluation of DOT Practices in the United States for Rehabilitation of Transportation Drainage Structures

The main objective of this research is to investigate and document current status of drainage structure management programs by different states and to identify available rehabilitation and replacement technologies. Among different types of drainage structures, this research will focus on culverts larger than 36 inches. The methodology to be used in this proposed study is the following: 1)DOT survey, 2) literature and state-of-the-industry review, 3) evaluation of DOT programs and recommendations, and 4) development of final report.

Sponsor: Sekisui-SPR Americas, LLC

PIs: Hyung (David) Seok Jeong, Garold D Oberlender

A Framework for Preparing Environmental Risk Assessments for the Federal Transit Administration’s Major Capital Investment Projects

This project addresses the research necessary to develop an environmental risk assessment protocol for major transit investments.  This protocol could be employed early in and throughout the overall project delivery schedule to identify critical issues and events, which if left unattended, would result in significant scope changes and/or schedule delays, with attendant project cost increases.  The research will develop a methodology that allows staffers and contractors insight in identifying the range of risks associated with critical environmental categories of concern at the various stages of project delivery as well as the quantifiable risks of attendant costs and schedule impacts associated with each of these categories.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Federal Transit Administration

PI: William F. McTernan

Use of Groundwater Models to Infer Fate and Transport of DNAPL Contaminants and to Support Plume Stability

The proposed research involves the development and application of groundwater models at select sites under Tinker AFB for the purposes of projecting future contaminant plume locations and geometries arising from contamination by Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPL), which may require remediation.  The models developed and applied will be used to define contaminant plume stability and expected future contamination profiles for the purpose of identifying candidate locations for Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA)--a remediation approach that, where applicable, typically results in significant cost savings coupled with improved overall results when compared to more traditional approaches.

Sponsor: Automated Sciences Group, Inc.

PI: William F. McTernan

Application of Linear Scheduling Methods to Highway Construction Projects

This project will evaluate and synthesize existing practices and methods of using linear scheduling in the construction industry, identify factors relevant to successful scheduling and early completion of highway construction projects, and develop a prototype model for LSM scheduling.  

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration

PIs: Garold D. Oberlender, Mohammed S. Ahmed

NASP Bond Testing

The AWPA and its organizational predecessor, the North American Strand Producers Association (NASP), have successfully pursued four previous research and testing programs.  The result of the research has produced a Standardized Test to Assess the Bond of Seven-Wire Strand to Concrete (Draft), and shown that the test is: 1) repeatable at the same testing site, 2) reproducible from testing site to testing site, and 3) tied to flexural development length tests that assure adequate performance in pre-tensioned pre-stressed concrete members for strands conforming to ASTM A 416.  The purpose of the research under this contract is to perform regular testing to assess the bond performance of pre-stressing strands produced in North America for sale in the pre-tensioned pre-stressed concrete marketplace.

Sponsor: American Wire Producers Association, Oklahoma Department of Transportation

PI: Bruce W. Russell

Transfer, Development, and Splice Length for Strand/Reinforcement in High-Strength Concrete

The main objective of this study is to develop recommended revisions as appropriate to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications for normal weight concrete having compressive strengths up to 18 ksi, relating to: 1) transfer and development length of pre-stressing strand with diameters up to 0.62 inches, and 2) development and splice length in tension and compression of individual bars, bundled bars, and welded wire reinforcement and development length of standard hooks.

Sponsor: Purdue University for the National Academy of Sciences/National Cooperative Highway Research Program

PI: Bruce W. Russell

Pre-stress Losses in High Performance Concrete and the Estimation of Long-Term Deflections and Camber for Pre-stressed Concrete Bridges

The work plan is envisioned as a two phase, two year project.  The first phase of the research will focus on a review of results and recommendations from prior research programs with the objective of developing processes, procedures, and computational methods than can accurately predict pre-stress losses and camber.  The second phase of the research will focus on the instrumentation and monitoring of pre-stress losses and differential cambers (or deflections) of individual bridge beams and a pre-stressed concrete bridge selected by ODOT or OTA.  The Phase II field implementation will provide testing and possible calibration for recommendations that are to be made as a deliverable from this research.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration

PIs:   Bruce W. Russell, Nana Kumar Natarajan

Evaluating Percent within Limits (PWL) Specifications

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has let four paving jobs for construction where “percent within limits” specifications will be employed.  The PWL specifications are intended to be used as part of the Quality Assessment program to determine the statistical probability of conformance to specified material properties and construction details, and to base the Pay Factor (PF) off the probability of conformance to the specifications.  This project will evaluate the performance of the PWL specifications and assess the suitability of the PWL specifications for future jobs. 

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation

PIs: Bruce W. Russell, Stephen A. Cross

Modeling, Evaluation, and Implementation of Wellhead Protection Plan

The City of Enid obtains their drinking water from approximately 150 wells producing water from three aquifers. A portion of these wells are located in primarily agricultural areas consisting of rangeland.  In addition, local land use also includes numerous oil and gas activities.  Such activities lead to increases in nitrates and chlorides in the water pumped from different well fields.  The sources of nitrates and chlorides need to be controlled to avoid increasing concentration of these constituents.  This research proposes to delineate areas of the five wellfields that affect the groundwater quality from various sources.  This will assist the City of Enid to be proactive while replacing the old inefficient wells with new higher discharge wells.

Sponsor: City of Enid, Oklahoma

PI: A K Tyagi

Degradation in Major Oklahoma Streams

Oklahoma has 1600 bridges that are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.  Out of these, 162 are over 80 years old.  There are five major streams in Oklahoma, including Arkansas, Cimarron, North and South Canadian, Washita, and Red Rivers.  Rainfall amounts during each season vary greatly in Oklahoma from western Oklahoma to eastern Oklahoma.  The average rainfall varies from 10 inches/year in western Oklahoma to 45 inches/year in eastern Oklahoma.  Data collected at different bridges indicates that flowline is dropping gradually.  The ODOT has not collected flowline data for many years.  The degradation process is slow, but can be significant over decades.  An allowance of degradation with local scour should be included in the design of future bridges.  The purpose of this project is to collect and analyze existing

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) for the Federal Highway Administration

PI: A K Tyagi

Degradation Stabilizing Methodology for Selected Drop Box Culverts in Oklahoma

The purpose of this project is to develop a methodology to analyze drop box culverts in Oklahoma such that the energy is dissipated within the culverts or just downstream of the culverts in order to minimize the scour downstream.  The project investigates the range of vertical drops that may result in effective energy dissipation and consequently minimum scour downstream of drop box culverts.  Culvert parameters for analysis are provided by the Bridge Division and Roadway Design Division, ODOT.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration

PI: Avdhesh K. Tyagi

Gas Phase Corona Technology for Treatment of VOC Paint Booth Emissions: Phase IV

Phase IV of the project will involve working with the Gas Phase Corona Reactor (GPCR) on the simulated paint booth exhaust.  The pilot scale unit has been designed to treat between 200 and 500 scfm from a paint booth.  The unit was constructed in accordance with the design developed during Phases I and II of the project in terms of materials of construction, configuration, and electrical power system.  The objective of this task will be to examine the unit’s systems, in the laboratory, to assure it is in working order.

Sponsor: Tech Masters, Inc.-Stricom

PIs: John N Veenstra

Chemical Engineering: Arland H. Johannes, Gary L. Foutch

Division of Engineering Technology: Ellis C Nuckolls

Reaching Engineering and Architecture Career Heights

The academy introduces the multidisciplinary fields of engineering, architecture, and technology to Oklahoma high school students.   Experiences include hands-on laboratory and design exercises, and off-campus tours to manufacturing and R&D facilities.  Team building and communication skill development are threads throughout the series of activities.   Special emphasis is placed on the roles of science and mathematics as underpinnings of the fields of engineering, architecture, and technology; on the key roles played by engineers, architects, and technologists in advancing human life; and on career opportunities in engineering, architecture, and technology for well-represented and underrepresented groups.

Sponsors: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, OSU Foundation (funded by Phillips Educational Initiative Grant), NASA Space Grant Consortium

PIs: Gregory G. Wilber

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Danielle Bellmer

DIVISION OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Aerodynamic Dancer and Tension Transducer

The objectives of the research include the following: 1) to develop a dynamic model of an aerodynamic dancer, 2) to develop an aerodynamic dancer and a tension transducer that are effective in a wide frequency range and do not cause excessive lateral web deflection, touching, or flutter, 3) to experimentally verify the performance and stability of the aerodynamic dancer and tension transducer, 4) to establish a method of accurate measurement of tension at frequencies lower than a predictable limit, for industrial applications where a high frequency response is needed, as well as for precise measurement of tension in laboratory tests, and 5) to minimize the consumption of compressed air of the aerodynamic dancer or tension transducer.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PIs: Young B. Chang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: John J. Shelton, Bruce A. Feiertag

Lateral Dynamics of a Web over an Air Reverser

The objectives of the research include the following: 1) to develop an understanding of weave amplification, 2) to develop an analytical model of weave amplification of the web supported by a perforated-drum type air reverser, and 3) to experimentally verify the analytical model.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PIs: Young B. Chang, Kenneth Belanus

Computational Analyses of Foam Proportioning Systems

The objectives of this project are to develop and verify computational models of orifice and venturi meters, develop computational fluid dynamics models of foam proportioning systems, and calculate the mixing ratio of two liquids.

Sponsor: Kang-Han ENC, Inc.

PIs: Young B. Chang, Y. Kim

Fire Protection and Safety Technology: Pat D. Brock

Gas Phase Corona Technology for Treatment of VOC Paint Booth Emissions

This research project has four phases. The first phase will utilize OSU’s most recent plasma design, which is scalable by constructing many small reactors and packing them like straws in a can. This phase will focus on assessing the destruction efficiency of the VOCs contained in typical exhaust from a paint booth by the plasma reactor. The second phase of the project will size and construct/purchase the requested adsorption technology to concentrate the VOCs, and investigate the most effective manner (likely steam) to release these VOCs back into the air phase so they can be directed to the plasma reactor for destruction. Phase three of the project will involve the scale-up calculations and actual construction of a plasma reactor to handle the specified airflow rates. The fourth and final phase will involve testing the large-scale plasma reactor both with and without the pre-concentrator adsorber system to assess system performance, and develop detailed operational costs and maintenance costs.

Sponsor: Automated Sciences Group, Inc.

PIs: E. C. Nuckolls

Chemical Engineering: Gary L. Foutch, A.J. Johannes

Civil and Environmental Engineering: John N. Veenstra

Cooperative Detection Research Project

Cooperative sensing has been heavily marketed as a means to reduce nuisance smoke alarms in problem areas, such as elevator lobbies.  However, there is currently no third party empirical data available to provide design guidance for these systems.  The purpose of this project is to obtain this data and determine the effectiveness of cooperative sensing in smoke sensors.

Sponsor: NOTIFIER (A Division of Honeywell)

PI: Tom J. Woodford

Acoustic Measurement of Fire Sprinkler Heads

The goal of this project is to obtain acoustic measurements for a variety of commercially available fire sprinkler heads.  OSU will assist in the design and fabrication of a test rig for the sprinklers and the capture of acoustic signatures for each sprinkler.

Sponsor: Honeywell Laboratories

PIs: Tom J. Woodford, Floyd Luinstra, Pat D. Brock, John Stevens

Fire Prevention and Safety Program

This project will address the following needs: 1) develop accessible fire safety messages and materials for the specialized needs of individuals with disabilities.,2) develop and provide a formative evaluation of child sensitive curriculum employing developmentally appropriate practices specifically for three-year-old, four-year-old, and five-year-old children, and  3) provide assistance for fire and life safety educators to participate in professional development opportunities.

Sponsor: US Department of Homeland Security – Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate

PIs: Tom J. Woodford

Fire Protection Publications: Nancy J. Trench

College of Human Environmental Sciences: Deborah Norris

Wellness Center: Linda Jaco

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Collaborative Research: Engineering Students for the 21st Century

Engineering Students for the 21^st Century will demonstrate that students’ preparation for—and engagement in—engineering can be increased by creating classes that directly address student development.  The model is widely adaptable.  Small changes to an engineering program can have a large impact, and the approach used is robust; students’ experiences are decoupled from changes in the curriculum, course, or the faculty who teach the course.  This project builds resources, communities, and partnerships to engage current and future faculty in curriculum reform.  Both graduate and undergraduate students become involved in curriculum reform to prepare them for future roles as researchers, teachers, and scholars.  Local and national partnerships will assess the impact of this project on student learning, and will allow PIs to broadly disseminate the results.  The curricular changes are based on established educational techniques that are proven to engage and retain under-represented groups, particularly women.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

PIs: Charles F. Bunting, Keith A Teague, Alan Cheville

College of Education: Richard J Bryant

College of Arts and Science: T. M. Wilson

Library: E. Reiten

Field Penetration Studies–Statistics and Bounding

The long term goal of this project is to develop analysis tools to generate a boundary for and a statistical characterization of the fields inside non-ideal (lossy), electrically large cavities, as are found in a typical transport. An additional goal is to determine the coupling of the fields that exist in the complex environment to electrically small avionics boxes.

Sponsor: Old Dominion University Research Foundation for NASA

PI: Charles F. Bunting

Vitalizing Electromagnetic Concepts to Obtain Relevancy: VECTOR

The Department of Electrical Engineering will develop and implement a two course sequence in electromagnetics based on proven teaching methods called VECTOR (Vitalizing Electromagnetic Concepts to Obtain Relevancy). Project goals are to make EM relevant to students, utilize modern engineering tools and techniques to teach fundamental concepts, pipeline students into the electromagnetics-photonics curriculum, and evaluate VECTOR as a test-bed for future development of exemplary curricular materials.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PIs: Charles F. Bunting, James C. West, R. Alan Cheville

College of Education: R. J. Bryant

Nondestructive Material Measurements with THz Spectroscopy

The Ultrafast THz Research Group (UTRG) at Oklahoma State University has a wide range of spectroscopic capabilities and systems designed for measurements at THz frequencies.  These include systems for both solid and liquid samples, which can be measured both in transmission and reflection.  We have the capability to measure specular and nonspecular electromagnetic scattering from carbon fiber samples and spectrally and spatially resolve these measurements.  We are not equipped to correlate these measurements with stress, strain, or other measurements of the structural soundness of carbon fiber. Oklahoma State University commits to transmission and scattering measurements on carbon fiber or other samples supplied by GMA Industries.  UTRG will undertake measurements of samples supplied by GMAI over the range 0.2 to 1.5 THz.  Larger spectral ranges are possible with reduced signal to noise and dynamic range, but these will require construction of custom spectrometers.  These measurements will be done by an OSU graduate student who is trained in spectroscopic characterization and imaging. This graduate student will analyze the data, and report to GMAI. 

Sponsor: GMA Industries, Inc.

PI: Alan Cheville

CAREER: Multidimensional THz Imaging and Collaborative Research Oriented Education

This research program will use optoelectronically-generated pulses for imaging and characterization in the far infrared (FIR) spectral region. This research will be integrated into curriculum development designed to address fundamental shortcomings in providing research opportunities for undergraduate students.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: R. Alan Cheville

Relevancy Enhancement Achieved by Laboratories and Lecture Integrated for Engineering Education (REAL LIFE) Adoption of a Relevant Undergraduate Curriculum

The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering--in conjunction with the OSU College of Education, the OSU library, and the School of Industrial Engineering and Management--will increase retention of engineering students at OSU by implementing a model based on successful engineering curriculum reform efforts. The curriculum model is named REAL LIFE (Relevancy Enhancement Achieved by Laboratories and Lecture Integrated For Engineering Education) and is designed to enhance relevancy. REAL LIFE integrates three proven teaching methods: problem based learning, team learning, and case studies. This model has been implemented and tested at Oklahoma State University through a National Science Foundation, Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement award with great success.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PIs: R. Alan Cheville, Charles F. Bunting, Carl D. Latino, Keith A. Teague

Industrial Engineering and Management: Camille F. DeYong

College of Education: Richard J. Bryant

Edmond Low Library: Elizabeth A. Reiten

Terahertz Spectroscopy of Complex Matter

This research project is a collaborative experimental-theoretical effort to investigate the electronic properties of complex matter in the terahertz frequency region from 25 GHz to beyond 5 THz. The goal of this project is to make fundamental contributions to the understanding of complex matter through development and adaptation of THz time domain spectroscopy techniques.

Sponsor: Department of Energy

PIs: R. Alan Cheville, Daniel R. Grischkowsky

Transmission and Reflection Measurements of Carbon-based Materials with THz Spectroscopy

The Ultrafast THz Research Lab at OSU will examine transmission and reflection of carbon-based materials developed at ESLI using THz time domain spectroscopy.  Measurements will be made over the frequency range from 0.1 THz to 3.0 THz, with dynamic range determined by the measurement bandwidth of the system.  Initial measurements will involve specular reflection and transmission.  More detailed measurements of non-specular reflection may follow if initial results are promising.

Sponsor: Energy Science Laboratories, Inc.

PI: Alan Cheville

Next Generation Broadband Information Assurance Wireless Networking Technologies

This project is focused on the testing and analysis of network security and information assurance application tools for broadband advanced wireless communication networking systems.

Sponsor: LaLucha, LLC

PI: Jong-Moon Chung

IA Technologies for Mobile Users

Oklahoma State University will work in collaboration with Shadowband Systems, Inc. for a Phase-I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This Air Force project objective is to design and develop networking systems that can provide the highest level of end-to-end security between mobile and non-mobile voice and data wireless networks, while making the communication more adaptive, robust, and reliable. The developed systems include next generation reliable data communication technologies and also state-of-the-art protection, detection, and response technologies collaborating at multiple network layers of the networking system. This project has been awarded a Phase-2 from 2004 to 2006 to complete the research and development of these advanced information assurance systems.

Sponsor: Shadowband Systems, Inc. for US Air Force

PI: Jong-Moon Chung

GSM Mobile Communication Network Processor Optimization

One of the main design objectives of GSM technology is to eliminate the incompatibilities among cellular phone systems by supporting versatile roaming features. In this proposal, a multivariable adaptive Lagrange optimization algorithm is proposed for the network processors to optimize the traffic across the A-bis interface between the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and the Base Station Controller (BSC) in GSM mobile communication networks. The proposed network processor optimization algorithm not only minimizes the average traffic transmission size, it also optimizes the traffic delivery sequence based on the traffic type and priority to satisfy the traffic’s quality of service requirements.

Sponsor: Confidential

PI: Jong-Moon Chung

CAREER: Advanced Statistical Modeling Approaches for Structured Video Representation and Research-Oriented Multidisciplinary Education

The career development plan consists of two integral parts: the research and educational plans. The research plan aims at developing structured video representation to enhance interpretability and manipulability of visual data. This research program will be integrated into the educational plan to build a research-oriented multidisciplinary educational environment for both undergraduate and graduate students. Specific plans for improving retention of minority and women students are addressed in the educational program.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Guoliang Fan

Integrated Target Detection, Tracking, Classification and Learning for Dual-Band Infared Imagery

Our goal is to develop a new integrated, dynamic, and scalable framework for efficient and robust target detection, tracking, classification, and identification, while also providing superior rejection of clutter.  We are integrating three novel technical approaches: 1) joint AM-FM modeling of IR imagery acquired from the sensors, 2) transformed, couples, and hierarchical hidden Markov models in concert with particle filters, and 3) fusion of multispectral sensor data from imaging detectors in multiple midwave and longwave IR bands.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for United States Army

PI: Guoliang Fan

Advanced Retinal Imaging for Non-Invasive Disease Study

If detected early, 95 percent of the severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is preventable; yet, 40,000 people still go blind each year from this disease. Failure to undergo universally recommended annual eye examinations is the primary cause of this continued loss of sight. Digital retinal imaging systems, conveniently located in the primary care environment and connected to expert graders via computer networks, provide gold-standard quality evaluations. In this project, we aim to develop and validate advanced retinal imaging approaches to: 1) assess and control the quality of retinal imaging, 2) promote disease detection, staging, and monitoring by novel 2-D/3-D image annotation methods, and 3) invoke a hierarchical grading process to optimize the involvement of graders of different levels. 

Sponsor: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology

PI: Guoliang Fan, Gary Yen

Using a Multi-Resolution GIS-Modeling Approach to Evaluate the Carbon Sequestration Potential in Texas County, Oklahoma

The goal of this project is to estimate long-term trends in carbon sequestration potential and water quality using multi-resolution remote sensing and GIS modeling approaches.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for NASA EPSCoR

PIs: Guoliang Fan

College of Arts and Sciences: Mahesh Rao, Johnson Thomas

Adaptation and Learning at All Levels in Intelligent Robot Teams for Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Battlefield Assessment

OSU will provide the software tools and develop the methodology that will enable a team of mobile robots to navigate within dynamic environments, and adapt to new tasks, while providing performance guarantees. We believe that recent stability results in hybrid systems can be applied to a class of autonomous systems, specifically, a group of autonomous vehicles engaged in reconnaissance, surveillance, and battlefield assessment.

Sponsors: University of Oklahoma for United States Army, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

PI: Rafael Fierro

CAREER: Coordination of Dynamic Networks–A Hybrid System Approach

A dynamic network consists of spatially distributed dynamic nodes (e.g., autonomous vehicles, mobile sensors), which are coordinated by a common set of goals and possible dynamic interaction between the nodes. This research effort will be structured along the following thrusts: 1) a framework that integrates the physical, computational, and communication network; 2) novel optimization-based control methods for dynamic cooperative networks will be developed, implemented, and tested on actual hardware; 3) Model Predictive Control of Dynamic Networks will be derived to solve formation control problems; and (4) Goal Directed Sensor Networks.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Rafael Fierro

Hierarchical Hybrid Control of Multi-Vehicle Systems

The goal of model predictive control (MPC) is to compute an optimal control signal within a finite horizon taking into account system constraints. Our goal is to merge the strengths of MPC and hybrid control theory into a unified framework that allows stability and performance guarantees to be made on real world systems.  This project is an important step towards the next generation of hybrid control theory that is needed to design robust multi-vehicle systems. MPC theory will guide hybrid control to coordinate robot teams by maximizing an appropriate global performance index. Theoretical results will be implemented on actual vehicles engaged in a wide range of tasks from team manipulation, to search and rescue, to cooperative exploration and target acquisition.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Rafael Fierro

Unique Applications of THz Time-Domain Spectroscopy and Waveguide THz-TDS

This project continues our focus on applying the THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) technique that we have pioneered and our technique of waveguide THz-TDS, to previously intractable experimental problems that cannot be solved by other methods. In addition, we have begun new efforts in linear and nonlinear THz coherent transients, and the experimental study of the propagation of a THz pulse consisting of a coherent superposition of whispering gallery modes of a silicon cylinder.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Daniel R. Grischkowsky

Terahertz Material Characterization and Applications Associated Project:  Cyclic Catalyst development, Ultra-Barrier Development

We plan a collaboration based on the use of THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) developed and demonstrated on many different physical systems by D. Grischkowsky’s research group at OSU, to characterize select films and polymers of interest to Dow Corning.  Using waveguide THz-TDS, there is also interest to detect/quantify molecules that may be adsorbed by the guiding films or films attached to metal waveguides.  The other set of work is to seek understanding by THz-TDS measurements of how molecules form and cross link with each other.  The crux of this question is catalysts, which also tend to be very expensive.  There appears to be a real opportunity here for THz-TDS investigations, since traditional techniques are only superficially successful at characterizing catalysts.

Sponsor: Dow Corning Corporation

PI: Daniel R. Grishkowsky

Two Dimensional THz Photonics and Waveguide THz-TDS

This project presents two new efforts in two dimensional (2D) THz Photonics, THz Surface Plasmons, and the 2D THz-TEM plane, which have evolved from our THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) measurements of metal hole arrays and our THz-TDS characterizations of the TEM-mode of the parallel plate (PP) waveguide, respectively. In addition, using waveguide THz-TDS, we have characterized with record sensitivity a 20 nm layer of adsorbed water, thereby opening new opportunities.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Daniel R. Grischkowsky

A Novel Approach for the Development of Accurate ab inito Potential Energy Surfaces for Atomistic Simulations of MEMS Applications

A novel method for the determination of accurate potentials from ab initio quantum mechanical calculations is proposed for atomistic simulations [Molecular Dynamics (MD) and/or Monte Carlo (MC)] of ultra-precision machining processes, nanomaterial testing, and nanotribology for potential MEMS applications. It is a generalized approach in that it permits ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations to be executed for complex systems for a wide range of chemical, physical, mechanical, manufacturing, and material processing systems that have never before been attempted. The method involves an integrated approach of ab initio electronic structure calculations for a given material involving different atomic clusters (within the cut-off radius) in their nonequilibrium states using GAUSSIAN 98.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

PIs: Martin T Hagan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Ranga Komanduri

College of Arts and Sciences: Lionel M. Raff

Proposal for a 275 C Downhole Microcomputer System Integrated Circuit

This project addresses the need for high temperature digital electronics when drilling deep gas wells below 20,000 feet. The objective of the project  is to design and construct a downhole microcomputer system (DMS) with associated peripheral devices that will operate at an environmental temperature of 275 °C.  The development of this DMS will permit the use of a embedded microcomputer control techniques in deep drilling bit controls, measuring-while-drilling assemblies, and well logging instruments.  With embedded microcomputer controls, the accuracy, sampling rate, and resolution of downhole MWD measurements will increase significantly, lowering exploration risk for finding hydrocarbons, and increasing success rates of exploration wells. Additionally embedded microcomputer controls in the bit will allow development of intelligent remote bit control for deep wells, greatly reducing reaction time to adverse drilling events, thus reducing the chance of dangerous and astronomically expensive well blowouts.

Sponsor: US Department of Energy (DOE)

PI: Chriswell G Hutchens

A 14-bit Ksps Analog-to-Digital Converter and Digital Cell Library for High Temperature Applications

The objective of this project is comprised of two parts: 1) to complete the design and fabrication of a - ADC (14-bit@2 Ksps consuming 50mW@180 C), and 2) to develop a digital cell library for VHDL synthesis. The complete ADC design includes both the AFE and the digital back end (DBE) on the same chip for monolithic integration, but with provisions to dice the AFE and DBE separately. Digital cell library development consists of developing and characterizing over 80 logic and I/O cells with the purpose of automating digital layout. This includes cell simulation, electrical and physical characterization, and finally, compilation into a cell library that can be used for VHDL code synthesis.

Sponsor: Halliburton Energy Services

PI: Chriswell G. Hutchens

Feasibility Study of a Telemetry System Using RFID Micro Memory Modules

The objective of this project is to develop Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) wireless communication systems for down-hole telemetry data transfer in high-temperature drilling environments. The systems to be developed include the Micro Memory Module (MMM), Downhole Read-Writer (DRW), and Surface Read-Writer (SRW). Among the three units, the MMM and the DRW will be developed with high temperature commercial off the shelf integrated circuit technology that can sustain operations in environments up to 150º C.  The initial MMM design will be implemented to be a target size 9 mm by 18 mm multi-chip module and the total MMM volume, electronics, and antenna, will be implemented in a volume of approximately 0.25 cubic inches, where further size reduction will be continuously attempted throughout the project.

Sponsor: Halliburton Energy Services

PIs: Chriswell G. Hutchens, Jong-Moon Chung, Charles F. Bunting

A Next Generation IC Based UV Sensor

UV sensors are extremely pervasive, seeing widespread use in both industry and the military to monitor difficult to sight or critical flames. Typically these fall into two areas--either difficult to access or difficult to observe. A significant military need is for a light off detector (LOD) to monitor the afterburner in gas turbine engines. An LOD provides a light-off signal to indicate the presence of flame that has breeched the engine casing. The primary task of this project is to develop and implement an LOD comparator/amplifier prototype for operation at high temperatures up to 300º C. The initial deliverables include: 1) devices and passives characterized for PSPICE by the OSU MSVLSI group, 2) an LOD comparator/amplifier(s) best effort design using devices provided by TDGI, and 3) LOD test results.  All characterization, models, and circuits are to be accomplished in the room temperature to 300º C range.  The OSU MSVLSI group will be responsible for mask, PCB, and circuit designs.

Sponsor: Technology Development Group, Inc.

PI: Chriswell G. Hutchens

Mounting and Testing of High Temperature Silicon-on-Sapphire (SOS) Integrated Circuits

The procedure of wafer post process is very mature and adopted by most of companies. The process from wafer to packaged die consists of: 1) screening die as required, 2) dicing the wafer, 3) wire bonding the die to package, 4) sealing the package, and 5) testing packaged die.  Procedures 2 and 4 are accomplished with semi-automatic equipment requiring minimum human intervention. Wire bonding and the testing of packaged die are the most labor intensive and time consuming steps in the whole process.

Sponsor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

PI: Chriswell G Hutchens

Development of a 5V Digital Cell Library and BAW Oscillators for Use with the Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) Process

The goal of this project is the development of a 5V digital cell library designed for use with the Peregrine Semiconductor, SOS process that will operate over the temperature range from -55 degrees C and 125 degrees C.

Sponsor: Space & Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR)

PI: Chriswell G Hutchens

An 8Kx8 MRAM High Temperature SOI/SOS Implementation Phase II Revised Schedule

The primary task of this project is to develop and implement an 8Kx8 MRAM prototype for operation at high temperatures up to 230 C. A secondary major challenge is to coordinate foundry services. There are two different foundry processes involved in MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory) development. The first foundry provides silicon on Al2O3 or the 0.5-um Silicon-on-Sapphire (SOS) processing from Peregrine, to implement the I/O (Input/Output) and control/peripheral circuits. The second or GMR foundry process involves magnetoresistive post processing for the MRAM memory array, which performs the data storage. Candidate GMR foundries are NVE Corporation or Northern Lights Inc. (NLI). The MRAM memory cell uses magnetic dipoles to store a data bit.

Sponsor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

PI: Chriswell G Hutchens

A Next Generation High Temperature Pressure Sensor

The primary task of this project is to develop and implement a pressure sensor prototype for operation at high temperatures up to 250° C. Deliverables include: 1) prototype pressure sensor for IC aircraft engine cylinders, with potential for ultimate use in automotive IC engines, 2) manufacturing cost analysis with estimates for multiple levels of production, and 3) mechanical and electrical documentation adequate for initial production runs.  All sensor characterization, model generation/verification, and high temperature circuits, as required, are to be carried out in the 22 to 250⁰ C range. All wafer processing (MEMS $9,000 estimate), machining (i.e. mechanical fixturing plumbing, and printed circuit boards (PCB), costs, etc.), are the responsibility of OSU. The OSU group will be responsible for the design of masks, packaging, PCBs, and circuits, including prototype construction.

Sponsors: General Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI), New Product Development Center for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (NPDC)

PIs: Chriswell G Hutchens, Weili Zhang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Hongbing Lu

Distributed Neural Interface

This project will develop a novel neural interface capable of overcoming the limitations in current state-of-the-art monolithic neural interfaces.  The Micro-Neural Interface (MNI) is a distributed array of independent, wireless, single-channel, extracellular recording probes.  Each individual probe is equipped with onboard signal conditioning and spike detection circuitry to facilitate low-power, high-throughput monitoring of cortical networks.  The size and design of the probes allows them to be independently implanted in deep structures throughout the brain and to be powered and communicate via a radio frequency (RF) link.  The probes will be designed and manufactured using standard photolithography techniques allowing them to be mass produced with high quality and precision.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology

PI: Louis G Johnson

High-Functional Epitaxial Semiconductor Photonic Materials and Devices for UV-mid IR Applications

The underlying theme of this project is to use state-of-the-art epitaxial MOCVE and MBE growth techniques to improve the quality of technologically important semiconductor multi-layered thin films and to investigate their properties toward developing highly functional photonics devices.

Sponsors: Office of Naval Research, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

PI: Jerzy S. Krasinski

Multiband Wide Area Detection System

The objective of this research is to investigate the possibility of using beads as a wide area sensor to detect TNT and other explosives.

Sponsor: Nomadics, Inc.

PI: Jerzy S. Krasinski

Innovative Nanotechnology in Wide Gap Photonic and Electronic Materials and Devices

This program will combine basic research and device development for wide-gap materials, such as GaN, ZnO, and related materials. The most important task, for the development of semiconductor material and devices critical to Department of Defense such as blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) and blue laser diodes (LDs), is development of p-doping procedures for GaN and ZnO materials.

Sponsor: Office of Naval Research

PIs: Jerzy S. Krasinski

College of Arts and Sciences: J.J. Song

Center for Laser and Photonics Research: Gil H. Park

Engineering Energy Laboratory

This lab, constituted in 1975 as an outgrowth of energy research dating back to 1961, is sponsored by a consortium of regional electric utility companies.  The laboratory organizes and conducts the annual Frontiers of Power Conference (started in 1968) and the Energy Information Dissemination Program meetings once a year (twice a year in its early stages) for the sponsoring utilities.  In addition, research is being conducted on the design of integrated renewable energy systems (IRES) and the modeling of renewable energy resources such as wind and insolation.  With the increasing interest in wind energy conversion, several aspects of such systems and their impacts on conventional power systems are in various stages of investigation.  Procedures to evaluate the impacts of distributed generation in general are also under development. 

Sponsors:  Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company, American Electric Power (through the Public Service Company of Oklahoma), Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority.

PI: Rama Ramakumar

System of Chip Integration for Digital Camera Technologies

The goal of this project is to develop design flows for System on Chip designs.  Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) enables semiconductors to be placed on Silicon wafers in large quantities.  Unfortunately, due to the large amount of transistors that need to be placed properly on a Silicon wafer to avoid electrical and mechanical failures, the importance of creating these structures correctly is paramount to the success of any company or University.  Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software developed to aid in the fabrication of these Silicon structures becomes increasingly complex due to the vast number of elements each piece of software has to deal with.  This project will create design flows that enable these Silicon structures to become a reality.

Sponsor: Cadence Design Systems

PI: James E. Stine, Jr.

Development of a Three-Dimensional Lithograph Hardware Simulator

This project involves building hardware to simulate three-dimensional lithography for companies that require good simulation of transistor fabrication at high amounts of speed.  The idea is have a simulator be able to simulate Silicon lithography of a 5000x5000 micron^2 chip in one hour. Presently, this research is done at PDF Solutions all in software.  Currently in software, it takes approximately 10 hours with around 40 CPUs to complete a simulation.  These 10 hours decompose into software that has millions of lines of code.  This project will involve creating hardware on a FPGA as an add-on device to reduce the code size and, thus, the overall execution time of the lithographic simulation.

Sponsor: PDF Solutions

PI: James E. Stine, Jr.

Next Generation Wireless Secure Application Performance Analysis

The contractor shall focus on the establishment of a wireless test bed environment to evaluate the performance of secure applications on next generation wireless networks.  The research will also focus on formulating and evaluating mathematical models for secure application traffic flows over wireless networks.  The research will also analyze and validate these theoretical models in a test environment.

Sponsor: ITT Industries

PI: Keith A Teague

FNBDT: Investigation of Enabling Technologies for Secure Multimedia on Your Desktop

This project concerns aspects of the Secure Multimedia on Your Desktop (SMYD) proof-of-concept project and the Future Narrow Band Digital Terminal (FNBDT). The general goal of this project is the development, enabling, and demonstration of certain types of multimedia communications over packet networks, including mixed or dissimilar networks. The primary focus involves development of technologies associated with MELP and FNBDT.

Sponsor: Maryland Procurement Office

PI: Keith A. Teague

FNBDT: Investigation of Enabling Technologies for Secure Multimedia on Your Desktop

This project is a study of enabling technologies that may be required for the successful development and deployment of proof-of-concept secure multimedia capability for the desktop personal computer (PC) and certain mobile wireless devices, and for the Future Narrow Band Digital Terminal (FNBDT-210). It builds on previous work in the area of secure multimedia capabilities. The overall objective is to acquire expertise in the necessary technologies, and demonstrate the feasibility of providing secure multimedia over the global wired and wireless communications network.

Sponsor: Maryland Procurement Office

PI: Keith A. Teague

Minimum Essential Requirements of Type “1” Mobile Instant Messaging

The objective is to establish a Minimum Essential Requirement (MER) for a secure mobile instant messaging implementation utilizing the call signaling protocol SIP (Session Initiated Protocol).  This MER will be utilized for future Government wire/wireless acquisitions.

Sponsor: Confidential

PIs: Keith A. Teague, George M. Scheets

NPDC Support for REN Corp. and TerraVerde LLC Projects in ECEN 4023, Sp 06

This funding supports two projects in ECEN 4023 Senior Design Lab II, undertaken for the REN Corp. and TerraVerde, LLC.  The REN Corp. project is to design and produce a working prototype of a new controller card for use in REN Corp. customized hydraulic test benches.  The TerraVerde project is to design and produce a working prototype of upgrades to the company's handheld radiometer.

Sponsor: New Product Development Center for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (NPDC)

PI: Keith A Teague

Data Mining Capability for Analysis of Digital X-Ray Images

This research aims to develop a feasible methodology to automatically analyze and quantify the damage regions through the captured NDI X-ray images and to systematically catalog and exploit the extracted features for data mining.  The proposed methodology uses both data mining technologies and artificial neural network for damage assessment and quantification based upon extracted imaging features which uniquely characterize the damage regimes.  The proposed system includes image processing, damage identification, severity estimation, and an opportunity to follow up the damage progression of the problem areas through advanced data mining routines tailored specifically for the targeted application domain.   Validation will be closely examined to assure the robustness and accuracy needed for the proposed methodology.  An extensive analysis of the existing infrastructure (i.e., storage system and image processing equipment) to determine the need of equipment upgrade will also be performed.  Finally, an interface to visualize data mining model will be developed to facilitate the trending analysis of the damage severity and to follow up the damage development of a specific parts of aircraft section.

Sponsor: Tech Masters, Inc.-Stricom

PI: Gary Yen

KC-10 Electronic Data Sheet Palm Application

This research aims to develop a user-friendly interface built on Handspring Visor Deluxe PDA for inputting various forms electronically, including but not limited to, AFTO Form 18, AF Form 4091, AF Form 791, AFTO Form 781, and AF Form 664.  The project addresses a critical need from KC-10 SPO, in expecting a feature capability that would easily and efficiently store the flight information from the forms and for post analysis. For each flight taken, the KC-10 weapon system has multiple forms that are required to be completed.  Flight engineer is usually responsible to such duty.  Many of these forms contain redundant data.  Maintaining forms, filling out paperwork, submitting, and storing the paperwork are costly and time-consuming.  Recently, the KC-10 SPO implemented a weight and balance program on a Handspring Visor PDA, already in use by field maintainers.  The developed palm application provides a simple tool to check on weight and balance with respect to CG to be made.  The KC-10 SPO seeks an add-on application that would easily and efficiently input and store the information from the forms mentioned above and present an opportunity for post analysis and tracking.

Sponsor: Tech Masters, Inc.-Stricom

PI: Gary Yen

Development of Process Cause and Effect by Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The goal of the project is to autonomously extract mechanistic, process cause-and-effect relationships from normal operation data, and present the knowledge in linguistic rules optimized through a set of industrial-oriented metrics, so that information can be used for process management and automation.

Sponsor: Measurement and Control Engineering Center for National Science Foundation

PI: Gary Yen

Crack Growth

To analyze, design, and validate feasible methodologies for crack growth estimation, this research aims to provide structural health assessment tools to the targeted fleet of aircraft to further extend its service life. The research will develop and implement the proposed methodologies to provide both crack growth estimation and an opportunity of risk assessment given various mission types, weapon loads, and flight configurations. Validation will be closely examined to verify the robustness and accuracy of the prediction function proposed. The input attributes involving both the service load history and the total airframe times will be the baseline to tailor the prediction function for appropriate use in face of real-world complications. Further information regarding the material properties and structural integrity built on targeted aircraft may greatly enhance the accuracy and robustness of the proposed methodologies. A graphical user interface will be developed to facilitate the tracking of crack growth along with the structural severity index (SSI) from individual flight to the total force level.

Sponsor: Automated Sciences Group, Inc.

PI: Gary G. Yen

Terahertz Plasmonic Subwavelength Photonics

The fascinating properties of surface plasmons enable the localization and manipulation of electromagnetic waves below the wavelength scale.  This will therefore lead to breakthrough applications in nanofabrication and developing ultracompact integrated photonic devices and systems.  The goal of this research program is to develop and characterize surface plasmon terahertz subwavelength crystals using techniques of cleanroom microchip processing and terahertz spectroscopy.  A variety of terahertz plasmonic crystals that are based on two-dimensional arrays of subwavelength structures will be investigated.  The longer-term goal of this program is to develop integrated two-dimensional terahertz plasmonic quasi-optic devices capable of being integrated into compact platforms for applications in biosensing,

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

PI: Weili Zhang

FIRE PROTECTION PUBLICATIONS

Identifying Leadership and Management Best Practices for Reducing Firefighter Deaths and Injuries

Fire Protection Publications (FPP) and its parent organizations at Oklahoma State University (OSU)-The College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, proposes to test the significance of fire department leadership and management on reducing line-of-duty firefighter deaths and injuries, and their high financial and human cost.  The research project is in response to the initiative by the national Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) to reduce those deaths nationally by 25 percent in five years and 50 percent in ten years.  The NFFF initiative has been endorsed by virtually every fire protection agency and organization in the country.  Personnel at FPP have been engaged in preliminary research in this area since May 2004, and have identified several outcomes and products that will stem from the research.

Sponsors: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for the US Department of Homeland Security, Public Entity Risk Institute (PERI)

PI: Christopher Neal

Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program

This project will accomplish the following: 1) develop accessible fire safety messages and materials for the specialized needs of individuals with disabilities, 2) develop and provide a formative evaluation of child sensitive curriculum employing developmentally appropriate practices specifically for three-year-old, four-year-old, and five-year-old children, and 3) provide assistance for fire and life safety educators to participate in professional development opportunities.

Sponsor: US Department of Homeland Security–Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate

PIs: Nancy J. Trench

Division of Engineering Technology: Tom J. Woodford

College of Human Environmental Sciences: Deborah Norris

Wellness Center: Linda Jaco

Traffic Incident Management Systems (TIMS) Technical Research

The objective of this project is to partner with the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) and involves research and development of effective technical guidance for fire and emergency services in Traffic Incident Management System (TIMS) for enhanced compliance with United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and soon-to-be released National Fire Service Incident Management System (IMS) Consortium Model Procedures Guide for Highway Incidents.

Sponsor: Federal Emergency Management Agency

PIs: Nancy J. Trench, Michael A. Wieder

Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program

This ongoing project received funding to continue Fire Safety Solutions for People with Disabilities by modifying messages and materials for children with disabilities and continuing to install smoke alarms for people in Oklahoma with disabilities. The project is also implementing Fire Safety for Young Children in 48 kindergarten and pre-kindergarten classrooms in cooperation with the Stillwater Public School System.  The new activity for this grant is the Firefighter Safety Initiative with the goal to measure the effectiveness of self study to improve knowledge and attitudes concerning firefighter safety for volunteer firefighters.

Sponsor: US Department of Homeland Security–Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate

PIs: Nancy J. Trench

Division of Engineering Technology: J. D. Brown

College of Human Environmental Sciences: Linda Sheeran

Wellness Center: Linda Jaco

FIRE SERVICE TRAINING

Oklahoma Response to Terrorism Conference, 2005

The Governor’s Conference on Oklahoma Response to Terrorism is held in order to bring together responders from all disciplines for information sharing. This conference is held in Tulsa, Oklahoma and administered in cooperation with Fire Service Training, Oklahoma State University (OSU) and the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security. Approximately 400 participants are in attendance from fire service, emergency medical, law enforcement, fixed facility medical, emergency management, public works, 911 Centers, and others who will be on the front line of response to a major terrorist event, if another one were to occur.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM)

PI: Ralph A Brown

Hazardous Material Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) FY06

The University shall provide class notices/requests to all rural, town and city fire departments, police departments, Local Emergency Planning Committees, Emergency Medical Service organizations, and Police/Sheriff/OHP departments and shall deliver the following courses: HazMat Awareness, HazMat Awareness T-t-T, HazMat Operations, HazMat Operations for Law Enforcement Officers, HazMat Technician, and Incident Command System.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM)

PI: Ralph A Brown

State Fire Training Systems Grant

Fire Service Training will deliver a series of training programs in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA) to enhance the capabilities of the fire service in Oklahoma.

Sponsor: Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency National Emergency Training Center

PI: Ralph A. Brown

Oklahoma First Responder Equipment Program

Funding from this project will be utilized to obtain and outfit a Weapons of Mass Destruction Incident Support Unit.  This unit will consist of a trailer with tow vehicle that will carry self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs), a cascade system for filling SCBA air bottles, WMD technical rescue equipment, and electrical power/lighting.  This unit will be utilized for training personnel around the state for response to a WMD incident.  On request, OSU-FST staff members will provide support for Oklahoma Regional Response Teams by responding the WMD Incident Support Unit to Oklahoma major emergency incidents/disasters.

Sponsor: State of Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security

PI: Ralph A. Brown

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

Continuous State Space Modeling and Performance Prediction of Manufacturing Systems

Year 1 tasks include: 1) examination of the relevant simulation models and data from GM, leading to a thorough understanding and characterization of the assembly operations; 2) development of a framework to model a group of stations for proof-of-concept; and 3) benchmarking the performance of the model relative to GM’s available simulation model and online data. Year 2 tasks include: 1) extension of the model to simulate a complete line segment, 2) comparison of the model with event-based simulation models, and  3) plans for full-scale development and integration with system redesign and operation planning system.

Sponsor: General Motors Corporation

PI: Satish Bukkapatnam

Self-Supporting Wireless Sensor Networks for In-Process and In-Service Integrity Monitoring Using High Energy-Harvesting Nonlinear Modeling Principles

The research on self-sustainable sensor networks will combine the ongoing research at MIT and UCLA on miniature wireless sensors with research at Penn State and USC on nonlinear sensing principles. These sensors harvest adequate energy from the environment so that the need for power supply, which is a chief limitation of current wireless sensors, is obviated. Signals from these sensors are oftentimes feeble and possess complicated, irregular patterns. The sensing principles will augment nonlinear dynamic and chaos theoretic foundations to substantially improve the current signal interpretation and monitoring technologies, which are rooted in statistics and machine learning. The proposed collaborative research is imperative for monitoring complex systems containing a largely distributed structures and processes. The specific objective of the proposed research is to investigate the scientific principles of how to harness information from a large network of self-sustainable sensors for quality and integrity monitoring in engineering systems, especially those at the core of manufacturing and service enterprises.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Satish T. S. Bukkapatnam

Experimentation Test-bed for Evaluation and Benchmarking of RFID Technologies: From Data to Decisions

The objective of the proposed project is to create a test-bed that serves companies to evaluate and benchmark critical data transmission (emission and receiving) and management techniques and practices in a non-commercial setting.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Satish T. S. Bukkapatnam

Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) Business Case

The University shall provide services by qualified personnel to accomplish engineering research and assessment as required by the Logistics Center. The Logistics Center requires specialized engineering expertise to (Task 1) define the strategic importance for deploying AIT at the Logistics Center,  (Task 2) assist in understanding how AIT will affect the Logistics Center’s competitive advantage, (Task 3) develop a high level cost-benefit analysis, (Task 4) analyze how AIT will affect the Logistic Centers resources (human and machine), (Task 5) analyze the existing processes and identify changes required to support AIT, (Task 6) develop and document different applicable scenarios for AIT deployment, (Task 7) assist in vendor assessment and selection, and (Task 8) provide technical support to follow-on pilot solutions.

Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

PI: Satish Bukkapatnam

Relevancy Enhancement Achieved by Laboratories and Lecture Integrated for Engineering Education (REAL LIFE) Adoption of a Relevant Undergraduate Curriculum

The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering-in conjunction with the OSU College of Education, the OSU library, and the School of Industrial Engineering and Management-will increase retention of engineering students at OSU by implementing a model based on successful engineering curriculum reform efforts. The curriculum model is named REAL LIFE (Relevancy Enhancement Achieved by Laboratories and Lecture Integrated For Engineering Education) and is designed to enhance relevancy. REAL LIFE integrates three proven teaching methods: 1) problem-based learning, 2) team learning, and 3) case studies. This model has been implemented and tested at Oklahoma State University through a National Science Foundation Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement award with great success.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PIs: Camille F. DeYong

Electrical and Computer Engineering: R. Alan Cheville, Charles F. Bunting, Carl D. Latino, Keith A. Teague

College of Education: Richard J. Bryant

Edmon Low Library: Elizabeth A. Reiten

The Oklahoma Supply Chain and Logistics Survey

This project will collect and analyze supply chain information about businesses and government agencies in the state of Oklahoma.  This analysis will give the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence the ability to serve their customers better by finding opportunities for collaboration and supply chain redesign in the state.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence, Inc.

PI: Ricki Ingalls

CELDi (Collaborative Research: Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution)

A new Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC), called the Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi), has been formed. The vision for the center is to provide integrated solutions to logistics problems, through modeling, analysis, and intelligent-systems technologies.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Ricki G. Ingalls

Freight Movement Model Development for Oklahoma

This purpose of this project is to develop a Freight Movement Model for the State of Oklahoma.  The state model development is divided into two years.  The first year will model the traffic inside the state, using the regional model as inputs.  During the first year, the research team will conduct a literature review of state freight movement models, determine validation procedures for the state model, develop the mathematical formulation of the state model, and begin the software development that will interface the regional model with the state model.  The results of this research project will be a prototype software system that will run the Freight Movement Model for the State of Oklahoma.  This software system will be deployable to state employees and members of the Oklahoma Transportation Center for their use.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Administration

PIs: Ricki G. Ingalls, Manjunath Kamath

Civil and Environmental Engineering: M. Samir Ahmed

Equipment Scheduling and Optimization–Phase 2

This project will give Halliburton the capability to analyze their equipment use in their supply chain in new and innovative ways. This project will create an optimization model that will determine the optimal configuration and assignment of pumping equipment at the multiple Halliburton camps. It will be able to schedule equipment from multiple camps to known jobs so that pumping equipment utilization is maximized.

Sponsor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

PIs: Ricki Ingalls, Carlos A.S. Oliveira

Energy Assessment Proposal-Residential Life

Personnel from the OSU Industrial Assessment Center (OSU-IAC) will provide an energy assessment for the OSU university apartments.  The assessment will include: 1) sample evaluation of apartment heating furnace efficiencies, 2) building envelope and roof heat loss evaluation via infrared thermography, and 3) indoor temperature data logging samples.

Sponsor: Oklahoma State University, Department of Residential Life

PI: William Kolarik

Industrial Assessment Center (IAC)

The mission of the IAC is to assess energy, waste, and productivity practices with the purpose of enhancing the management of the same within the client’s enterprise and to share best practices with other IACs, while educating and training the next generation of energy, waste, and productivity professionals. The IAC will focus on IOFs and small and medium-sized manufacturers located within Oklahoma, Kansas, western Missouri, western Arkansas, eastern New Mexico, and beyond in special cases, as coordinated by our field managers. The latest technology will be employed to perform assessments that focus on energy, waste, and productivity issues in the client’s facilities. In addition, the IAC will partner with the Oklahoma Applications Engineers, power companies, and local business and professional associations to better service clients and to gain higher visibility for the IAC Program.

Sponsor: U.S. Department of Energy

PIs: William J. Kolarik, Wayne C. Turner

Replacement NDI Method for Tap Test

This project is planned in two phases.  The objective of Phase I will be to evaluate advantages and disadvantages of the manual tap tests currently used, prepare a list of engineering specifications for NDI of radome internal damage and identify one or more potential replacement technologies for the manual tap test.  After suitable technology has been identified in Phase I, statistical studies will be completed in Phase II in order to distinguish between damaged and undamaged structure.  The objective of Phase II will be to select the best available radome NDI technology and prove it works by developing a concept demonstration.

Sponsor: Tech Masters, Inc.-Stricom

PI: John W Nazemetz

B-52 Nose Cowl Shaker

B-52 nose cowlings have been implicated in foreign object damage to aircraft engines resulting in thousands of dollars in damage.  The present method of removing these foreign objects (FO) requires manual lifting, rolling, and dropping by employees causing high potential for injury.  The purpose of this proposal is to develop a safe, controlled, mechanical procedure for removing FO from B-52 Nose Cowlings.

Sponsor: Automated Sciences Group, Inc.

PI: John W. Nazemetz

Project Collaboration IV–Base Proposal

The project will develop improved collaboration processes considering the human and computer interfacing and processing requirements.  The human interfacing and processing to develop standard processes will use proven interviewing and process documentation and improvement methods while the computer interfacing and processing will examine and test against established performance constraints, quality of service requirements, security, and human-computer interaction (HCI) criteria.

Sponsor: Automated Sciences Group, Inc.

PI: John W. Nazemetz

Support of the Development of a Statewide Aerospace Inventory

The objective of this proposal is to offer the services of an Industrial Engineering Faculty member and graduate student to assist the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission in developing a statewide inventory of aerospace programs, activities, and organizations.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission

PI: John W. Nazemetz

Distributed Motion Coordination of Uninhabited Autonomous Vehicles (UAVs)

OSU created a Measurement and Control Engineering Center in affiliation with the National Science Foundation and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). Twenty-five companies are contributing both financial support and program direction. The Center will bring industrial needs for improved control into the university for studies and evaluations by faculty and students. The Center was developed at UTK, where the research emphasis has been in measurement and analysis. The reputation of OSU faculty in applied control makes OSU attractive to all of them, and the establishment of an affiliate site in Stillwater will help broaden the industry support base. For industry considering joining the OSU control center, becoming a partner with the MCEC is very attractive because it opens access to prior technology,

Sponsor: Measurement and Control Engineering Center

PI: Carlos A.S. Oliveira

CAREER: Effects of Inter-Group Cooperation, Competition, and Conflict on Agile Manufacturing

The goal of the research program is to conduct an extensive analysis of U.S. manufacturers in order to assess the effects of inter-group cooperation, competition, and conflict on firm agility. Improving the social dimensions of organizations is increasingly important where competitors have access to comparable technology.  The research design includes both qualitative and quantitative methods. The educational program will provide research opportunities for undergraduate students, with an emphasis on attracting and retaining women and under-represented minorities to industrial engineering. The program includes training students in data collection and analysis methods and involving the students in all aspects of research.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Charlene A. Yauch

INVENTORS’ ASSISTANCE SERIVCE

Oklahoma Inventors’ Assistance Service (IAS), FY06

The Inventors’ Assistance Service (IAS) office has been established on the campus of Oklahoma State University for the purpose of providing information, education, and assistance to Oklahoma inventors navigating the process of transitioning an idea into a product. The IAS has built and continues to maintain cooperative relationships with other state and national agencies of similar purpose. The IAS offers workshops; maintains a website, a resource database, and a roster of contacts; offers informational materials; and offers general assistance to persons navigating the invention process. The IAS operates the Selected Inventions Program to organize inventor efforts to successfully bring an invention to the point where the process transitions to licensing, manufacturing, or recruitment of capital. The IAS seeks to expand its service into that of a resource whose success with inventor assistance, education, and networking is well known throughout Oklahoma. Functions such as Selected Inventions (Phase I and Phase II) educational clinics, semi-annual workshops, presentations at conferences and workshops, Office on the Road, the Speaker Program, as well as our day-to-day operations of providing independent inventors with education, information, and referrals will continue without interruption.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST)

PI: Thomas G Bertenshaw

JMEM FIELD OFFICE

Joint Munitions Effectiveness Manual (JMEM) Program - 2006

OSU has been the JMEM Production Contractor for the Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions Effectiveness (JTCG/ME) since January 1967. JTCG/ME is a Department of Defense (DoD) program sponsored by the Secretary of Defense’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. We provide research, analysis, development, and computational support to two major joint service groups within the JTCG/ME involved with the production and dissemination of classified conventional munitions effectiveness data. We also provide technical editing, graphics, and document design support to publish all JMEMs and JTCG/ME Special Reports according to military standards. The Oklahoma State University Field Office (OSUFO) is located on Eglin Air Force Base, FL with a satellite office at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.

JTCG/ME provides nonnuclear munitions effectiveness information for DoD targeteers, weaponeers, and planners; operational commanders; weapon system designers; and logisticians. The information includes damage/effects probabilities for specific weapons and targets, physical and functional characteristics of munitions and weapon systems, target vulnerability, obscuration impact on weapon effectiveness, and analytical techniques and procedures for assessing munitions effectiveness. This effort has resulted in a library of classified and unclassified JMEMs and standardized methodologies capable of rapidly generating effectiveness data over a wide range of delivery parameters for air-to-surface, surface-to-surface, and antiair weapons. The JTCG/ME is organized with two major configuration control boards (CCB), each with their own JMEM CD-ROM: JMEM Weaponeering System (JWS) and Joint Antiair Combat Effectiveness (J-ACE), to cover the spectrum of weapon effects issues. In addition, a formally chartered Operational Users Working Group (OUWG) supports each JMEM CCB. The JTCG/ME Program Office is the focal point for all JTCG/ME efforts. They coordinate the efforts of all the groups while the execution of those efforts is the responsibility of the CCB chairperson. JWS includes both the development of methodologies and analysis of data that assess the effectiveness of weapons launched from the air at targets on the ground as well as those delivered from the surface (land and water) at targets on the surface. J-ACE assesses weapons launched at air targets. The Joint Service Target Data Standardization Group supports the CCBs by assessing a target’s loss of capability when impacted by a weapon’s damage mechanisms. The OSUFO weapons branches are aligned with the CCBs. The OSUFO Targets, Training, Publications, and Graphics Branches are functionally organized to give maximum support across all areas. OSUFO personnel coordinate on a daily basis with the CCBs, government analysts, and the Program Office. They also work with other JTCG/ME contractors who are developing methodologies or working on target vulnerability studies to ensure their efforts will support JMEM production schedules and needs. The OSUFO performs development and weapons effectiveness analyses as well as supports the CCBs in their efforts to obtain weapons data from the government program offices and the weapons contractors. The OSUFO’s major responsibility is to produce JMEMs on time, based on CCB schedules, with the capabilities and data required by the government.

The 60-employee effort is divided 70 percent for research/analytical support and 30 percent for technical publishing support. Research/analytical activity include development, documentation, and maintenance of sophisticated computer programs designed to produce classified conventional weapons effectiveness data versus a broad spectrum of surface and airborne targets. Research activity also involves the collection and analysis of detailed weapon system characteristics data and target vulnerability data that provides inputs for weapons effectiveness programs.

The technical publishing function, working interactively and concurrently with OSUFO analysts, involves technical editing, illustrating, and document design required to produce high-quality documents to strict military standards. These documents include paper and electronic media products.

The OSUFO continued the sophisticated process of designing JWS, a single integrated product for air and surface delivered weapons against surface targets, using the latest computer science technologies and tools. The new product is scheduled for release in 2007.

The OSUFO added a Training Branch last year. The primary objective was to develop tools to enhance the DoD capability to train the warfighters on how best to use the CD-ROM JMEMs. The current effort focused on integrating training capability within the JWS product.

JMEMs were used in planning strikes in every conflict from the late 1960s through today. JMEM data are also widely used for training targeteers and weaponeers at service schools, conducting exercises, and supporting deployment contingency planning.

Sponsor: U.S. Air Force

PIs:  Dean Karl N. Reid, Arthur J. Rosenbaum

MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium–Aerospace Workforce Development

This program allows Career Services staff from Oklahoma State University to visit human resource representatives at NASA Centers and industries where the workforce requires degrees in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics. Career Services staff then provide OSU students with information about jobs, internships, co-ops, or other information that will improve higher education capacity to provide for NASA’s and the Nation’s future science and technology workforce requirements.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for NASA

PI: Andrew S Arena, Jr.

CFD-Based Multidisciplinary Analysis of Flight Vehicle Simulation and Control, Phase II

The first objective for this project is to enhance capabilities in Finite Element-Based Structural, Aeroelasticity, and Aeroservoelasticity, with Applications to STARS. Phase II is proposed to enhance STARS FE capabilities through: 1) STARS-NASTRAN-IDEAS comparisons, 2) PATRAN-to-STARS preprocessor GUIs, and 3) PATRAN/NASTRAN to STRAS data conversion. The second objective is the Multidisciplinary Optimization Toolbox for STARS. Objective three will be validations and enhancements in Capabilities in Finite Element-Based CFD with Applications to STARS. This objective will also focus on specific validation and enhancements to FEA analysis using STARS. Efforts will focus largely upon the recently developed STARS CFD code, which implements a viscous solver.

Sponsor: Advanced Engineering Solutions for NASA

PI: Andrew S. Arena, Jr.

NASA Space Grant Fellowship

NASA established the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program to expand the agency’s research base by providing grants and fellowships to institutions involved in fields related to space. The purpose of the program is to increase understanding, assessment, development, and utilization of space resources by promoting a strong educational base, responsive research and training activities, and broad and prompt dissemination of knowledge and techniques. The program is designed to support interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary space research programs within the university community and provide a means to integrate NASA-related activities of training, research, and public service. Finally, the program supports a network of Oklahoma colleges and universities—The Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium—to promote the program’s goals and objectives. In addition to OSU, member institutions include the University of Oklahoma (lead institution and fiscal agent), Langston University, and Cameron University. Each year, fellowships are given to students engaged in NASA-related research and education projects.

Sponsor: NASA National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program

PI: Andrew S. Arena, Jr.

Enhancing Flight Test Support with Structural Analysis Routines (STARS) Using Dynamically Meshed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

This project provides enhanced flight test support with Dryden’s Structural Analysis Routines (STARS) code by adding multiple non-inertial reference frame analyses.  Multiple reference frame capability allows for stability and control, and performance simulations of advanced flight test configurations including super-maneuvering aircraft, formation flights, helicopter rotors, variable vehicle geometries, and store separations.  This project extends the multidisciplinary capabilities of STARS for flight test support.

Sponsor: Glenn Research Center for NASA Dryden Flight Research Center

PI: Andrew S. Arena, Jr.

OSU-MerCruiser Engineering R&D Intern Program

The project will involve a number of research and development activities at Mercury MerCruiser that focus upon improvements to the performance and reliability of existing products, the design and testing of new products, and improvements in production operations. This program will enhance the capabilities and motivation of the student interns, expand the research and development programs at Mercury MerCruiser, promote synergy between OSU faculty and students and MerCruiser, and ultimately benefit the economy of the State of Oklahoma through improvements in the technical human resource base and the competitiveness of Mercury MerCruiser. The research objectives are as follows: 1) develop an engine exhaust system that exceeds all federal regulations for exhaust and noise emissions, 2) research new methods to seamlessly integrate the powertrain into the boat assembly process, 3) further develop and expand an adaptive "SmartCraft" electronic control and data system that enables all of the various operating systems of a vessel to operate from one integrated system, 4) utilize research to optimize the overall powertrain reliability and durability, 5) develop an engine that exceeds customers' expectations relative to Noise, Vibration and Harshness, 6) incorporate proven research techniques to identify means to improve the robustness of the design for the fuel and electrical systems, and 7) develop new production systems that are more efficient, that are safer for the production workers, that are more accommodating to environmental constraints, that improve quality, and that facilitate ISO certification.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), Mercury MerCruiser

PIs: Frank W. Chambers, J. Bray

EPSCoR Junior Faculty Summer Support Program: Micro- and Nano- Mechanics of Frictional Sliding

My research goal is to investigate the fundamental physical mechanisms that give rise to interfacial friction and the role of friction and adhesion at the nanoscale.  The friction properties of interfaces are of great interest in a broad range of applications across many length scales (from geophysical faults to fiber bridging in composites, to machining and forming in metals to slider-disk interaction in computer disk drives).  A detailed understanding and control of friction properties gains new urgency as the size of moving parts are progressively reduced in the developing fields of MEMS and NEMS devices.  As the size of the components are reduced, the surface-to-volume ratio increases resulting in failure mechanisms that are driven by surface phenomena, such as adhesion and friction, in addition to the traditional bulk failure mechanisms.  Investigation of the nano-scale aspects of friction is also important to develop a mechanism based friction constitutive model for use in computer codes.  The physics of friction encompass length scales from single asperity contact at the nanometer scale to multiple asperities at the mesoscale to material deformations at the macroscale.  In the last three decades, tremendous progress was attained as experimental tools such as the atomic force microscope were discovered and computational capabilities progressed allowing us to probe and understand friction of surfaces from atomistic to continuum levels.  The long range goal of my research is to link single asperity friction models (such as Hurtado-Kim friction models) to multi-asperity and macroscale friction models. 

Sponsor: Oklahoma EPSCoR for Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

PI: Demir Coker

Design and Construction of a Portable Tub and Alley Corral for WW Manufacturing, Inc,

The goal of this project is to create a full scale prototype of a portable tub and alley corral for testing and evaluation with live cattle.

Sponsor: New Product Development Center for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (NPDC), WW Manufacturing, Inc.

PI: Ron Delahoussaye

Development of EnergyPlus Continuity/Pressure-Based Hydronic Loops

This project includes the following tasks: Task 1: Develop an overall design document for pressure-based hydronic loop operation.  Task 2: Develop, implement, and test the plant manager level algorithm required to support pressure-based loop simulation.  Task 3: Develop, implement and test the condenser manager level algorithm required to support pressure-based loop simulation.  Task 4: Develop, implement, and test Plant and Condenser Loop Operation Schemes for Pressure-based Loop Operation.  Task 5: Develop integrated multi-loop operating strategies and configurations.  Task 6: Develop engineering and user documentation.  Task 7: Write technical paper.  Task 8: Provide user support, address change requests, and attend EnergyPlus team meetings. 

Sponsor: Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

PI: Daniel E. Fisher

Enhancement and Support of the Water-to-Air Heat Pump Design and Simulation Program

The York Design and Simulation Tool requires additional testing and support prior to widespread application in the design and analysis of new products.  In addition, a high level of user support, including training and “bug fixes,” are required during transition to the new tool.  This project provides critical support for the program during the transition period.  The following broad tasks are addressed in the project: user support, training, program maintenance, and program validation and enhancement.

Sponsor: York International Corporation Unitary Products Group

PI: Daniel E. Fisher

Lighting Heat Gain Distribution in Buildings

The objective of this research is to experimentally determine the thermal characteristics of light fixtures for cooling load calculation procedures. The experiments are performed in a well instrumented and controlled test room and include estimates of radiant and convective heat transfer to the room and to the ceiling plenum.

Sponsor: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.

PI: Daniel E. Fisher

Modeling Energy Efficient Building Technologies

This proposal includes a five-year plan to provide critical support to a broad EnergyPlus program development effort led by Florida Solar Energy Center.  The Oklahoma State University research team provides model development and implementation expertise in the EnergyPlus zone, system and central plant simulations.  Key deliverables include EnergyPlus source code and documentation, technical papers, and user support.

Sponsor: University of Central Florida for Department of Energy

PI: Daniel E Fisher

Simulation of Complex Plant Loop Topologies

This task will complete and support the planned two-year upgrade of the plant simulation.  In FY05 the plant loops will be enhanced to support realistic loop configurations and operating strategies including: 1) enhanced loop topology to allow for multiple splitter and mixers per plant loop, 2) enhanced loop topology to allow for nesting of primary/secondary/tertiary loops, and 3) new pump controls.  This task will implement additional critical components and operating strategies to support loop configurations and complete the upgrade of the plant simulation.

Sponsor: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)

PI: Daniel E Fisher

Assessment of Energy Conservation Opportunities for Compatibility with CBR Protective Design Features in Army

Energy use at Ft. Stewart can be reduced by improvements to the energy using systems and the construction of the Post facilities. This project will survey the Post for energy conservation measures (ECMs), with the intent of developing request for funding documentation on approximately six selected measures. Documentation of all recommended ECMs will be provided in a report.

Sponsor: United States Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

PI: Daniel E Fisher

Smart Water Source Heat Pump Systems

This project will develop ground-breaking supervisory control technology for water source systems, including water loop heat pump (WLHP) systems and hybrid ground source heat pump systems.  The “smart” water source system control panel that will result from this research will effect a step change in the state-of-the-art of water source system controls and significantly enhance ClimateMaster’s position in the worldwide marketplace.

Sponsors: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, ClimateMaster, Inc.

PIs: Daniel E. Fisher, Jeffrey D. Spitler

Thermal Management of Microchannels

The quest for smaller, faster, and cheaper electronics has surpassed the current air cooled technologies ability to dissipate the heat generated. Advanced devices such as high electron mobility transistors (HEMT), used in radio frequency communications and radar, require high reliability, which equates to lower device temperatures. Reliability is directly related to the operational temperature of electronic equipment. Forced convection, direct contact, and liquid cooling will be investigated using microchannels integrally etched into the device substrate. Recent experimentation indicates there is a deviation from classical theory of heat transfer and pressure drop due to scaling effects to the microchannel regime. This research will characterize the relationships of dimensionless numbers based on parameterized values on the microscale for pressure drop and heat transfer.

Sponsor: Sandia National Laboratories for US Department of Energy

PI: Afshin J. Ghajar

Mechanics of a Web during Winding

The objective of this project is to develop algorithms for wound-on-tension for various types of winding in which nips are involved in the winding configuration, to study varying nip winding conditions and parameters so that the mechanics of nip winding can be quantified and incorporated into winding and defect models, and to study and develop models for nip related defects.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PI: Keith Good

Web Wrinkling Prediction and Failure Analysis

Web quality degradation can occur if wrinkling takes place across the rollers or inside (or upon) wound rolls. This research is concerned with determining how wrinkles form as a function of web line and web material parameters.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PI: Keith Good

Real-Time Landmark Tracking

We propose to implement in hardware a real-time visual landmark tracking engine for autonomous navigation over planetary surfaces. Such tracking would allow a vehicle to more precisely determine relative position, heading, and velocity, and to home in on desired targets or waypoints. Real-time tracking is currently not feasible with conventional vision processing techniques on flight-qualified serial processors. Instead, surface navigation systems are still heavily dependent on dead reckoning (e.g., wheel odometry), which always leads to errors in estimated position. The major challenge for visual navigation is to find efficient and fast solution methods for real-time operation, while constrained by limited resources. A successful landmark tracking engine would be general purpose for multiple NASA/JPL planetary

Sponsor: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

PI: Jay C. Hanan

Automation of Air Defense Tactical Video Reduction Process

The Air Defense Artillery Test Directorate's (ADATD) mission is to plan, conduct, and report on operational tests and participate in other user tests as directed.<o:p></o:p></SPAN> <SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Planning, executing, and analyzing data of an Army Air Defense system in an operationally realistic threat environment while operated by system crews can be complex.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Data is collected from a variety of sources such as tactical displays, video and audio sources, system digital data buses, and manual forms. All data must be entered into <SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow">computer-based forms</SPAN> (if not already in digital form) and merged into a database in which all significant system/test events can be analyzed.<o:p></o:p></SPAN> <SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">Tactical Video display information has been traditionally captured either by aiming an analog camera at the display terminal (often resulting in poor clarity), or more recently, by capturing the RGB display signal and frame-grabbing the display <SPAN class=GramE>at approximately 1.7 frames/sec</SPAN>.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Recent developments in hardware video compression will allow the directorate to perform RGB video capture of up to 29 Frames/Sec at 1024 <SPAN style="BACKGROUND: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow">x</SPAN> 768 in the not too distant future.</SPAN> <SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; BACKGROUND: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow">The purpose of the video is to corroborate the data captured on the system data bus.

Sponsor: FC Business Systems

PI: Jay C. Hanan

A Center for Product and Process Development and Commercialization for Small U.S. Manufacturers

This project proposes a partnership known as the New Product Development Center (NPDC) that helps to solve two problems occurring in Oklahoma and in many other areas of the nation: 1) rural areas in need of a new means to revitalize their economies, and 2) higher education institutions in need of changes to allow students more involvement in solving real world problems. The approach to revitalizing the rural economy will be through growth of rural manufacturing and will result from using university research and development capabilities to help develop highly competitive new products for small rural manufacturers. The approach to allowing students more involvement in solving real world problems will be through involving undergraduate and graduate engineering, science, and business students in development of these new products for small rural manufacturers. In the process, the students will assist in the complete cycle of product concept evaluation, product prototype development, and product commercialization, and thus increase their exposure to realistic real world problems. The partnership builds on existing capabilities at Oklahoma State University, regional universities, small manufacturers, and state economic development organizations. The unique features of the project are the partnership itself and the heavy involvement of students in the product development process. This project should create a method that could be successfully disbursed to other states across the country.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: L.L. Hoberock

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering: Bill J. Barfield

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources: Sam Curl

Enhancing the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence with Applications Engineers in Rural Areas

The Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing satisfies a critical need for engineering technology transfer assistance by placing engineers from Oklahoma State University in rural Oklahoma areas. Through this program, a link is provided between these application engineers and the engineering resources that exist at OSU in the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology and the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence, Inc. for OCAST

PIs: L.L. Hoberock

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering: Ronald L. Elliott

New Product Development Center for Small Rural Manufacturers (NPDC)

Oklahoma State University has established a New Product Development Center to assist the state’s small rural manufacturers in developing new products and processes, thus increasing their sustainability and profitability. The NPDC will bring the research and development capabilities of OSU to Oklahoma’s small rural manufacturers. It will help create high-paying jobs and reduce the “brain drain” from these areas.

Sponsor: Oklahoma Department of Commerce

PIs: L. L. Hoberock

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering: Bill J. Barfield

A Novel Approach for the Development of Accurate ab inito Potential Energy Surfaces for Atomistic Simulations of MEMS Applications

A novel method for the determination of accurate potentials from ab initio quantum mechanical calculations is proposed for atomistic simulations [Molecular Dynamics (MD) and/or Monte Carlo (MC)] of ultra-precision machining processes, nanomaterial testing, and nanotribology for potential MEMS applications. It is a generalized approach in that it permits ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations to be executed for complex systems for a wide range of chemical, physical, mechanical, manufacturing, and material processing systems that have never before been attempted. The method involves an integrated approach of ab initio electronic structure calculations for a given material involving different atomic clusters (within the cut-off radius) in their nonequilibrium states using GAUSSIAN 98.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

PIs: Ranga Komanduri

Electrical Engineering: Martin T Hagan

College of Arts and Sciences: Lionel M. Raff

Fundamental and Technological Aspects of Finishing Balls of Advanced Ceramics, Glasses, and Silicon Using Magnetic Field Assisted Polishing

The ultimate goal of the proposed work is to generalize the principles of polishing to other ceramic ball materials as well as various types of glasses and semiconductor metals, such as silicon. The specific goals are: 1) to extend the knowledge base to investigate the polishing capability of other materials of technological importance, 2) to extend the methodology and technological principles developed for magnetic float polishing equipment to other ceramics, glasses, and semiconductor materials, such as silicon, and 3) to increase the knowledge base for polishing ceramic materials.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PIs: Ranga Komanduri, Zhen B. Hou

Modeling of the Ultra-Precision Machining Process Using New Combined Molecular Dynamics/Monte Carlo (MD/MC) Simulation

In this project, an innovative approach to the simulations of nanometric cutting at conventional cutting speeds is addressed. The following three aspects of simulation of machining at atomic level have a significant impact on the nature of simulation and our understanding of the process. They are: 1) simulations of machining at conventional cutting speeds never before attempted due to long processing times involved with conventional MD simulations; and 2) simulations of machining of semiconductor materials such as silicon, germanium with a diamond tool. Also, included under this category are the simulations of machining of iron with a diamond tool to investigate the chemical nature of wear and simulations of machining of bcc and hcp materials (in addition to fcc metals currently being modeled), using the Modified Embedded Atom Method (MEAM); and 3) use of parallel processing in a distributed computing environment (or Beowulf cluster) to significantly reduce the computational time per run so that large size work pieces (up to 1 million atoms) can be considered.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PIs: Ranga Komanduri

College of Arts and Sciences: Lionel Raff

Multiscale Modeling and Simulation of Material Processing

The proposed work will address some critical issues involved in multiscale, multiphenomena material modeling - theory and simulation. The primary goal is to develop scaling laws for multiscale simulations, using such material testing techniques as tension and indentation, from atomistic to continuum, via mesoplasticity to enable the design engineer to use these scaling laws as a CAD tool for various materials design and processing applications. The following specific problems will be addressed in this proposal: 1) Material response at nanolevel using MD and MD/MC simulations and experimental verification of the results using microtensile testing, nanoindentation, and scratching; 2) Scaling laws from nanolevel (atomistic), via mesoplastic (micro or dislocation) level, to continuum (macro) level of polycrystalline ductile as well as brittle materials; 3) Integration of a novel simulation method, namely, material point method (MPM) with MD simulation to cover a wide range of scales from continuum to nanolevel, via mesoplastic level, or vice versa in nanometric tensile testing and indentation; 4) Experimental verification using in situ tensile testing inside an SEM and nanoindentation. A Digital atomic force microscope (AFM) and an MTS Nano Indenter XP system will be used for experimental verification on single and polycrystalline silicon (and other materials) over a range of included angles of the indenter in the case of nanoindentation and loading rates in the case of nanotension experiments; 5) Application of MD and MD/MC simulations of nanoindentation and nanotension using potentials developed from ab initio calculations using Gaussian 98 software and neural networks (NN) as well as other potentials, such as the modified embedded-atom method (MEAM) for a wide range of fcc, bcc, hcp, and covalent materials; 6) Application of massive parallel processing of MD and MD/MC simulations as well as MD/MPM simulations in a distributed computing environment; and finally (7) Effort will be made to link the outcome of the MD-MPM simulations and the scaling laws to Computer Aided Design (CAD) so that the design engineer can utilize this tool for various materials design and processing applications.

Sponsor: Air Force Office of Scientific Research

PIs: Ranga Komanduri, Samit Roy, Hongbing Lu

College of Arts and Sciences: Lionel Raff

US-India Cooperative Research: Magnetic Field Assisted Finishing Process

This project is on a U.S.-India cooperative research project under special NSF-DST (Department of Science and Technology, India) Science and Technology Program for Scientists and Engineers. This project deals only with the collaborative aspect of research between the U.S. and the Indian researchers. The primary focus of research is on the finishing of advanced materials by magnetic field assisted polishing. By taking advantage of the combined knowledge-base on magnetic float polishing and magnetic abrasive finishing, the PIs intend to apply it to the new technology of magnetorheological abrasive flow finishing of advanced materials.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Ranga Komanduri

Characterization and Modeling of the Viscoelastic Behavior of Ear Tissues

The proposed research will determine how the acoustic mechanical transmission is implemented in the ear canal, middle ear, and cochlea in normal, diseased, and implanted ears. This research is essential in understanding hearing loss so as to develop effective hearing restoration methods and devices. We propose four interrelated  objectives: 1) to determine the effects of middle ear ossicular chain, suspensory ligaments/muscles, temporal bones, and cochlear load on acoustic-mechanical transmission using double laser Doppler interferometry system; 2) to create a comprehensive, standard finite element (FE) model of human ear for acoustic-structural coupled analysis from the external ear to cochlea; and 3) to apply the standard FE model into large-scopes of study in pathological and implanted ears for assessment.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for National Institutes of Health

PI: Hongbing Lu

Life Prediction of High Temperature Polymer Matrix Composites for Aircraft Engine and Airframe Applications

Polymer matrix composites used in high temperature applications, such as turbine engines and engine exhaust washed structures, are known to have limited life due to environmental degradation.  For example, high temperature, pressure, and the presence of moisture limit the service life of some polyimide composite components to only 100 hours for worst-case operational conditions.  Failure of composites in these aggressive environments has a direct impact on operational cost and fleet readiness.  A multi-level, multidisciplinary approach focused on mechanism-based models and processes to predict the performance and life expectancy of high temperature polymer matrix composite materials used in a variety of aerospace applications is proposed.

Sponsor: Air Force Research Laboratory, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE)

PIs: Samit Roy, Hongbing Lu

Mechanics of Ear for Sound Transmission--Computational Modeling and Physical Simulation

The objective of this research is the characterization and modeling of the viscoelastic behavior of ear tissues and ear bones. Characterization of the material behavior will be conducted using two methods: 1) Simple tension tests. Experiments will be conducted by Dr. Ron Zhu Gan in the School of Areospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. We will use digital image correlation technique to determine the strain distribution in the specimen, and then find the stress-strain relation, as well as viscoelastic material behavior such as Young's Relaxation modulus. 2) Nanoindentation tests. An MTS Nano Indenter XP System installed with the standard XP Indenter and a Dynamic Contact Module (DCM) will be used to find the viscoelastic properties of bones and tissues such as ear skins and eardrums.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for National Science Foundation

PI: Hongbing Lu

Finding Test Conditions for a Wire Compression Experiment for the Characterization of Long-Term Electrical Insulation Capability of Liner

The integrity of an electrical insulation of an insulated wire is critical to the reliability of lead. To determine the condition under which a coating fails, currently a platen compression test is being considered by Medtronic to find the critical compressive load at which electric short between the top and bottom conductive platens occurs as a result of coating fracture. The critical load at electric short is then used to compare different designs. This platen compression test is relatively simple to conduct and has potential to be used as a routine tool to evaluate different designs expeditiously. 

Sponsor: Medtronic, Inc.

PI: Hongbing Lu

Characterization of the Long-Term Viscoelastic Behavior of Polyurethane/Silicone Copolymer Used in the Overlay

A polyurethane/silicone co-polymer is being considered for an overlay application of a pacemaker lead with an expected service life of greater than 10 years. The integrity of the electrical insulation of the lead conductor is critical to the reliability of a lead. Current accelerated testing was conducted by embedding overlays stretched by ~400% strain in vivo in a rabbit for six months. Inspections of the overlays at the end of the in vivo testing revealed some damages such as perforations on the overlay tubing. Stretching by ~400% strain at room temperature did not lead to the same damage. Consequently, the formation of perforations on the overlay tubing may be the result of stress-assisted degradation and the long-term behavior in the overlay.

Sponsor: Medtronic, Inc.

PI: Hongbing Lu

Characterization of the Viscoelastic, Fracture and Damage Behaviors of Foam at Various Strain Rates and Temperatures

The foam material in the LNG containment system is normally used at low temperatures. The foam layer in the insulation structure experiences the dynamic loading at different strain rates due to liquid sloshing in the LNG tank. The mechanical properties, such as stress-strain relation could change with time and strain rate due to viscoelastic effects as a result of thermo-mechanical property evolution, physical and chemical aging, and environmental conditions such as temperature and moisture. The failure mechanism of foam material could be very complicated in microstructure as well. To ensure the structural durability during the service life of the foam, it is necessary to understand its stress and deformation, as well as its fracture behavior and the residual strength after repetitive compressive loadings under realistic service.

Sponsor: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

PI: Hongbing Lu

TCSP: Load Rating of Steel Bridges with Deteriorated Members

The Federal Highway Administration estimates that approximately one-third of our nation’s highway bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.  Unfortunately, the largest percentage of these are located in the state of Oklahoma.  In the cases where the deficiency is caused by the superstructure, the source of the problem may be deteriorated and/or distressed structural members.  The research seeks to provide a practical, simple, yet reliable method of load rating bridges with distressed members.

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation

PIs: Hongbing Lu

Civil and Environmental Engineering: Charles M. Bowen

A Next Generation High Temperature Pressure Sensor

The primary task of this project is to develop and implement a pressure sensor prototype for operation at high temperatures up to 250 °C. Deliverables include; 1) prototype pressure sensor for IC aircraft engine cylinders, with potential for ultimate use in automotive IC engines, 2) manufacturing cost analysis with estimates for multiple levels of production, and 3) mechanical and electrical documentation adequate for initial production runs.  All sensor characterization, model generation/verification, and high temperature circuits, as required, are to be carried out in the 22 to 250 ⁰C range. All wafer processing (MEMS $9,000 estimate), machining ( i.e. mechanical fixturing plumbing, printed circuit boards [PCB], and costs), etc. are the responsibility of OSU. The OSU group will be responsible for the design of masks, packaging, PCBs, and circuits, including prototype construction.

Sponsor: General Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI), New Product Development Center for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (NPDC)

PIs: Hongbing Lu

Electrical and Computer Engineering: Chriswell G Hutchens, Weili Zhang

Acquisition of a High Speed Digital Camera for Advanced Materials, Processing, and Dynamic Events Research

The Cordin Model 550 High Speed Digital Camera System will be acquired. The camera can acquire 62 color frames with a spatial resolution of 10001000 pixels at a frame rate up to four million frames per second. The need for such equipment is felt to support primarily the research activities by the five Co-Principals. However, it will be made available for use by other researchers at the university on an as-needed basis. The features of the Cordin 550 digital camera, such as portability and convenience in setting up, enables this versatile piece of equipment to be readily used by all researchers on the OSU-Stillwater campus.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PIs: Hongbing Lu, Eric A. Falk, J. Keith Good, Ranga Komanduri, Peter M. Moretti

Characterization and Modeling of Local Viscoelastic, Fracture, and Delamination Behavior of Nanostructured Polymeric Films and Coatings

Nano-structured polymeric films and coatings, made of polymer matrix embedded by such nanoparticles as carbon nanotubes, graphite fibers and nanoclay particles, have potential for such applications as films used in Ultra-light Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and protective coatings to prevent from fuel leaking in composite cryogenic fuel tank. Conventional tensile or shear tests appropriate for bulk specimens may not be necessarily applicable for the characterization of the local properties of films and coatings filled with carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles or nanofibers, which are all referred as "nanoparticles" in the sequel. This project will develop methods using nanoindentation to characterize the local viscoelastic, fracture, and delamination behavior, as well as develop methods to model the local non-uniform properties based on the nano- or micro-structures of the nanocomposites. While the work proposed in the project is primarily for nanocomposite coatings and films, some methods proposed herein are expected to be applicable to bulk nanocomposites.

Sponsor: NASA Langley Research Center

PI: Hongbing Lu

Characterization of Material Mechanical Properties and Failure Modes/Criteria, Including Long-Term Behaviors of a Custom Polymer Coating and Substrate Alloyed Wire/Coil

Conductive wires with a polymer sleeve are made by coating layers of thin polymer films on a metal alloy conductor. The coated wires are then wound to form a coil that will be used in a pacemaker lead. As previous testing and FEA modeling predict, the coating and coil winding processes, and the coating and substrate material properties, significantly influence the structural integrity of the coating.  To determine the structural integrity and durability of the coated wires, it is necessary to determine the mechanical properties of the coatings and the coiled alloy wire substrate.

Sponsor: Medtronic, Inc.

PI: Hongbing Lu

Modeling the Interaction between Permeability and Damage in Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC) Laminates for the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)

The objective of the proposed study is to perform laboratory tests and develop mechanism-based analytical models for cryogenic fluids and gas permeation in polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials.  It is envisioned that two candidate PMC material systems will be included in this study. The proposed study will consist of three main subtasks: 1) Modeling and Testing of Cryogen Permeation at Cryogenic Temperatures in the Presence of Damage, 2) Modeling and Testing for Damage Evolution Due to Cyclic Thermo-Mechanical Loading, 3) and Model Verification.

Sponsor: NASA Langley Research Center

PI: Hongbing Lu

Viscoelastic Effects on the Formation of Baggy Lanes in Webs

The objective of this project is to develop methodologies to wind viscoelastic webs to produce rolls that have dimension stability to minimize the formation of baggy lanes. Research will be focused on the understanding of baggy lane formation in viscoelastic webs with non-uniform width direction thickness profile.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PIs: Hongbing Lu, Keith Good

GOALI: Creation of Crystalline Surfaces for Short Wavelength Light Emitters

This project seeks to advance our capability for the manufacture of epitaxial films for use in short wavelength light emitters by contributing to a basic understanding of the generation of crystalline defects in both substrates and epitaxial films, which result from processing. OSU will quantify the nature and extent of the defects and damage created by chemomechanical polishing, pre-growth substrate surface preparation, and epitaxial growth with the use of backscattering spectrometry and scanning electrical properties microscopy.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Don A. Lucca

US-Germany Cooperative Research: High Resolution Surface Zone Analysis in the Transregional Center on Process Chains for the Replication of the Complex Optical Components

This project is an extensive collaborative effort between Oklahoma State University, Universität Bremen, and RWTH Aachen. The United States-Germany Transregional Collaborative Research Center involves sixteen technical projects centered on the development of processes for the manufacture of complex, high quality optical components for next generation applications in information technology and telecommunications, health care and the life sciences, national defense, sensing, lighting and energy conversion. There are technical projects in the areas of design, hard coatings, replication techniques, and measurement science and technology. The research focus of this sub-project, “High Resolution Surface Zone Analysis,” is on developing an understanding of the dependence of the near surface mechanical state on the processing conditions used to create sol-gel derived and magnetron sputtered hard coatings for molds, and for ceramic mold surfaces created by ultraprecision grinding and polishing.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Don A. Lucca

U.S.-Germany Cooperative Research: Process Chains for the Replication of Complex Optical Components: High Resolution Surface Zone Analysis

This project seeks to advance the capability for the manufacture of complex, high quality optics for next generation applications. The overall aim of the Transregional Cooperative Research Center is to lay the scientific foundations for the deterministic and economical production of optical elements with complex geometry.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Don A. Lucca

Atomic Plane Electrical Contacts
This proposed work seeks to develop an understanding of how nanoscale surface and subsurface material structure affects electrical contact resistance, surface adhesion, and mechanical wear. With this understanding, a deterministic performance model and manufacturing process can be developed for creating high-performance electrical contacts, starting from atomic plane surfaces with nanometer-scale surface roughness, and then applying thin-film coatings to control contact resistance, adhesion, and wear. We propose to develop a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) test device for high-cycle contact testing along with a dedicated bench-level apparatus for screening of witness contacts.
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
PIs: Don A. Lucca, M. Nastasi

SENSORS: Synthesis of Active Quantum Dot IR Sensors
The project seeks to advance our capability for the synthesis of an in-situ, strain-tunable quantum dot infrared (IR) sensor by quantifying the coupled effects of induced strain and quantum confinement on the optical properties of ion-implanted quantum dots for both the weak and strong quantum confinement regimes.  As part of a collaborative effort with Los Alamos National Laboratory, this study aims to further contribute to a fundamental understanding of the effects of strain on the absorption of quantum dots and to investigate the feasibility of using induced strain for real-time tuning of the absorption band of quantum dots in the IR.  Materials selected for nanocrystal synthesis include elemental (Ge) and compound (In(Ga)As) semiconductors. 
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
PIs: Don A. Lucca, M. Nastasi

Measurement and Control Engineering Center

OSU created a Measurement and Control Engineering Center in affiliation with the National Science Foundation and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). Twenty-five companies are contributing both financial support and program direction. The Center will bring industrial needs for improved control into the university for studies and evaluations by faculty and students. The Center was developed at UTK, where the research emphasis has been in measurement and analysis. The reputation of OSU faculty in applied control makes OSU attractive to all of them, and the establishment of an affiliate site in Stillwater will help broaden the industry support base. For industry considering joining the OSU control center, becoming a partner with the MCEC is very attractive because it opens access to prior technology, other applied researchers, and an established, successful enterprise. Industrial Sponsorship is $35,000 per year. At semi-annual meetings, faculty presents progress to industry, industry provides direction for the next six months work, and industry selects projects for continued and new funding from the sponsorship pool.

Sponsors: National Science Foundation, Various Industrial Sponsors

PI: Eduardo Misawa

GOALI: Nonlinear Control of Advanced Hard Disk Drives

The proposed work will explore and develop nonlinear control system design strategies that will allow the development of cost effective advanced hard disk drives that will exceed densities of 100,000 tracks per inch. The objective is to achieve positioning accuracy to within five percent of track width and fast seeks in the presence of thermal effects, shock, and vibrations that are common in PC, workstation, and hard disk array applications.

Sponsors: National Science Foundation, Seagate Technology, LLC

PI: Eduardo A. Misawa

REU/RET GOALI: Nonlinear Control of Advanced Hard Disk Drives

Research experience for one high school teacher (RET) and two undergraduate students (REU) has provided the OSU team the opportunity to work with science and math teachers at the high school level. This program also aids in preparation and recruiting of students into the graduate program in Dynamic Systems and Control and future research careers.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Eduardo A. Misawa

Out-of-Plane Dynamics of a Flat Web

The objectives of this project are: 1) to develop analytical models of dynamic air/web interaction, 2) to develop experimental techniques for web dynamics, and 3) to develop guidelines for improving runnability.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PI: Peter M. Moretti

CAREER: Robust Controllers for Large-Scale Interconnected Systems: Applications to Web Handling Systems

The research plan consists of rigorous evaluation of existing lateral and longitudinal dynamic models of a web. Further goals are to develop accurate models for lateral and longitudinal dynamics, design robust decentralized controllers for the models, conduct experiments on ALCOA’s finishing process line, generalize the results, integrate the research activities into current curriculum, and develop innovative curricula.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Prabhakar R. Pagilla

Dynamics of Motor, Controller, and Mechanical Drive for Tension Control

The objective of this research are: 1) determination of the state of knowledge of motor/controller dynamics from literature and by consultation with experts in the sponsoring companies, 2) development of experimental methods for determination of the motor/controller dynamics for undocumented systems, 3) analysis of resonances caused by flexible drive components, as well as the effects of backlash and saturation, and 4) furnishing the results of the projects to the WTS programmer(s) for improvement of simulation of process lines.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PIs: Prabhakar R. Pagilla, John Shelton

SENSORS: A New Laser-Based Sensing System for Monitoring and Control of Webs

The goal of this project is the development of a novel laser-based fiber optic sensing system for monitoring and control of a web. The sensing technique uniquely combines concepts from Doppler's frequency shift of scattered light from the web edge, directional sensitivity property of the optical fibers, and collimated laser light for development of a versatile web sensing system that can measure web lateral position, lateral velocity, transport velocity, flutter, and profile. Since the sensing scheme uses the scattered light from the web edge, the technique is equally suitable for use with transparent as well as opaque web materials, which is not the case for existing web sensing methods.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Prabhakar Pagilla

Mechanical Characterization and Modeling of Nanostructured Aerogels

This project will model the behavior of nanostructured aerogels with the Particle Flow Code in 3 Dimensions (PFC3D) program.  This program models the movement and interaction of assemblies of arbitrary-sized spherical particles, such as secondary particles in aerogels.

Sponsor: NASA Glenn Research Center

PI: Samit Roy

Characterization of Environmental Durability of Polymer Matrix Composite

The objective of this study is to continue laboratory testing for material characterization and verification of life modeling methodologies for a polymer matrix composite and resin matrix material for aircraft engine applications. The environmental testing task consists of three main subtasks: 1) Hygrothermal Testing, 2) Physical Aging Testing, and 3) Nonlinear Creep Characterization of PR500 Resin.

Sponsor: NASA Glenn Research Center

PI: Samit Roy

Micro-Macro Modeling of the External Strengthening of Concrete with Fiber Reinforced Polymer

The objective of the project is to develop innovative short-term tests that would allow the development of analytical models for accurate prediction of long-term performance of retrofitted highway bridge structures. Specifically, the interfacial bond between the concrete substrate and the FRP composite material used for external strengthening must remain durable for the specified lifetime over a range of mechanical loads, temperature cycles, moisture diffusion, and de-icing salt ingress. The technical approach for developing a bond durability prediction methodology consists of understanding the fundamental mechanisms of degradation at the bond interphase using nano-scale fractographic inspection and incorporating these in analytical models using global-local substructuring to bridge length-scales. The models developed will be incorporated into an in-house test-bed finite element software.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

PI: Samit Roy

Modeling the Interaction between Permeability and Damage in Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC) Laminates for the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)

The objective of this research project is to perform laboratory tests and develop mechanism-based analytical models for cryogenic fluids and gas permeation in polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials.

Sponsor: NASA Langley Research Center

PI: Samit Roy

Modeling of Nanostructured Aerogels Using Advanced Simulation Software

In order to allow the use of aerogels as strong yet lightweight structural materials for Thermal Protection System (TPS) and other applications, we seek to develop a comprehensive strength and stiffness characterization of the thermo-mechanical behavior of nanostructured silica and iron-oxide aerogels.  We will also perform three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of nanostructured silica/iron-oxide aerogel to develop a better understanding of the synergistic stiffening and strengthening mechanism of crosslinking.

Sponsor: NASA Glenn Research Center

PIs: Samit Roy, Hongbing Lu

Fire Fighting Tanker Fluid Dynamics Study

The project involves the conversion of a BAe146-200 from a passenger aircraft to a Fire Fighting Tanker. Key items of the modification are: 1) installation of a 3500 gallon slurry tank on the main deck, 2) ole added in main deck, 3) hole added in bottom of fuselage with slurry doors, 4) chute added between the tank and the fuselage hole (forward of main landing gear), 5) slurry will fill the tank and the chute.

Sponsor: J2 Engineering, Inc.

PI: Khaled A. Sallam

EPSCoR Junior Faculty Summer Support Program: Generation of a Nano Spray in a Shock Tube

The goal of this project is to extend the previous work of the PI to investigate the bag breakup of micro liquid jets with diameter ~ 10 µm subjected to a shock wave disturbance. This is an experimental and computational research project that will investigate a novel technique to generate nano liquid spray. The second phase of the project will develop size sorting technique based on the drops’ vertical momentum.

Sponsor: Oklahoma EPSCoR for Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

PI: Khaled A. Sallam

Lateral Control of a Web

Imperfections of thickness, flatness, and other properties of a web, as well as imperfections of web-handling machinery, cause the web to run off center of the process line, often resulting in damage to the web as well as waste. Automatic web guides are therefore commonly required for maintaining lateral alignment of the web. This analytical research is concentrating on prevention of wrinkles, oscillation, stretching of an edge, other potential problems that can result from guiding, and improvement of the accuracy of guiding.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PIs: John J. Shelton, Prabhakar Pagilla

Aerodynamic Dancer and Tension Transducer

The objectives of the research include the following: 1) to develop a dynamic model of an aerodynamic dancer; 2) to develop an aerodynamic dancer and a tension transducer that are effective in a wide frequency range and do not cause excessive lateral web deflection, touching, or flutter; 3) to experimentally verify the performance and stability of the aerodynamic dancer and tension transducer; 4) to establish a method of accurate measurement of tension at frequencies lower than a predictable limit, for industrial applications where a high frequency response is needed, as well as for precise measurement of tension in laboratory tests; and 5) to minimize the consumption of compressed air of the aerodynamic dancer or tension transducer.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PIs: John J. Shelton, Bruce A. Feiertag

Mechanical Engineering Technology: Young B. Chang

WEB HANDLING RESEARCH CENTER

Aerodynamic Dancer and Tension Transducer

The objectives of the research include the following: 1) to develop a dynamic model of an aerodynamic dancer; 2) to develop an aerodynamic dancer and a tension transducer that are effective in a wide frequency range and do not cause excessive lateral web deflection, touching, or flutter; 3) to experimentally verify the performance and stability of the aerodynamic dancer and tension transducer; 4) to establish a method of accurate measurement of tension at frequencies lower than a predictable limit, for industrial applications where a high frequency response is needed, as well as for precise measurement of tension in laboratory tests; and 5) to minimize the consumption of compressed air of the aerodynamic dancer or tension transducer.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PIs: Mechanical Engineering Technology: Young B. Chang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: John J. Shelton, Bruce A. Feiertag

Lateral Dynamics of a Web over an Air Reverser

The objectives of the research include the following: 1) to develop an understanding of weave amplification, 2) to develop an analytical model of weave amplification of the web supported by a perforated-drum type air reverser, and 3) to experimentally verify the analytical model.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PIs: Mechanical Engineering Technology: Young B. Chang, Kenneth Belanus

Mechanics of a Web during Winding

The objective of this project is to develop algorithms for wound-on-tension for various types of winding in which nips are involved in the winding configuration. To study varying nip winding conditions and parameters so that the mechanics of nip winding can be quantified and incorporated into winding and defect models. To study and develop models for nip related defects.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PI: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Keith Good

Web Wrinkling Prediction and Failure Analysis

Web quality degradation can occur if wrinkling takes place across the rollers or inside (or upon) wound rolls. This research is concerned with determining how wrinkles form as a function of web line and web material parameters.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PI: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Keith Good

Viscoelastic Effects on the Formation of Baggy Lanes in Webs

The objective of this project is to develop methodologies to wind viscoelastic webs to produce rolls that have dimension stability to minimize the formation of baggy lanes. Research will be focused on the understanding of baggy lane formation in viscoelastic webs with non-uniform width direction thickness profile.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PIs: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Hongbing Lu, Keith Good

Out-of-Plane Dynamics of a Flat Web

The objectives of this project are: 1) to develop analytical models of dynamic air/web interaction, 2) to develop experimental techniques for web dynamics, and 3) to develop guidelines for improving runnability.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PI: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Peter M. Moretti

Dynamics of Motor, Controller, and Mechanical Drive for Tension Control

The objective of this research are: 1) determination of the state of knowledge of motor/controller dynamics from literature and by consultation with experts in the sponsoring companies, 2) development of experimental methods for determination of the motor/controller dynamics for undocumented systems, 3) analysis of resonances caused by flexible drive components, as well as the effects of backlash and saturation, and 4) furnishing the results of the projects to the WTS programmer(s) for improvement of simulation of process lines.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PIs: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Prabhakar R. Pagilla, John J. Shelton

Web Transport Systems

The objectives of this research are: 1) to expand the range of static and dynamic models in WTS to include models for new elements identified by sponsors, 2) to refine the models for viscoelastic effects and web-roller slip effects, 3) to develop new models for the precise control of tension in each section in a multi-span web transport system, and 4) to develop guidelines for selection of the control algorithms that best meet the defined performance objectives for a given application.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PI: Office of the Dean: Karl N. Reid

Lateral Control of a Web

Imperfections of thickness, flatness, and other properties of a web, as well as imperfections of web-handling machinery, cause the web to run off center of the process line, often resulting in damage to the web as well as waste. Automatic web guides are therefore commonly required for maintaining lateral alignment of the web. This analytical research is concentrating on prevention of wrinkles, oscillation, stretching of an edge, other potential problems that can result from guiding, and improvement of the accuracy of guiding.

Sponsor: Web Handling Research Center

PIs: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: John J. Shelton, Prabhakar Pagilla