Abstract This paper discusses how the term sound reinforcement refers to the strategic use of microphones and loudspeakers to project the sound of a band, theatre production or conference speaker across to an audience. It examines how it is necessary for a sound engineer, working in any area of sound reinforcement - from the front of house engineer in a large concert hall, to the stage manager at a theatre ? to have the confidence and knowledge required to problem solve quickly in the event of equipment failure, and keep the programme on track.
From the Paper "The term impedance matching is used when concerning the interconnection of loudspeaker drivers and power amplifiers, to achieve maximum power transfer. At this stage in the signal chain, it is very important to appreciate that the load impedance of the speaker (the whole cabinet, not just the driver itself) must match closely the source impedance (the rated output impedance of the power amp). If the source impedance is significantly higher than that of the speaker, the amplifier could overheat, or its automatic protection circuitry could cause it to cut out. Neither of these conclusions would be much good during a live performance."
This paper discusses that four works of science fiction stand out for their use of bad engineering: Jules Verne's "From the Earth to the Moon" (1865); Karel Capek's "R.U.R"(1921); Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1926); and Maurice Elvey's ?Transatlantic Tunnel
Abstract This paper discusses that some of the devices and instruments featured in many popular science fiction novels and films are, in essence, conceived through bad engineering, meaning that these devices and instruments are neither practical nor possible according to present scientific knowledge. The author points out that Verne's "rocket to the moon" stands as the ultimate example of bad engineering, even when one takes into consideration that Verne was using his imagination as a means of conveying his ideas to the reading public, who, at the time of the novel's publication, were obviously quite ignorant of science. The paper relates that Capek's plot in "R.U.R" is the seminal robot motif that has influenced every science fiction film, but the vision of creating a race of robots that take over the roles usually assigned to human beings in the context of work and labor was far-fetched for its time and is still so even in the 21st century.
From the Paper "Michel Ardan then suggests that the spaceship launching will be powered by a formidable quantity of guncotton, and that the occupants of this spaceship will be protected from the shock of the launch by a layer of water filling the space between the vehicle's double walls. There will also be thick glass portholes for observation, sealed during the liftoff and then opened by screws controlled from the inside of the vehicle. The air supply will be renewed by oxygen obtained by heating potassium chlorate, a powerful oxidizing agent. The flight, of course, will be monitored from the ground by a powerful Rocky Mountain telescope operated by the Cambridge observatory."
Abstract This paper looks at aerogel, a lightweight material that is a cross between gel and air, whose superb physical, mechanical,and optical properties make it useful for high-tech applications, such as insulating the Mars rover. In particular, it explores how future uses extend to household applications, such as clear, insulating windows and sunroofs. It discusses the physical, mechanical, and optical properties of silica aerogels, as well as their general method of preparation and their applications.
Outline
What are Aerogels?
What Makes Aerogel a Super Material?
How are Aerogels Prepared?
Applications of Aerogel
From the Paper "A material that closely resembles aerogel, called xerogel, may be prepared at home or in the laboratory. The process will not require a high-pressure vessel as is in preparing aerogels. The simplest way to make a xerogel is to form a variety of gels and leave them out in the air to dry. Ordinary gelatin may be used for this purpose. Silica xerogels, however, may be prepared using sodium silicate gel-forming liquid. This is commonly used as a lubricant and is available at pharmacies. Xerogels are much denser than aerogels but provide some of the same high-temperature insulation."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of riprap, which is the most common method of providing erosion control and bank protection on streams and river banks today. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion. A table and relevant graphics illustrating riprap in action are also provided.
From the Paper "Watershed management and erosion control have assumed new levels of importance in the 21st century. The presence of water in soils essential to the growth of forests, and improved water yield and quality are becoming increasingly important management objectives on many forested lands today. The fundamental principle of watershed management where erosion threatens is the maintenance of continual cover. This same principle applies to stream and river bank protection, where bridge foundations must be fortified from scouring and the ravages of floodwaters. This paper provides an overview rip rap, which is the most common method of providing erosion control and bank protection on streams and river banks today. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion."
Abstract This paper is a technical report on a laboratory experiment on surface tension measurements using the Du Nuoy ring. Samples are pure water, ethanol solution, and 1.5N NaCl. Calculations for the correction factor and other necessary values are included in the discussion.
From the Paper "The Du Nuoy ring is the most commonly used apparatus for surface tension measurements. The group used pieces of paper to determine the weight needed to depress the lever arm to zero. For the experiment proper, the ring was thoroughly cleaned and flamed to red heat for a few seconds. The vernier was turned to zero reading and the lever arm made to just touch the zero indicator. The ring was made to contact the surface of the liquid and was carefully submerged until good contact is established. This was then slowly recovered from the liquid by careful downward movement of the platform and of the thumbscrew. It is important that the lever arm is kept at the zero indicator until the ring is detached from the liquid."
Abstract This paper proposes a study to provide an overview of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), what role they are currently playing, and how they might be used in the future. In order to assess the future trend of such military hardware, a critical review of the relevant literature is followed by the administration of a survey form to determine the social acceptability and military implications of such unmanned vehicles being used in lieu of human soldiers in the future. An analysis of the statistical data is followed by a narrative description of the findings and recommendations for the future.
From the Paper "As the United States continues to wage a prolonged and costly regional war in the Middle East, there is growing concern among many observers in the military and legislature who contend the country is stretching its resources too thinly, and any eruption of hostilities in other parts of the world such as North Korea or Indonesia, for instance, would surely be disastrous. Adding further impetus to these worries are the growing casualty lists of American soldiers who are being killed by unseen and mostly unknown assailants. In this environment, then, any military tool that allows troops to remain out of harm's way while gathering the essential intelligence required to prosecute an effective ground war must be viewed as a step in the right direction."
Abstract This paper talks about the three most commonly constructed types of bridges in use today. The paper provides historical information about the bridges types, looks at their cost and the availability of materials for each of the bridges, as well as the complexity of engineering of each bridge. It goes on to explain how all of these factors, including a bridge's length capabilities and its artistic and aesthetic qualities, all go into the decisions that an engineer, designer, or contractor must consider when choosing the appropriate bridge for each necessary location and use.
From the Paper "Bridges are an integral but often overlooked part of today's commuting society. Most drivers feel completely secure and grounded when on any well-designed bridge, even though they may in fact be hundreds of feet in the air above a large gap or body of water. Bridges are not only functional for travel, but may be the key to growth and survival of many areas that would otherwise remain in isolation. Bridges also have a way of becoming important historical and artistic landmarks, and many bridges receive engineering and even artistic awards. Many cities like San Francisco, for example, are as recognizable by the their bridges as by any other city landmark. There are many different kinds of bridges used today. Three of the more common and interesting types of bridge in common usage today is the suspension bridge, the cable stayed bridge, and the reinforced concrete bridge."
Abstract Disposable batteries have transformed the way that we live and the types of activities that we do. This discussion provides the reader with a natural history of disposable batteries from the time the raw materials are extracted from the earth to the time they are recycled or in a land fill. The environmental impact that batteries have along the path of creation, use, and disposal is also covered. This paper also discusses the peripheral impact of batteries, including how they are shipped, how much fuel is used, and how much pollution is created. Finally, it looks at the social impact of batteries and facts about the societies that make, use, and dispose of batteries.
Introduction
Natural History of Disposable Batteries
Uses
Environmental Impact
Peripheral Impact
Social Impact of Batteries
From the Paper "The concept of batteries was first discovered between 1780-1786 by Luigi Galvani. Galvani found that connecting iron and brass created an electrical current. His ideas were expanded upon by Alessandro Volta from 1796 to 1799 with the creation of the voltaic electricity. Voltaic electricity was found when Alessandro experimented with stacking silver and zinc plates to create a pile and form the first dry battery. Volta also created the first "crown of cups" which consisted of silver and zinc discs that were covered in a salt solution."
This paper discusses DOD 5000.2-R, mandatory procedures for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPS) and Major Automated Information System (MAIS) Acquisition Programs.
Abstract The purpose of the DOD Regulation 5000.2-R of 1996 is to establish a simplified and flexible management framework for translating mission needs into stable, affordable, and well-managed programs. The author points out that the DoD Directive 5000.2-R applies to all elements of the DoD; its procedures are mandatory for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs), Major Automated Information System (MAIS) Acquisition Programs. and others specified in the Regulation, as well as serving as a general model for other than MDAPs and MAISs. The paper presents RiskTrak, a Windows-based tool, which enables users to identify, estimate, analyze, report, communicate. and manage risk throughout the duration of the Acquisition Program.
Table of Contents
Overview of DOD 5000.2-R
Analysis of DOD 500.2-R in Relation to Systems Engineering
Evaluation of Requirements Based on Commercial Market Potential
Open Systems
Commercial and Non-Developmental Items
Critical Product and Technology Competition
Competition
Best Practices
Open Systems Design
Software Engineering
Interoperability
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)
Assessing the Value of DOD 5000.2-R: "RiskTrak and the Critical Role of Risk Management in DoD Directive 5000.2-R"
RiskTrak and DoD 5000.2-R Program Structure
RiskTrak and DoD 5002-R Program Design
RiskTrak and DoD 5002-R Program Assessments & Decision Reviews
From the Paper "PMs shall avoid imposing government-unique requirements that significantly increase industry compliance costs. Examples of practices designed to accomplish this direction include: open systems approach that emphasizes commercially supported practices, products, specifications, and standards; best value evaluation and award criteria; use of past performance in source selection, results of software capability evaluations; government-industry partnerships; and the use of pilot programs to explore innovative practices."
Abstract This paper examines how, from an engineering perspective, R&D is normally defined as the search for and discovery of new knowledge about products, processes, and services, and then applying that knowledge to create new and improved products, processes, and services that fill market needs. It looks at how every major company has an R&D department, usually with a budget separate from that in the production area, and how such a department is critical to companies, especially with the increased global competition and reduction of resources.
From the Paper "Research is often conducted by one person or a few individuals working together, rather than in large groups. The main directive is very narrow, rather than broad goals. Development, however, is normally a team project that necessitates high efficiency and close coordination for cost effectiveness and time/deadline concerns. Engineers must keep to strict methodological parameters. The increasing complexity in technology such as computerized components or artificial intelligence demands a rigorous and systematic approach to the planning and conduct of research and development projects. Few companies can remain in business without continual innovation, and this requires stringent coordination and communication between engineering, manufacturing and R&D. Research and development contribute the information for a product and engineering supplies the skills to design and produce it (Maynard 2-3)."
Abstract This paper first defines mechanics, a branch of study that deals with the influence of forces acting on bodies and dynamic responses of bodies to the imposition of those forces, and then lists the three different subdivision of mechanics. Included in this subdivision is dynamics, which the paper also explains and describes as it relates to the study of mechanics.
From the Paper "Life without motion is better explained as death. A living being is said to be having life only when the walls of the heart engage in pumping the blood, when the blood circulates through the entire body, when nerves impulse electrically from brain to toe, lungs move to bring oxygen, food transports through the stomach and intestines, when the iris expands and contracts, when the eyeball rotates, etc. Not only in the living beings, the riddles of the non-living items like recoiling of a fired gun, acceleration of an automobile, action of a spinning top, the motion of a space rocket can also be broken down in terms of the analysis of motion."
This paper discusses Norman R. Augustine, born in 1935, who has played an influential role in the world of engineering and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Abstract This paper explains that Augustine made numerous contributions to the American Defense Department, especially his theory that the industrial base of the Defense Department would become too dependent upon foreign suppliers for essential components, such as semi-conductors and semi conductor technology. The author points out that, when he was CEO of Lockheed Martin, Augustine was in favor of mergers because he believed that they were more cost effective and that mergers between defense companies would increase productivity and save the Department of Defense millions of dollars each year. The paper relates that one of Augustine's theories asserted that products that were once used for matters of defense could not be converted to civilian work.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Norman Augustine Biography
Career Accomplishments
Theories and Augustine's Laws
Conclusion
From the Paper "Norman Augustine was born in 1935 in Denver Colorado and grew up during World War II. He was an exceptional student, entered Princeton in 1953, and received his bachelors of science in engineering in 1957. Augustine also received a master's degree from Princeton in 1959. He has also received several honorary doctorates in Engineering and Science from several institutions of learning throughout the country. In 1958, while still obtaining his masters at Princeton he worked for the Douglas Aircraft Company where he became a Chief Engineer and a Program Manager. According to the American Institute of Electrical Engineers Augustine began working at the Office of the Secretary of DefenseWhile there he served as the Assistant Director of Defense Research and Engineering. In 1970 he became part of the LTV Missiles and Space Company, where he was the Vice President of Advanced programs and marketing."
A comparison and analysis of the bipolar junction transistor (BJT), the metal oxide field-effect transistor (MOSFET), and the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT).
Abstract This paper examines how, although power semiconductors were first developed in the late 1940s, they have matured significantly in sixty years and how in today's society, they can be found everywhere. They are essentially the solid-state version of the mechanical relay or the vacuum tube. Some of most common applications include motor drives, uninterruptible power supplies, audio amplifiers, and fluorescent lighting. In particular, it looks at how, for the best device suited for the job, it has become a competition between the bipolar junction transistor (BJT), the metal oxide field-effect transistor (MOSFET), and the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). It shows how each has inherent advantages over the others and how the IGBT has seemed to dominate the industry in recent years.
From the Paper "The MOSFET was introduced in the 1970s and, unlike the BJT, is a voltage controlled device. It also has three terminals, though they differ from the BJT: the source, the gate, and the drain. The source and drain diffusions are separated by the gate. The MOSFET has a p or n channel and can operate in depletion or enhancement mode. In enhancement, no current flows when the gate voltage is zero. In depletion mode, however, a narrow n channel is formed under the gate such that current will still flow when the gate voltage is zero."
Abstract This paper attempts to examine why firefighters have voiced concerns regarding the ever-increasing size of skyscrapers. In particular, it looks at how, when the World Trade Centre Twin Towers, which were at the time two of the world's tallest buildings, were completely destroyed by a terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, the event should have raised enough doubt and questions about the future of high-rise safety to put an end to the construction of skyscrapers; yet, after September 11th, the world's demand for newer and taller structures continued to dramatically increase.
Outline
Table of Content
Introduction
Twin Towers of New York
Building Construction Trends
Truss Construction
Firefighters Structural Analysis
Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendix A
Appendix B
From the Paper "The steel trusses that supported the flooring either melted or simply buckled which in turn released each upper floor down on the next below it and eventually falling completely to the ground. In other words, as the trusses failed, the concrete-slab floors literally plunged downward. When the two jets struck the buildings, the fact that they hit near the towers? tops, the weight of the floors became a force the buildings could not withstand. Although the towers went up easily utilizing these techniques, they were also the eventual cause of the buildings quick demise. The Twin Towers? radically different structural design created a situation where the load-bearing walls simply could not support the weight of the floors."
Tags: steel, trusses, twin, towers, world, trade, center
Abstract This paper explains that it can be argued that no Soviet experimental plane got off the ground without significant contributions from aircraft and engine designers from other nations. The writer points out that the few designers and planes mentioned in the paper are not all of the experimental designs produced in the first 40 years of the Russian aircraft industry. It argues that they may well be representative and include the successes of great Soviet designers, none of whom was able, whether by virtue of design necessity or manufacturing inadequacy, to make a completely Soviet airplane design and get it off the ground.
From the Paper "After World War II, the Soviet aircraft industry was still not completely indigenous. It still had to obtain what it needed where it could, as it was now driven not only by internally developed pride, but also by a need to keep up with the air power of the United States. Within two months of the first flight of the prototype of the North American Sabre in the U.S., the Soviet's debuted the prototype of the MiG 15 on December 30, 1947. Despite being Soviet-developed, the MiG 15 "displayed strong Germanic influence" (Lee, 1959, p. 138) and, in fact, had used the Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet rather than the Lyulka axial-flow turbojet made in Russia. The Nene engine did have to be adapted for Russian production, but this event did begin to bring Soviet aircraft design within striking distance of its Western neighbors."
