McNair Research Journals

The list below encompasses research projects done by our McNair Scholars.

Airflow Sensors

This study is being conducted to find a mass flow sensor that can be inserted into the airflow in a jet engine during flight to detect the variation in surge margin over a long period of time. The Coriolis flowmeter was the only sensor researched to measure mass flow directly. However, indirect measurement by Laser Doppler Anemometry and Ultrasonic transit time were the most attractive sensors due to the nonobstructive flow path they both allow.

Buoyancy Convection

The buoyancy convection due to temperature and concentration non-uniformity is investigated by linear stability analysis theory through numerical simulation computations. This was done using the continuity, momentum, energy, concentration, and perturbation equations. The cases that were observed were the Solutal Marangoni number with varying Grashof numbers while all other parameters remained constant. Such research is warranted due to the interest of convection in the process of crystal growth. In crystal growth there is an interest in the instability where the convection becomes oscillatory, which results in poor crystal quality.

Zollner Torsion Pendulum

This paper describes the design, construction, and measurements taken with a Zollner pendulum to look for violations of Lorentz Symmetry. The first part of the paper describes the dynamics of the pendulum and the advantages it brings to searching for Lorentz violations in general relativity. The second part of the paper analyzes the measurement capabilities of a modified pendulum currently under construction in the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) LIGO lab. Upgrades to the original design are expected to improve the overall precision while avoiding the chaotic behavior inherent to similar systems with long oscillating periods.

Cross-Cultural Examination

The purpose of this research project was to investigate and prove that American and Chinese cultural and family values in today’s world are still very different, and the misunderstandings and misinformation of each other’s culture leads to stereotyping and perceived misconceptions that have formed between the two cultures.