2005 Fall - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering - West Virginia ...

West Virginia UniversityCollege of Engineering and Mineral ResourcesMECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERINGVolume XXVIII Fall/Winter 2006 www.mae.cemr.wvu.eduFULFILLING OUR MISSIONGreat achievements have been the result of great challenges. In the 1960’s,our department rose to unprecedented levels of excellence, along with therest of the US science and technology establishment, while responding tothe Sputnik scare. In the 1980’s, our productivity grew along with that ofthe country in response to the now forgotten Japan Inc. phenomenon. In the1990’s, continued improvements were and continue to be made possible byempowerment of our students, faculty, and staff. You will get a glimpse ofthis continued transformation of the department in this report. Furthermore,we reflect on what lies ahead.There are those who say that market forces will restore the balance, andthey are right. There is no denying that those of us that anticipate theunavoidable challenges will benefit in the process. Because of the long time Ever Barbero, Chairit takes to complete a Ph.D. degree, about nine years past 12 th grade, a greatopportunity lies with training the teachers and research leaders of the future, for which there is a greatdemand. The ranks of Ph.D.s in government and industry, as well as university faculty are laden withtalented people that will retire in the next five to ten years, and we are not producing nearly enough toreplace them. Furthermore, security concerns have choked the influx of gifted immigrant students thatwould otherwise fill our doctoral programs.In Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, we are responding to these challenges and thus fulfilling ourmission of teaching and research while elevating the department to new heights of excellence andreputation among our peers.WVU recognized for diversity* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *The College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University (WVU) has beenrecognized for diversity by Hispanic Business magazine in its September issue. WVU ranked eighth onthe magazines list of Top 10 Best Engineering Schools for Hispanics. The publication surveyed close to200 schools in the categories-enrollment, faculty, student services, retention rate and reputation. Themagazine also cited WVU’s proximity to the National Energy Technology Laboratory, The NationalInstitute of Occupational Safety and Health and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration forproviding many research opportunities for WVU students.More information on rankings available at: http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/magazine/

Pumpkin DropThe 18 th Annual Pumpkin Drop was held at the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at WestVirginia University on October 28, 2005. The sport has a traditional crowd of over 1000 and is enjoyedby both young and old. Gourd Hurlers fling the pumpkins from the top of the Engineering SciencesBuilding at a target eleven floors below. The challenge of the contest is to hit closest to the target centerand have the pumpkins stay intact.This event was sponsored by the WVU Student Chapter of American Society of Mechanical Engineerswith all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House. A total of 133 pumpkins were dropped.Connellsville Junior High West took the first place with a distance of 1 foot. Suncrest Middle SchoolTAG class took second place with a distance of 2 feet 4 inches. Trinity Christian School took thirdplace with a distance of 3 feet 7 inches.THE ACADEMY OF DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI INDUCTS NEW MEMBERSThe Academy of Distinguished Alumni ofAerospace Engineering was pleased to inductDr. Baxter R. Mullins Jr. and Dr. Marvin DaleMartin in May 2005 at their annual springceremony. Dr. Baxter Mullins joined theGeneral Dynamic Corporation as an AeroSystems Engineering specialist receiving hisBSAE degree at WVU. By 1979, he raised to asenior position with responsibility for threatanalysis and the design and the verification ofweapon system simulations for the Air ForceElectronic Warfare Evaluation Simulator.After completing his MSE degree at SouthMethodist University, Dr. Mullins beganworking on his Ph.D. degree at the University ofTexas, Arlington while teaching a variety ofcourses. Dr. Mullins continued to teach aftercompleting his Ph.D., performing research anddeveloping a reputation for his expertise in avariety of areas including Aerodynamics andAtmospheric Flight Mechanics of Aircraft inadverse weather conditions, including airframeicing, wind shear and turbulence.Dr. Mullins served as director of TCSConsulting from 1986 to 1996. He specialized inflight vehicle design, modeling, simulation andwind tunnel testing and accident reconstruction.He also worked with a variety of defense andaircraft companies. From 1996 to the present, hehas worked for Bell Helicopter Textron; joiningthe company as a staff engineer and rising to theposition of Chief, Research Project andTechnology Programs.Dr. Marvin Dale Martin went to work as aMechanical Engineer for the U.S. Department ofNavy, Bureau of Ships in Washington, D.C.upon the completion of his BSME degree in1952 from WVU. He proceeded to receive asteady series of promotions until he reached therank of GS-15 and the title of Head Engineer forSystems Performance in 1966.Dr. Martin was one of the principal inventors ofmany of the control systems for bothexperimental high-speed hydrofoils and AirCushion Vehicles. His responsibilities includedboth automatic and manual control of shipaltitude, stability, steering, hydrofoilextension/retraction systems, and a variety ofstabilization systems. He was the ProjectEngineer/Manager for the Navy’s first activatedfin stabilizer system-a system still in widespreaduse today. He developed a novel low-altituderadar altimeter and managed the development ofa special cable-laying system and thespecifications a ship to carry out the operations.As one of his final project of his career, DrMartin originated and managedIndustry/Navy/Joined Services AutomaticTesting Project. This project was an extremelycomplex undertaking to assess the impact ofcomplex weapon systems.

FACULTY AWARDSEach year, the College of Engineering andMineral Resources selects an awards thoseindividuals who have demonstrated exemplaryperformance in the areas of advising, researchand teaching. During the University’s Weekendof Honors Ceremony on April 15, 2005 atErickson Alumni Center, the Universityannounced its outstanding advisors, researchersand teachers.Dr. Mridul Gautam was named one of the fiveoutstanding researchers for the College ofEngineering and Mineral Resources for 2004-05.Professor Mridul Gautam is an internationallyrecognized expert in the area of heavy-dutymobile source exhaust emissions, and aerosolsampling, particulate matter measurement,characterization, and control. He has beeninstrumental in the development and operationof the National Research Center for AlternativeFuels, Engines and Emissions program at WVU,and currently serves as its Co-Director. He isalso serving as the Director of the NationalCenter for Mining Engines and Safety.Dr. Xingbo Liu was awarded the NewResearcher of the year His active areas ofresearch are high temperature alloys foraerospace and power generation industries,processing, microstructure and materialsproperties interaction, liquid metal corrosion andnano materials.Dr. John Kuhlman was selected as the StudentSection Advisor of the American Society ofMechanical Engineers. This award recognizesadvisors/faculty/staff who have madecontribution above and beyond the call of dutyto their organizations.Dr. Victor H. Mucino and Dr. James E. Smithwas this years recipients of the Academy ofDistinguished Alumni Teaching Award. TheAcademy of Distinguished Alumni of AerospaceEngineering and the Academy of MechanicalEngineering in Mechanics established this awardto recognize excellence in teaching within thedepartment.A partnership between WVU and Queretaro(Mexico) has been awarded a US-AID/ALOgrant under the TIES-II Program. This is a multidisciplinary project that involves engineering,agricultural sciences, business and education todevelop greenhouse technologies for ruralcommunity development. The proposal wassubmitted on behalf of WVU by Dr. Victor H.Mucino. Currently, Dr. Mucino directs WVU'sIndustrial Outreach Program in Mexico, inwhich he takes WVU students to Queretaro,Mexico, to team them up with Mexican studentsand conduct meaningful industrial projects.Intermixed teams of students work withengineers from industry across disciplines andcultures.Dr. James E. Smith has taught at the Universitysince 1976, before which he was a ResearchEngineer for the Department of Energy (DOE).Dr. Smith is currently the Director of the Centerfor Industrial Research Applications (CIRA) atWest Virginia University where he is a Professorin the Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringDepartment. Dr. Smith has been involved intransferring technology from academia into thecommercial sector. To date, he has helped formseven companies that now market commercialapplications of technology developed throughWest Virginia University.UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPSJason Gross, a dual major in Mechanical andAerospace Engineering was awarded theundergraduate scholarship of $1000. He serversas the Vice-Chairman of the Student BodyGovernment.

The 2005 Mid-Atlantic Region Award ofSigma Gamma Tau was received by AaronShinn. This award honors the top eightoutstanding Aerospace Engineering Seniors inthe United States and is based on academic,service and extracurricular accomplishments.The Jerome B. Fanucci Scholarship wasawarded to Hussein H. Ammar for the 2005-2006 academic year. This scholarship is namedfor Jerome B. Fanucci, a former faculty memberin the department. Its given to students who havedemonstrated outstanding academicperformance, and is provided by donations fromalumni, faculty, staff and friends of thedepartment.The Honor Undergraduate Student Awardrecipient was Aaron Shinn. This honor isawarded for exceptional academic andtechnical achievement participation inextracurricular activities and excellence intheir chosen profession.The CNG Scholarship is funded by anendowment income provided by CNGCorporation. This scholarship is awarded to ajunior or senior engineering student based onappropriate academic qualifications.The 2004-2005 recipients of this award were EliLitton and Frank Wineland.The Charles C. Copenhaver Scholarship isfunded by the Estate of Charles C. Copenhaver.This scholarship is awarded to students majoringin an engineering field. The 2004-2005recipients of this award were Theodore Adamsand Ryan Starn.The Governor’s Honors AcademyScholarship is awarded to students attending theWest Virginia Governor’s Honors Academy.These students are selected from among the bestacademic-achieving students throughout WestVirginia. This scholarship is awarded for fourundergraduate years. The 2004-2005 recipient ofthis award was John Harman.The Homer P. Nutter Scholarship funded byHobet Mining and Construction Company. Thisscholarship is awarded to a West Virginiaresident based on academic ability and isawarded to a Mining, Civil, Electrical orMechanical Engineering students. The 2004-2005 recipients of this award were Lola Burkeand Aaron Shinn.GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDThe Kumar Tamma Award is named in honor of Dr. Kumar Tamma, former Assistant Professor andAssociate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at WVU and major contributor to theestablishment of this award. This award is given annually to the outstanding student in the mastersprogram continuing for a doctorate in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The 2004-2005 recipientof this award was Sam George.STUDENT ACTIVITES AND PROJECTSSigma Xi National Honor Society, WVUchapter conducted “Sigma Xi Graduate ResearchDay Competition” at National Research Centerfor Coal and Energy (NRCCE) on April 25,2005. Bhyrav Mutnuri, a graduate researchassistant supported by the Constructed FacilitiesCenter on the Center of Excellence Projectentitled “Characterization, Evaluation andImplementation of Fiber Reinforced PolymerComposites for Highway Infrastructure” securedthe first place. The topic of his presentation was“Thermal Conductivity Characterization ofComposite Materials.” The second place wasawarded to Mohit Bhardwaj, a graduateassistant and his topic of presentation was“Water Vapor Diffusion through Glass FiberReinforced Nano Composites.”

ASME ConferenceJason Gross, student body president(correct caption)Curtis Groves was selected for a position in aCo-Op program at NASA. He will participate inthe development of thermal data books forExpendable Launch Vehicles (Atlas V, Delta II,Delta IV and Pegasus) and in the developmentof thermo physical properties database for use inthermal modeling efforts.Heath Morris, an undergraduate student waselected as the SAC Vice President for theacademic year 2005-06.The WVU student chapter of the AmericanSociety of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)served as host of the ASME Region V RegionalStudent Conference. The conference gathers thebest and the brightest mechanical engineeringstudents from schools to compete in thecompetitions that test the skills they havedeveloped in their mechanical engineeringstudies. This conference was held from March31 to April 2, 2005 with over 250 students andadvisors in attendance. According to studentconference chair Karen Peyatt, “The Conferenceallows student participants to gain valuableknowledge as they collaboratively design andbuild structures for the formal and informalcompetitions that are part of the conference.Other students will sharpen their criticalthinking abilities by participating hr technicalpaper and poster competitions.”ALUMNI NEWSEric Macfarlane graduated from WVU in the spring 2005 and was hired as a mechanical engineer forNAVSEA Naval Surface Warfare Center-Indian Head Division in July 2004. He is primarily involvedwith propellant formulations and is responsible for developing an Extended Range Gun Munitions for theNavy. He is named Engineer in Charge (EIC) of the Nitramine Propellant Facility and is directly incharge of his own program. He is also involved in researching functionally gradient explosives in dial-ayieldwarheads.Ziheng Yao, (2005) a Ph.D. graduate from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering atWVU is working as Technical Specialist in the Core Laboratories, Inc., Houston, Texas. CoreLaboratories is a leading provider of proprietary and patented reservoir description, productionenhancement and reservoir management services for the global petroleum industry. Ziheng Yao’s jobfunction includes performing and developing various rock mechanics tests, wellbore stability and

hydraulic fracture design based on Core Laboratories data. It includes analyzing and solving problemsencountered in the oil and gas industry.Daniel J. Moyers finished his undergraduate program from WVU and joined JPL as a student employee.JPL has launched the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in August 2005. The Mars Phoenix Lander will beblasting off in 2007, and the Mars Science Laboratory will begin its journey in the 2009/2011 time frame.Daniel will likely work on the Mars Science Laboratory Mission in the future after finished his graduateprogram which he joined this semester at Stanford UniversityDONOR RECOGNITIONIn this section, we wish to recognize those individuals and corporations that through their generosity havean indelible impact on the life of students in MAE. In this issue, we will to recognize donations receivedin the period of July 2005 to December 31, 2005. Our apologies to those that have been omittedinadvertently.Tyco Electronics FoundationMr. Richard L. FalkensteinMr. and Mrs. Robert W. WalterMr. and Mrs. Jerry J. SmutneyMr. and Mrs. Bob KeithDr. and Mrs. Larry D. StricklandMr. and Mrs. Gerard IacouzzeMrs. Joelle M. Spagnuolo-LorettaMr. Robert H. StammDr. and Mrs. Richard E. WaltersMr. and Mrs. John E. Higginbotham, Jr.Mr. Mark D. SanetrikMr. Richard J. KacikDr. and Mrs. Frank T. BakerMr. and Mrs. Marion Parsons, Jr.Mr. Daniel M. HodgkissMr. Ravi K. BahlMr. J D. FaberMr. James P. O'Leary, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Thomas BubnickControl Line Equipment, IncPactiv CorporationMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey L. YocumMr. Thomas R. Wilson, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey NewelMr. and Mrs. Ervin J. HunterMr. and Mrs. Roy M. TurnerMr. Stephen B. ColeDr. and Ms. John M. KuhlmanMr. and Mrs. Robert A. GoreMr. Frank J. ShulerMr. Leonard LandauMr. and Mrs. Edward L. PerryDr. and Mrs. James D. WilsonMr. Warren J. BoordMr. Alva R. CummingsMr. and Mrs. William C. CavageMr. and Mrs. James G. CouchMr. and Mrs. Henry M. WordMr. Morgan DunnMr. and Mrs. Greg R. BaughmanMs. Deborah L. MillerMr. and Mrs. Robert R. LenhartBoeing CompanyMs. Sheree L. GibsonMr. Harry G. GibsonMr. and Mrs. Gregory S. BabeMr. and Mrs. James E. HardyMr. and Mrs. David N. BarrettMr. David N. StricklandMr. Stan T. SerpentoMr. and Mrs. Marcus S. GilbertMs. Martha E. RotterMs. Kendra L. BelcherWilliam and Benita CriseDr. and Mrs. John E. SneckenbergerMr. John W. ByrdMount View NurseryMr. Edgar C. FearnowMr. and Mrs. Joseph S. LuchiniMr. and Mrs. Steven P. ShaverMr. and Mrs. Thomas K. ArmstrongDr. Frank M. ShipperMr. Frederick L. MarrMr. and Mrs. Frank OffuttMr. and Ms. Alan S. PyleMr. Phillip M. SabreeMs. Karen E. WardenMr. and Mrs. James F. Edwards, Jr.

Donor Recognition Continued:Lt. Col. James F. GuzziMr. Robert J. PokorskiMr. Arthur M. BreeMr. and Mrs. Marvin L. Vest, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Jamison IIMr. and Mrs. David A. SmithMr. David R. BungardDow CorpMr. Richard L. RoodMr. and Mrs. George E. Booth, Sr.Mr. Steven B. ClagettMr. John D. PellegrinMr. Richard YungwirthMr. John W. CampbellMr. and Mrs. Mark F. ReederMr. and Mrs. Thomas M. MillerSquare D FoundationDr. Alan D. StempleDr. Larry BantaMrs. Laurie M. SimpsonMr. and Mrs. Charles B. PalmerMr. Bernie W. ShepardThank you

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringCollege of Engineering and Mineral ResourcesWest Virginia UniversityMorgantown, WV 26506-6106Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDMorgantown, WVPermit No. 34QUALITY OF LIFEAnyone who knows what engineers do has to be appreciative of the improved quality of life that theirservices provide nationwide and worldwide. At the core of the ability to provide those all-important servicesis the education received at educational institutions like West Virginia University.In the years ahead, education will continue to play a vital role in the nation’s economic future.Supporting the educational process becomes ever more and more important.Your help is needed to maintain and extend the quality of the program available to those seekingdegrees in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or both at WVU. One option that is easy toimplement is a gift provision included in a will with the wording “to the West Virginia UniversityFoundation, Inc. for the benefit of the College of Engineering & Mineral Resources’ Department ofMechanical and Aerospace Engineering.”In this way, you may fund student projects, provide for laboratory improvements, create ascholarship or specify discretionary use. If you want your gift fund to last in perpetuity, it must be specifiedand requires certain gift amounts to assure that the fund can generate a meaningful annual amount of incometo carry out your wishes for all time.If you would like assistance in formulating a special gift for the Department or have alreadycompleted such a gift, please contact Bob Bragg at (304) 293-4821, ext. 2240 or atRobert.Bragg@mail.wvu.edu. More good engineering will be assured that way!