Harold M. Cota

Vibroacoustic study of circular cylindrical tubes in roller coaster rails

Joshua I. Davis et al. — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:43:18 PDT

Excessive noise generated by roller coasters during operation is a significant issue for amusement parks located near residential and business districts. Previous work showed that filling the rails with sand and pea gravel can provide noise reduction levels of up to 10 and 15 decibels. However, using damping materials may require additional support structures to accommodate the weight increase and, consequently, raise installation costs. This paper presents field results that characterize sound and vibration of roller coasters with different rail geometry and fill. Finite element modeling is used to compute the theoretical natural frequencies and mode shapes of a typical track section. Additionally, laboratory experimental results of lighter fill materials are presented. The results indicate that vermiculite provides similar, though less noise reduction than sand, but with a much lower additional weight. Furthermore, the handling and manufacturing characteristics are superior to the other materials investigated.

The Role of the Journal in Mentoring Students

Harold M. Cota — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:27:38 PST

Hazardous Waste Management

Harold M. Cota et al. — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:27:44 PDT

Hazardous waste management is a broad and evolving field. Applicable state and federal regulations comprising over 60,000 pages are continually being updated. Many of these regulations overlap and are subject to differences in interpretation that often lead to court rulings. Regulations, economic pressures and public perception are forcing companies to rapidly change the way they manufacture products in order to minimize hazardous waste generation.

Over 200 million tons of solid hazardous waste are generated annually in the United States. Huge quantities of hazardous waste deposited in landfills, ponds, fields, and other locations require removal or in situ treatment. Common hazardous wastes include: Solvents, acids, bases, heavy metals, pesticides, plating and heat treating wastes. Six major effects of improper hazardous waste management are: groundwater contamination, contamination of surface runoff, air pollution, fire and explosion, adverse health effects via direct contact, and via the food chain.

This chapter provides a general overview of federal regulations governing hazardous waste management, as well as a brief review of the types of hazardous waste, waste minimization, and treatment and disposal technologies. Four types of hazardous waste will be discussed here: chemical waste, radioactive waste, infectious waste, and mixed waste.

Preliminary Development of a Certification Protocol for Conventional Fireplaces

Paul L. Reitz et al. — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:27:43 PDT

In order to attain and maintain federal and state air quality standards for particulate matter, some local agencies in California have adopted rules and regulations to control emissions from wood burning devices. Some of these rules restricted the use or installation of new masonry fireplaces. The purpose of this study was to begin development of a test protocol that would provide for consistent measurement of particulate emissions from conventional fireplaces and could be useful for compliance determinations or possible certification of a fireplace design or model.

A modified California Air Resources Board Stationary Source Test Method 5 was used to determine particulate emissions from a conventional brick fireplace on the California Polytechnic State University campus in San Luis Obispo. The mean total particulate emission rate for five test bums with dual sampling trains was 79.7 grams per hour with a standard deviation of 18.1 grams per hour. An average of 20.2 kilograms of Douglas fir were burned in each fire resulting in an emission factor of 8.6 grams of particulate per kilogram of dry wood burned.

EPA Reference Method 28 for the certification of wood heaters was closely followed with slight modifications to account for the physical differences between wood heaters and conventional fireplaces. The results of this study and the recommendations presented here can be used to further develop standardized operating procedures for compliance determinations and/or certification of conventional fireplaces.

Application of Noise Control in Environmental Engineering Education

Harold M. Cota et al. — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:27:42 PDT

Noise control is both a factor in the health and safety of those in the workplace and in the annoyance and interference of the quality of life at home. This falls squarely in the realm of the Environmental Engineering Profession. Noise, its effects and control, is an important element of a few Graduate Environmental Engineering Programs, but it does not have a role in most undergraduate programs. One objective of this paper is to demonstrate that noise is an issue needing to be addressed in Environmental Engineering Programs and to suggest that making it a requirement at the undergraduate level has merit. Several models including the program at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo will be discussed.

The authors will also share some spreadsheets that undergraduate students have developed in class.

Now Hear This! What All Environmental Engineers Should Know About Noise Control

Harold M. Cota et al. — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:53:22 PST

Noise is an is an that affects almost everyone. And even though environmental engineers are often called on to deal with noise-related problems, most of them receive little or no academic training in noise control. This primer suggests why all environmental engineers should know something about noise control, what they need to know, and where they can find the necessary information.

Problems of Measurement in the Environmental Field

Harold M. Cota — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:53:18 PST

University Programs in Air Pollution Control: Review and Outlook

August T. Rossano et al. — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:53:15 PST

From the inception of the National Air Pollution Control program, the U. S. Congress has been mindful of the need and importance of adequate manpower. The challenging technical problems which lie ahead in enforcement, monitoring, testing and research can be effectively dealt with only by individuals with specialized knowledge, skills and experience. In this paper the authors look at undergraduate and graduate training that is being carried out, employment opportunities and the way these may change in the future. A recently completed survey of college level air pollution training in the United States and Canada is included in the report.

Air Pollution Control Training in Colleges and Universities in the United States

Harold M. Cota — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:53:10 PST

A nationwide survey of air pollution control training efforts in the United States at colleges and universities was carried out for the S-ll Education and Training Committee, Air Pollution Control Association. Information from 91 schools having four year or graduate programs and five community colleges was received. Questions include type of course work, backgrounds of participating faculty and students, and eventual placement. At the present time about 70% of those in training are graduate students. It was found that most students taking initial employment in air pollution control activities had the M.S. degree. Recommendations for updating this information are made.

An Update on College and University Programs in Air Pollution Control

Harold M. Cota — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:53:06 PST

A survey of academic programs in air pollution control was made. Results from the 127 schools reporting are tabulated by state. Faculty involved in air pollution instruction are identified. Some conclusions and recommendations are presented.

Low Cost Software

Harold M. Cota — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:53:01 PST

This is the fifth in our series on low cost software available to JAPCA readers. These programs have been developed by APCA members and are provided as a professional courtesy, as is, without warrantee. The authors would appreciate any feedback you have. In addition, we hope you will be willing to share programs you have developed for your own PC. To share your program all you need to do is prepare a brief description, similar to those in this column and send it with your program and any examples or documentations you are willing to furnish to: Dr. Hal Cota, CE/ENVE Department, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407. If you would like to order any of the software please send your request to the author or the address indicated with a self addressed stamped mailer. It is important to clearly identify who should receive the disk. Some past orders have been returned and never been delivered due to insufficient or incorrect address.

Careers in Air Pollution Control

Harold M. Cota — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:52:57 PST

A Basic Computer Program for the Gaussian Equation for a Point Source

Harold M. Cota — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:52:53 PST

Many readers now are using microcomputers in their work. The advantages of these inexpensive and powerful tools are being recognized by both industry and universities. Microcomputers can be used in lengthy calculations, simulations, data collection and handling, and word processing.

Programming these computers can be done in numerous languages such as Basic, Fortran and Pascal. It is often possible to find commercial programs or software available to handle a given application. There are a growing number of programs published which are now in the public domain. Only a limited number of programs dealing with air pollution problems are available ready for use with a microcomputer.

This note describes a Basic program that uses the Gaussian Equation. It was written specifically for an Apple II Plus computer, but with minor modifications can be used with other microcomputers using Basic.

Source Testing Software

Harold M. Cota — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:52:50 PST

Ifyou have been looking for a way to speed the calculation or reporting of source test data, this month's column will be of interest to you. Included in this review are one commercial program, several noncommercial programs, and a summary of programs that are available for programmable calculators. The author would appreciate knowing of similar programs that you may have developed or used.

A Review of Manpower Training and Future Directions in Air Pollution Control at Universities

August T. Rossano et al. — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:52:46 PST

Environmental Manpower and Training

Harold M. Cota — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:52:42 PST

Design Parameters for Fuel Batteries Operating in a Zero G Field

A. P. Hardt et al. — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:52:38 PST

Some design parameters of a hydrazine-oxygen fuel battery operating in a zero G field are described in a digital computer programming treatment. The power balance for a battery employing a gas-producing electrode and an electrolyte pump is treated; optimum power densities and flow rates are established.

Worldwide Training in Air Pollution Control

Harold M. Cota — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:52:34 PST

A survey of academic training in air pollution control was recently conducted for the APCA Education Council. Questionnaires were sent to faculty at over 200 universities in the United States and 150 universities around the world. This paper lists the schools which completed the questionnaire and includes the number of both undergraduate and graduate courses available, the academic department, and the range of research projects presently underway. The findings indicate that air pollution is a subject being taught worldwide. Most schools predict that their current level of instruction will not change in the next five years. Additions and corrections are requested on a sample questionnaire.

Decomposition of Diulte Hydrogen Peroxide in Alkaline Solutions

Harold M. Cota et al. — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:52:30 PST

Air Pollution Control Training in Colleges and Universities: A status report for the United States and Canada

Harold M. Cota — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:52:26 PST

The APCA Education and Training Committee surveyed air pollution training at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada in 1975. There were 197 full-time faculty teaching air pollution courses at 75 schools. Graduates from these programs are finding meaningful work in both the public and private sector. Financial support is briefly discussed.