Abstract This essay examines the safety of nuclear power plants in the event of attack. It looks at the safety features included in the design of a nuclear reactor and discusses the ability of those features to withstand an actual air attack. Expert opinions and test information are given.
From the Paper "In light of the Al-Qaeda's most recent weapon of choice used in New York and Washington D.C., more needs to be done to protect our nuclear power plants from an air attack. Mohamed ElBaradei who is the Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency was quoted in the December 2001 issue of Nuclear Engineering International when addressing the UN General Assembly in New York as saying, ?the terrorist attacks on September 11 had [have] been a wake up call to the industry that more could and should be done to bolster security."
Tags: boeing, commission, containment, crystal, flight, fuel, iodide, jet, ki, nrc, path, plane, pool, postassium, radiation, reactor, regulatory
Abstract This paper is an analysis of an article by John Carey and Ellen Licking, "The Stem-Cell Debate Just Got Thornier" that appeared in the February 11, 2002 issue of "Business Week." The paper uses information from the article to define stem cells, and to give an overview of the debate over research using human embryos. The issue of virtual embryos and some of the controversial issues surrounding the possible use of any of this research to cure many diseases such as Parkinson's, leukemia or the regeneration of lost limbs.
From the Paper "Stem cells are present in the early stages of embryonic development, and have the ability to develop into any other sort of cell. This makes them useful tools in healing degenerative diseases where extra heart, brain, or other cells are needed. Until recent developments, it was believed these cells could only be harvested from human embryos, which sparked a great deal of ethical debate. Many people believe that human life begins before birth, and do not approve of the idea of grinding up little humans and injecting their cells into sick adults. Federal research money is given only to programs that use existing cell lines and forbids harvesting new stem cells. Cloning is also in line to be chopped, which will further prevent scientists from creating "bred for the slaughter" embryos from which to harvest identical stem cells for their patients."
Abstract This paper gives basic information about the F-16 fighter jet. It explains its unique qualities and discusses the sales of this plane and its ramifications.
From the Paper "The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role, extremely maneuverable fighter that is suitable for air-to-air combat as well as air-to-surface attacks. It has a combat radius (the distance the jet can fly to combat and return safely) of 500 miles, which is superior to that of other fighter aircraft. The pilot has unobstructed vision both forward and upward through to the bubble canopy. It is a precision attack aircraft and can function in all types of weather."
Abstract The folowing paper aims to find the force required to move blocks of different weights across different surfaces, thus finding a value for friction and comparing the results with that of a textbook and recording any differences. The conclusion found in this paper is that friction is directly proportional to the weight force applied and is measured in terms of the coefficient of friction, represented by the Greek letter mu (m).
From the Paper "The coefficient of friction is the ratio of the frictional force present and the normal reaction to the mating surfaces and is represented as,
m = Ff ? Rn
Rn = Normal reaction, weight force
Fn = Frictional force
But may also be worked out by dividing the force required in Kg by the weight of the object. Eg the force required to move a 25Kg object is 5Kg so to work out the coefficient of the object we would divide 5 by 25 to give a coefficient of 0.2.
Because of this the surface area of the block is independent to that of the coefficient and is not needed when determining a value for friction.
The coefficient of wood against wood is 0.35 giving a relatively low value for friction whereas rubber against concrete is 0.8 meaning it would be hard to slide rubber on concrete. The coefficient can be greatly reduced if a lubricant of some sort is applied in between the surfaces as it forms a layer preventing the bumps on the surfaces rubbing together making it easier to slide the objects past each other."
Abstract This paper discusses the role that DNA plays in the aging process. The author looks at several studies that have been conducted over the years that look at how different types of drugs and disease affect the aging process. Some of the studies involved a look at such issues as cholesterol and the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs on both the human and animal populations. The paper also looks at Vitamin K, the loss of DNA from the human heart as a person ages, how a person's alcohol and tobacco use affect their longevity. In all of these cases, the paper looks at both the male and female populations in order to illustrate how all of these different aspects affect an individual's DNA and as a result, their life expectancy.
From the Paper "The third category, accretional defects, results from the accumulation of waste materials composed of nonfunctioning of poorly functioning parts of the body system during aging. These involve the liver and kidneys. The human liver must absorb 70% of the dysfunction before they appear in routine blood tests (Strehler), since it is one of the many jobs of the liver to remove bilirubin from the blood. (Bilirubin is a natural by-product of red blood cells at the end of their life cycle.) A high-level bilirubin translates into jaundice and is harmful to the brain if high levels accumulate in the blood. But if the liver's own removal cells are malfunctioning, bilirubin accumulates in the blood and damages the person's overall health. (Strehler). The kidneys are even hardier : 90% of them must sustain the damage and be damaged themselves before abnormalities are detected in blood tests of kidney function (Strehler). This means a person may have kidney trouble for many years without knowing it, only until his or her kidneys are 90% damaged, during which the signs of illness begin to show."
Abstract The following paper examines the history of solid propulsion and black powder and discusses how it was used. It also looks at the advantages and disadvantages of solid propulsion in relation to its liquid counterparts.
From the Paper "The first solid propulsion engines were invented by the Chinese early in the 13th century in use of fireworks. These homemade rockets were propelled by black powder. The first recorded military use was in 1232 in a military siege where the powder propelled rockets were used to set fire to tents. It wasn?t until years later around the early 15th century when they started becoming used in Europe and equipped with a payload. Gunpowder started being used as it burned slower than black powder. The two have same the same ingredients but in different proportions. A large step forward was when the solid propulsion rockets were used to carry rope from distressed ships to shore in stormy conditions. The sailors would use the rope as a lifeline in their rowboats. However this relied on the fact that the shore could only be as far away as the longest rope."
Abstract The paper shows that the construction of piled foundations is a skilled operation, and calls for a high level of training and experience. Though they are not infrequent, when faults are discovered in some important piles, the consequences could be severe. This paper describes two major types of pile tests: Pile-load test and Integrity test. The integrity tests include acoustic test, and seismic test method. For each pile test, the procedure and interpretation are discussed. An actual case is investigated and pictures are presented.
From the Paper "Acoustic test:
"Advantages: The system scans the pile concrete radially for a distance of approximate 100mm around the drilled hole or installed tube. The method is relatively rapid, some tens of tests being possible daily.
Disadvantages: Pre-selection is generally required as it is usual to install purpose made tubes in the pile for the equipment. It is necessary to employ plastic tubes for this purpose, with the attendant risk of collapse, steel tubes being unsuitable for single hole logging. The installation of the tube adds to the reinforcement steel in restricting free concrete flow and may in itself lead to defects. Poor bonding of the tube to the concrete may yield an anomalous response. Unless a hole is drilled, it is not possible to inspect right to the base of a pile by this method. Specialist interpretation is generally necessary."
Abstract This paper discusses extensively the history of wheels, starting from its origin, up to its common use at present, which is for transportation. This paper also concerns itself with the development of automobile manufacturing and industry, since through many years, cars that have evolved into various models and functions haverelied on wheels as the important part of its structure to keep an automobile functioning.
From the Paper "The origin of wheels was said to have started during the Sumerian civilization, which was during the 3500 BC. However, there have been studies that prove that wheels are not only utilized, but also essential to other people or civilization primarily because these people think of the wheel as a symbolic material that represents intangible things. In fact, it was discovered that early Mesoamericans treat wheels as sacred objects, representing the "cycle of life, death, and rebirth" (Wirth 1996). The Mesoamericans were known to associate wheels with the ?supernatural, religious world,? thus establishing the fact that aside from the present utilitarian value of wheels, this object is also essential for its symbolic value."
Abstract This paper gives an insight into the principles of genetic engineering since its first concept by an Austrian monk named Gregor Mendel. It discusses how selective engineering of genetics is invaluable to the health and happiness of humans and how the importance of this issue has played second fiddle to the arguments, for and against genetic engineering for years. Examples are provided to argue the positive side of regeneration and to show how in time, genetic disorders such as "Down Syndrome" and "Multiple Sclerosis" could be made diseases of the past.
From the Paper "Even though there are a lot of risks, the possibilities of what we can do are endless. Genetic engineering should be allowed to progress because of the benefits for human beings outweigh the consequences. For example, cows could be genetically cloned to produce milk with medications in it. This means that vaccination shots and pills would become obsolete. Babies could be brought up immune to diseases by simply being fed milk. Imagine what this could mean for people who live in countries like Somalia. Whole countries could be made healthy and immune to disease."
Tags: dolly, cloning, regeneration, disease, dna, cancer
From the Paper "In order for the stakeholders in the shuttle program are to be satisfied that a disaster of the Challenger type will never occur again the decision making process that allowed the disaster must be explored. It is fair to state that certain kinds of decisions that stood on their own merit should no longer have credence.
In the broadest possible sense, despite the tremendous accomplishments of the engineers, scientists, and management involved in the shuttle program, the greatest mistake in respect to Challenger was enthusiasm. The groundwork for any project from ditch-digging to landing a rocket on the moon, must be laid with careful, methodical work that allows for no shortcutting..."
From the Paper "Primitive man used simple machines such as levers, the inclined plane, the pulley, the wedge, the wheel, and axle. It was considerably later that man discovered that it was possible to employ liquids and gasses to exert forces at a distance, leading to the introduction of a complex array of new machines based upon what is now known as fluid mechanics and/or hydraulics (Hydraulic pressure, 1998). A machine that transmits pressure by a liquid is a hydraulic machine, a technique discovered by Pascal, who found that a pressure applied to any part of a confined fluid transmits to every other part with no loss. The pressure acts with equal force on all equal areas of the confining vaults and perpendicular to the walls' in other words, pressure results from the interactions of pipes and cylinders and produces motion of various types (Hydraulic pressure, 1998). While hydraulics are regularly..."
From the Paper "While the invention of the internal combustion engine revolutionized transportation in the 20th century, it also brought with it many inherent problems, including a dependence on natural resources (oil) and air pollution, both of which have spurred research in recent years to find an alternative power source to run public and private forms of transportation. The best alternative is the battery-powered electric vehicle, but the limits of current technology severely restrict its practicality in terms of range, performance, cost, and flexibility (Siuru, 1998).
"High fuel efficiency and performance, lower emissions of greenhouse gases, and reasonable maintenance requirements are sought after features for engineers working to develop electric power generation systems for a free-piston internal combustion ..."
Abstract This paper discusses many different makes, models, and uses of microcontrollers, small computers that read inputs then output data to control other devices. The paper explains how a microcontroller works and points out that remote controls, "universal" remote control and "smart" appliances have microcontrollers.
From the Paper "Everyday microcontrollers are used in decoding infrared signals transmitted by our remote controls. Any object that generates heat can radiate an infrared signal. A microcontroller is capable of selecting a desired infrared signal based upon its frequency."
Tags: everyday, remote, control, smart, decoding, infrared, signals, standard, television
Reviews current information regarding the production of electromagnetic radiation (EMFs), links to human health problems and engineering solutions designed to control these problems.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, 1997, $ 55.95
From the Paper "The Production and Control of Electromagnetic Fields
Abstract
This article will review current information regarding the production of electromagnetic radiation (EMFs), links to human health problems, and engineering solutions designed to control these problems.
Introduction
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs), also known as electromagnetic radiation, consist of two distinct types: ionizing and non ionizing. On the EMF Spectrum, above visible light and starting in the ultra violet frequencies, ionizing radiation has sufficient capacity to break a chemical bond and thereby ..."
Abstract This research examines ring-laser gyroscopes and their applications. The findings of this research are presented in discussions of (1) the history and development of the ring-laser gyroscope, (2) applications of ring-laser gyroscop
From the Paper "RING-LASER GYROSCOPE: HISTORY, DEVELOPMENT, APPLICATIONS, AND FUTURE
Introduction
This research examines ring-laser gyroscopes and their applications. The findings of this research are presented in discussions of (1) the history and development of the ring-laser gyroscope, (2) applications of ring-laser gyroscope technology, and (3) the future of the ring-laser gyroscope.
History and Development
The ring-laser gyroscope is based on the following characteristics of light: "When two contrarotating beams of light are subject to an angular rotation in their planes, that motion causes one of the beams to transit a slightly greater path length than the other. This creates a shift in the..."
