Master's Papers and Projects

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1995 Virginia Tech master plan proposal : open space master plan and long range strategies for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
Tubach, Paul B. (Virginia Tech, 1995-12-14)
Fifty years ago, with a population of 2,331 students on campus, no one would have thought to plan for a student population to increase by 20,000. The same is true for today: if Virginia Tech doesn't have a plan for the next 50 years and another hypothetical 20,000 students, we will exhaust our natural resources and impoverish the beauty of the campus. The development of Long Range Strategies and an Open Space Plan will help protect the quality and character of the campus many have come to remember her by.
Academic programming for the high school student-athlete
Leeson, Billy Lee (Virginia Tech, 1990-01-15)
An athletic scholarship can assist the parents of high school student-athletes tremendously with the financial burden by allowing their children the opportunity to receive a college education. However, many parents and high school student-athletes find out too late that academics play a vital role in securing an athletic scholarship. The intended use of this Academic Programming Manual was designed to enlighten parents and high school student athletes in reaching their goals in obtaining an athletic scholarship and also understanding the importance academics play in the role of athletics.
Accountability Mechanisms and Mission-Based Activity: A Nonprofit Agency Serving Immigrants and Refugees
Christensen, Rachel Atkin (Virginia Tech, 2002-04-16)
This paper assesses the relationship between accountability mechanisms and the mission-based services provided by nonprofit organizations serving refugees and immigrants in America. Currently, over 28.4 million immigrants, ten percent of the nationâ s total population, are estimated to be living in the United States. Many nonprofit organizations were founded specifically to serve these individuals. Nonprofits today are feeling intense accountability pressures, as they are being asked to justify the services they deliver and their operations. Therefore, to comply with funding and regulatory agencies, these organizations are integrating multiple methods and systems of evaluation. This paper examines accountability processes in a nonprofit agency serving immigrants and refugees. In particular, it identifies to whom the case study organization is accountable and the accountability mechanisms used in the case studied. This research further focuses on the time requirements of those mechanisms, the relationship between the mechanisms, and, finally, the impact of the accountability mechanisms on the mission-based activities of the organization.
ACT++ 3.0: implementation of the actor model using POSIX threads
Khare, Arjun (Virginia Tech, 1994-07-15)
The actor model provides a framework for writing concurrent programs. ACT ++ is an implementation of the actor model in C++, allowing concurrent programs to be written in an object-oriented style. In ACT++, each actor is an object possessing one or more independent threads of control. Version 2.0 of ACT ++ uses the PRESTO threads package. As PRESTO threads are available only for certain architectures and operating systems, its use does not meet one of the goals of ACT ++, namely portability among a variety of architectures. To facilitate portability, ACT++ 3.0 is written using the IEEE POSIX 1003.4a standard for threads (Pthreads). This project deals with the implementation of ACT++ 3.0, the testing of the implementation, and its performance.
Actor systems platform design and implementation of the actor paradigm in a distributed object-oriented environment
Joshi, Nandan (Virginia Tech, 1993-08-05)
This project was undertaken as part of an effort to explore the design of object -oriented systems that are distributed, concurrent, real-time and/or embedded in nature. This work seeks to integrate the concurrency features of the actor model in a distributed, object oriented environment, ESP. The integrated system, called the Actor Systems Platform (ASP), provides a platform for designing concurrent, distributed applications. The actor model provides a mechanism for expressing the inherent concurrency in an application. The concurrency in the application can be exploited by the distributed features available in ESP. The actor abstraction in ASP is provided by a application-level class hierarchy in ESP. The message passing semantics of the actor model are implemented by using special operator overloading in C++. Cboxes are implemented to provide a synchronization mechanism and a means of returning replies. In a concurrent system, simultaneous execution of an object's methods can cause its state to be inconsistent. This is prevented by providing a method locking mechanism using behavior sets. While integrating the concurrency features of the actor model in an object-oriented environment, differences were encountered in determining the invocation semantics of the actor model and those of inherited methods. The problem is investigated and a taxonomy of solutions is presented.
Addressing Barriers to Brownfield Redevelopment: An Analysis of CERCLA and the Voluntary Cleanup Programs of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan
Hudak, Tracy A. (Virginia Tech, 2002-04-19)
Across America, thousands of old industrial or commercial facilities lay abandoned, idle or under-utilized due to real or perceived environmental contamination. These sites, called brownfields, present an opportunity to repair environmental damage and encourage economic development. In 1980, Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) to address contaminated sites. This law enables the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to force the cleanup of contaminated sites by using the â polluter paysâ principle. In some cases, CERCLAâ s liability scheme, strict cleanup standards and the lawâ s tendency to produce long and expensive cleanups, discourage brownfield reuse. In an effort to remedy the negative consequences of CERCLA, 47 states have enacted Voluntary Cleanup Programs (VCPs). A VCP generically denotes a form of legislation enacted by a state to encourage the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields under the guidance of an authorized state agency. State VCPs utilize liability protection, streamlined cleanup procedures, and financial support to promote brownfield reuse. This paper examines the VCPs of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan to explore how these states address CERCLAâ s barriers to brownfield redevelopment. In addition, this paper offers recommendations for the development and improvement of VCPs in the future.
Administration position description update for Virginia Tech athletics
Edwards, Angelique S. (Virginia Tech, 1994-06-17)
The topic of this project is employee job descriptions within an athletic department. This project involves Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Athletic Department's top eight administrators. The job descriptions were reviewed and updated to ensure compliance with federal and state governments, university personnel office, and governing organizations. Since the ratification of Title VI many organizations have had to update their systems to comply with the Title VI legislation. In 1964, when Title VI of the Civil Rights Act was passed, many organizations found that they were not in compliance.
An advanced system for quantifying the effects of radiological releases following a major nuclear accident
Burnfield, Daniel L. (Virginia Tech, 1994-04-15)
Although the use of nuclear power has several advantages over the burning of fossil fuels, it has several disadvantages also. The inherent danger of a nuclear accident at a power plant is one of these disadvantages. Although the probability of an accident is very low in comparison to other risks we normally encounter, the consequences are significant. Thousands of local citizens could be exposed to radiation levels more than the normal background levels. It is the responsibility of the State to make the necessary decisions regarding the evacuation of its citizens. To make the best decision possible, it is necessary to obtain a large amount of information regarding the concentration of radionuclides being released and to quickly make projections of the exposure to ionizing radiation of the neighbors of the plant.
Affordable Housing Policy: Integration of Land Use Tools and the Role of State Growth Management
Morrow, Melissa Josephine (Virginia Tech, 2001-06-13)
Affordable housing is recognized as a problem in many localities throughout the United States. Local governments have the power to influence housing affordability through land use policies. Land use tools exist to address affordable housing.. However, these tools are primarily used to address other environmental, economic, and social issues. When implemented to serve other land use objectives, these tools can have a negative impact on affordable housing. This paper will describe the link between land use regulations and affordable housing, suggest the land use tools necessary to encourage affordable housing from a state growth management perspective, and examine how California, Oregon, and the Portland Metropolitan Region have utilized the tools in their affordable housing policies. Finally, this paper applies the lessons learned from the cases to recommend further action to assist in the integration of land use tools as a means of advancing affordable housing goals.
Agroforestry opportunities and constraints in the Água de Gato Watershed, Santiago, Cape Verde Islands
Delgado, Orlando Jesus (Virginia Tech, 1996-08-23)
The objectives of this study were to determine the opportunities, constraints, and willingness of the inhabitants and non-resident landowners to adopt a new land-use system in the Agua de Gato Watershed, to determine the degree of agroforestry technical support available to farmers in the watershed, and to determine suitable agroforestry systems which can be adapted to the watershed according to its biological and physical conditions. A random group of farmers of the Agua de Gato Watershed and a group of technicians working on the island of Santiago were interviewed in order to get individual and general information about the farms the and practice of agroforestry in the watershed. Only 56% of the technicians knew or had some knowledge about agroforestry, and the farmers think that they do not have enough technical support for better development of agriculture in the watershed. Although most of the farmers had a small piece of land, averaging 1.1 ha, most of them, 92%, were willing to adopt an agroforestry system as a new land use system for their farms.
Aircraft carrier anti-air self defense system design and analysis
Deligne, William J. (Virginia Tech, 1995-01-05)
U.S. Navy ships are highly susceptible to the threat of high-speed cruise missiles. Aircraft carriers are no exception. These ships must be deployed with an effective anti-air self-defense system to ensure the survivability of the ship and enable it to meet its mission. Based on a predetermined threat scenario and various performance requirements, this report selects various radar and weapons systems from existing assets to form an integrated anti-air self-defense system. The report is broken down into two sections: concept design and preliminary design. Concept design consists of defining the requirements and establishing the basic combat systems functions necessary to perform anti-air self-defense. Also, a maintenance philosophy is discussed which will assist in defining the type of maintenance facilities required aboard ship. Preliminary design looks at the various assets available that would enable us to design a system that would meet the stated requirements. Preliminary design develops a topside arrangement consisting of the major sensors, missile systems, and gun systems as well as a below deck arrangement of the major command and control facility necessary to run the combat system. In preliminary design the integrated performance of the anti-air self-defense system is determined with respect to system coverage, kill probabilities, overall system reliability, and availability. The results of the report show that in order to meet the required kill probabilities a four-tier anti-air self-defense system is required consisting of standard missile, NATO seasparrow missile, rolling airframe missile and close-in weapon system (25mm gun system). The report also shows that in order to meet the overall system reliability and availability required to simultaneously engage and defeat high altitude missiles, low altitude missiles and conduct flight operations, four air surveillance radars are required: SPS-52 and SPS-49 for high altitude missile and TAS and SPS-67 for low altitude missiles.
Airplane dynamic modeling and automatic flight control design
Wolfe, Douglas E. (Virginia Tech, 1990)
This Systems Engineering project report discusses the design and implementation of automatic flight controls. The general airplane equations of motion are developed and used to calculate transfer functions for a Cessna 172 airplane. Automatic controllers were designed for four common autopilot modes (pitch control, altitude hold, roll control, and heading hold). Implementation of a flight control design was accomplished using single degree of freedom roll equations for a model airplane wing. The feedback compensation design was ground tested in a simulated wind tunnel and met performance requirements. All the elements of automatic flight control design are described in this report.
Algae control in bentgrass (Agrostis palustris) with DC5772 and Profile
McBane, Scott J. (Virginia Tech, 1997)
Despite efforts at both cultural and chemical control, the growth of surface algae in fine turf has become a problem for golf course managers nationwide. Most turfgrass management problems with algae occur during the summer when excess irrigation and warm temperatures are combined with high light intensities (2). When the population level is high, algae form a mat of dark green to black slime layer on the soil surface. This mat will cause problems with aesthetics, playability, and cultural conditions. Chemicals presently labeled to manage algae in turf do not meet acceptable control levels. Alkoxysilanes are used for the control of algal growth in water intended for domestic and industrial uses (3). This compound has also been found to exhibit algicidal activity while chemically bonded to a variety of substrates (1,3). This investigation was designed to test the hydrolysis product of an alkoxysilane compound, 3-(trimethoxysily)-propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride (Si-QAC), chemically bonded to a porous ceramic soil modifier, Profile^™, to control algae in fine turf. Both field trials and laboratory experiments were conducted. The field experiments were set up at two locations and were rated visually. Four rates of Si-QAC (0.0%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 1.0% a.i.) dried to Profile^™ were compared against two fungicides, Daconil Weather-Stik™ and Fore™, and two rates of Algaen-X™. Mist chamber experiments were also conducted in which experimentally treated Profile^™, was inoculated with a suspension of algal cells. A chlorophyll analysis was performed as a means of quantifying the algae present in each treatment. Field research demonstrated the Profile^™ treatments out performed the liquid fungicide treatments in controlling surface algae. However, there was little statistical separation between the Profile^™ treatments indicating Profile^™ alone may possess some degree of algae control. Mist chamber studies showed that amended Profile^™ was able to delay the colonization of algae. It was also noted the 1.0% a.i. caused the Profile^™ to become hydrophobic. Management practices which promote a dry soil surface coupled with a preventative fungicide/algicide program are the only means available to combat surface algae as long as environmental conditions favor their development. 1. Isquith, A.J., E.A. Abbott, and P.A.Walters. 1972. Surface-bonded antimicrobial activity of an organosilicon quaternary ammonium chloride. Applied Microbiology. 6:859-863. 2. Mets, S.P., and P.F. Colbaugh. 1995. Evaluation of Natural Products for Algicide Activity Using a Laboratory Bioassay. Texas Turfgrass Research Reports. 83-85. 3. Walters, P.A., E.A. Abbott, and A.J. Isquith. 1973. Algicidal activity of a surface bonded organosilicon quaternary ammonium chloride. Applied Microbiology. 2:253-256.
Alternative Fuels: Incompletely Addressing the Problems of the Automobile
Shasby, Benjamin Matthew (Virginia Tech, 2004-05-25)
The inordinate reliance of the United States on the automobile for transportation causes a number of problems for the nation. Finite supplies of petroleum imported from volatile parts of the world place the economy at risk from price spikes and eventual depletion. Pollution from motor vehicle exhaust has public health and environmental consequences. Many politicians, automotive interest groups, and others advocate for the use of alternative fuels to replace fossil fuels. This paper investigates the advantages and disadvantages of the following: Natural Gas, Ethanol, Biodiesel, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, and Hybrid Gasoline Electric Systems. The paper concludes with a discussion of the problems associated with the automobile that will not be addressed through a movement towards alternative fuels: urban sprawl, transportation equity, environmental degradation, and public health.
Alternative methods of determining the orientation of a stellar camera
Rae, Scott M. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1987)
Stellar photography has found use in the calibration of mapping cameras and in determining the orientation of the stellar cameras serving as attitude sensors, e.g. the lunar mapping cameras on the NASA Apollo 15, 16, and 17 missions. The equations used to relate the image measurements to the attitude of the camera are the collinearity equations of photogrammetry. These require initial approximations to the unknown attitude angles and the use of an iterative Gaussian correction algorithm. Simpler methods are described which do not require initial approximations to the unknown angles. Two of the methods are modifications of the Church method of space resection and the third is based on the mathematical formulation of a rotation transformation about a single axis. The methods require only two images for a solution. Modifications are given for using the methods with aerial and terrestrial photographs when the camera position is known and two or more control points are imaged on a photograph.
Aluminum Fatigue: A literature review covering its influence on engineering from design to end of service
Farmer, Stephen M. (Virginia Tech, 2022-12-20)
This article is an examination of the field of fatigue research on aluminum alloys. It covers the historical development of the field of fatigue from its creation in the 1830s to modern times. The remainder of the paper is a survey on aluminum fatigue and research that covers the entire span of the design process. This includes research into the effects of manufacturing methods on the fatigue of parts and alloys. This is followed by analysis on methods of monitoring fatigue damage while a system is in service including sensors, methods of inspection as well as structural health monitoring systems and how they contribute to the understanding of fatigue or the mitigation of its effects. Additionally, methods of maintenance and repair are examined with focus the mechanisms they exploit to retard crack propagation and extend the fatigue lifetime of the part or system. Overarching themes of analysis across all areas covered include the motivation of the research as to whether it is meant to advance the understanding of the mechanisms of fatigue or to compensate for the lack of understanding of these mechanisms.
AMCROSS message traffic analysis
Wegner, Douglas Michael (Virginia Tech, 1996)
The American Red Cross (ARC) provides many valuable services. One such service is to provide 24-hour emergency communications for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families worldwide. AMCROSS is the communications network supporting this service. AMCROSS is managed by EMERCOMM, a unit of the Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) branch of the ARC. Due to tightening Department of Defense budget constraints, subsidies received by AFES are shrinking. This situation deems it necessary to evaluate the existing operations for possible enhancing modifications. This project conducts performance analysis and system modeling to quantitatively understand important characteristics and patterns involving AMCROSS message flow. This understanding helps define an origin from which performance benchmarking and system improvement can evolve. The performance analysis quantitatively describes the message activity flowing in, out, and through the AMCROSS system, thus, establishing several viable message-handling metrics. The system modeling focuses on incoming telephone operating margins. The operating margins are determined with a mathematical model applying multi-channel queuing theory. The modeling results showed adequate telephone resources exist for current peak-hour conditions; however, increased caller traffic could leave customer service below acceptable standards. Model sensitivity analysis identifies potential cost savings for shortening the time required for an operator to receive a caller's message.
America's Converging Open Space Protection Policies: Evidence from New Hampshire, Virginia and Oregon
Appler, Douglas R. (Virginia Tech, 2003-04-22)
The nature of open space protection in America is changing. All across the country, states have begun to converge on a common set of tools designed to protect the rural land within their borders from development. Ideas which are successful in one state are being borrowed and copied in others. When adopted in a new state, these tools work in conjunction with, or sometimes replace, the state's traditional methods of open space protection. The adoption of these new tools is important because it highlights the fact that traditional approaches to preserving open space may no longer be able to protect land to the degree desired by local residents. The more quickly policy makers become aware of this trend, the more quickly they can begin to search for new ideas to slow the loss of open space. This paper shows that the convergence of open space protection policies is taking place first by documenting the widespread popularity of open space protection throughout the country, and then by chronicling the relevant policy changes of three representative states: New Hampshire, Virginia, and Oregon. It closes with a discussion of the importance of this shift to the planning profession, and it identifies three future challenges for open space protection in the United States. It also includes an appendix, which gives a detailed discussion of three different approaches to defining â Open Space,â and gives examples of each approach.
Analysis and design of a triangular cross section truss for a highway bridge
Durfee, Robert Huntington (Virginia Tech, 1983-12-05)
A review of the available literature on past and present uses and advantages of a triangular cross-section truss was made. A span length of 150 feet was selected for study of a truss to carry two-lane traffic over a 30-foot wide roadway. The structural analysis program TRUSS1, written by the author, was used for preliminary analysis of various truss configurations. Several primary bracing, sway bracing, and truss depth configurations were analyzed, and final selection for design was based on least weight criteria. The final design conformed to the AASHTO Bridge Specifications. The design dealt with member selection considering buckling and stress constraints, joint design, deflection critiera, bearings, and secondary stress considerations. The structural analysis program STRUDL was used to check the final design and verify the accuracy and results of the TRUSS1 program. The paper cited 80 references.
Analysis and implementation of software reuse measurement
Terry, Carol G. (Virginia Tech, 1993)
Software reuse has been shown to increase quality and productivity [Card et al 86] [Browne et al 90] [Frakes 91] [Agresti and Evanco 92]. As researchers and development organizations begin to recognize the potential benefits of systematic reuse of software, formal measures of the amount of reuse in a given system or subsystem are needed. A formal measurement of software reuse will provide software developers and managers with the necessary data to track reuse progress. This project and report describe such a measurement of parts-based reuse, building upon the reuse level metric and the rl software tool as described by Frakes in [Frakes 90] and [Frakes 92]. This paper reviews the current research literature in the areas of software reuse and software reuse metrics. The reuse metrics proposed by Frakes are extended to include reuse frequency and a reuse complexity weighting. The metrics are formally defined. Results from extensive testing of rl are reported and correlated with program size. The enhancements made to the rl program include: Specification of the reuse frequency metric, An additional call graph abstraction for reuse measurement, Weighting of software components for complexity, Allowing the user to specify the number of uses of a software element which indicate reuse, And providing multiple choices for abstraction entities.

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