Intelligent Infrastructure
Control Systems and Robotics
Task-oriented Mobile Actuator Sensor Networks (MAS-net)
Dr. Yangquan Chen
The task-oriented mobile actuator sensor networks (MAS-net) is a long term project emphasizing:
1. synergy of the latest wireless sensor network technology with ground mobile robot technology, and
2. how to instill the optimal spatially and temporally moving sampling and actuation behaviors such as chemotaxis, phototaxis etc. into the MAS-net to best characterize and/or mitigate the concerned distributed parameter system such as diffusion process or structural health monitoring etc.
Currently, we have built Intel mote based MAS-net platform for diffusion monitoring/characterization of nontoxic stage fog. When considering chemical neutralization of the possibly toxic fog using the same mobility platform, called "mobile actuator", the theoretical challenge is huge and there are a lot of high-level research opportunities especially when issues of formation motion, packet losses, communication channel capacity limit, among many others, are to be considered. This platform is also uniquely effective for mobile wireless sensor network research.
Electromagnetics and Wireless
Applied Electromagnetics Group
Development of multi-band communication modules.
Dr. Reyhan Baktur
Improvement and development of novel communication modules is the major focus of applied electromagnetics group. At present we are interested in the research of the following communication links:
1. Development of efficient multi-band antennas. The main objective is to improve the efficiency of antennas that operate on more than one band.
2. Development of passive microwave components at multi-bands, which includes developing matching networks for the multi-band antennas and multi-band band-pass filters that can be integrated with the antennas. It is expected that the novel band-pass filter can be multi-functional such as replacing the matching network for the antennas.
3. Development of multi-band passive components for multi-band application.
We are seeking calibration with faculties from other departments, universities and industry.
Hydraulic Systems Engineering
Submergence Effects on Labyrinth Weir Head/Discharge Relationships
Dr. Blake Tullis
Labyrinth weirs allow a larger flow capacity for a given upstream total energy condition relative to a linear weir. This advantage is diminished with high upstream energy head (Ht) values relative to crest height (P) and in submergence conditions. To more accurately describe the relationship between head and discharge in labyrinth weirs, recently conducted research at the Utah Water Research Laboratory provided a useful, reliable approach to submergence calculations in labyrinth weir design. The discharge coefficient, C, varies with both the weir crest type and flow rate. Sharp-, broad- and short-crested weirs as well as quarter-round, half-round and ogee-crested weirs each have individual discharge coefficient curves. The discharge coefficients typically published for various weir geometries are for flow conditions where the headwater elevation is not influenced by the tail water elevation (unsubmerged). Typical values of these coefficients for some common weir types range in value from approximately 2 to 4 (Aisenbrey 1995).
When the tail water becomes sufficiently high, typically due to a downstream control, an increase in upstream head or a decrease in discharge over the weir occurs and the weir is submerged.This condition may be the result of "a pre-existing low differential head over the weir, prolonged flooding, high vegetation in the downstream channel, undersized downstream channel, or an under designed culvert or bridge downstream from the weir" (Scoresby 1998).
Three-Dimensional Hydraulic Modeling to Improve Float-Method Accuracy in Irrigation Canals
Dr. Gary Merkley, Nat Marjang
A new three-dimensional mathematical model was developed by Nat Marjang and Gary Merkley of the Biological and
Irrigation Engineering Department. The model is based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations to determine
cross-sectional velocity profiles in rectangular open channels for steady-state, uniform-flow conditions.
It includes four different turbulence models: three algebraic stress models and one complete Reynolds stress model. The values of 28 variables at each computational node are found by applying the Newton-Raphson method with finite-difference forms of the governing equations. Iterations are performed at each computational node until the solution converges for the entire cross section. The model is currently being validated by comparing calculated solutions with laboratory data from two laboratory flumes. The results from this study will be applied to the float method for improving open-channel flow measurement accuracy with minimal equipment requirements.
Infrastructure Renewal
Evaluation of Progressive Collapse in Steel Structures
Dr. Keri Ryan
To defend against terrorism, federal buildings are designed to arrest progressive collapse following violent column removal caused by blast loading. Current design codes for progressive collapse require that the remaining structure be analyzed using linear static procedures to demonstrate its stability under gravity loads (see figure). These requirements may be inadequate since neither the dynamic response to an impact loading nor the nonlinear material response of the structure is considered. While typical models can predict collapse based on the ultimate limit state, they do not account for premature brittle failure modes that are difficult to anticipate. In this research, we propose to develop improved models to predict progressive collapse in structures, and suggest improved design procedures based on extensive analysis with these models.
Static and Dynamic Testing of a Curved Steel Girder Bridge
Dr. Paul Barr
Several bridges along the I-15 corridor in Salt Lake City, Utah were tested using forced and ambient vibrations, as well as diagnostic load testing. The three span curved girder bridge that was tested for this project was subjected to three different condition states. The condition states were obtained by altering the boundary conditions and monitoring how these changes affect both the dynamic and the static response of the bridge. The dynamic response was monitored by attaching an eccentric mass shaker to the bridge and measuring the accelerations at various locations. The static response was monitored by attaching strain gages at various locations and measuring the changes in strain as a load truck slowly drove across the length of the bridge. Both tests have improved the understanding of how bridges response to earthquakes and daily truck loads.
Networks and Concurrent Systems
Reconfigurable Computing Group
Dr. Aravind Dasu
Application driven novel computing approaches is the focus of research of the Reconfigurable Computing Group. Our research vectors are (1) Scientific computing on FPGA systems (2) High level synthesis/compilation for FPGAs (3) computational biology and (4) Cognitive video processors.
We are supported through external funding and equipment donations from Lockheed Martin Corp., NASA, Starbridge Systems Inc. Xilinx and Altera Corp.
We actively collaborate with faculty from several departments across campus such as Mechanical & Aerospace engineering, Biology and Physics. More information can be found at http://rcg.usu.edu
(Image used is modified version of original NASA image.)
Transportation Networks
Reliability Issues of Transportation Networks
Dr. Anthony Chen, Henry Liu
Experience with earthquakes has provided compelling evidence of transportation infrastruture's critical role in restoring normalcy as well as the need for reliable transportation under natural or man-made disasters. Dr. Anthony's research team is working on developing an integrated framework to examine the reliability issues of transportation networks. The results from this research will be useful to provide better protection, mitigation, and
recovery strategies of our nation's critical infrastructures.