Other Senior Project Abstracts
Radio Waves from the Heavens: The Study of Radio Signals from Space
Michael Fisher, 2007
This was a project that was designed to improve the Radio Telescope at Allegheny College. I had to design a new way of supporting the antenna cavity, to build the mount, and figure out the optimal distance for the cavity to maximize the power of the telescope. This radio telescope detected the 21-cm line radiation and a frequency of about 1420.59 MHz which is .127% error compared to the accepted value of 1420.41 MHz. Also discussed in the paper is the early history of how the field of radio astronomy was discovered. After that there is a section of neutral hydrogen, and Antenna theory. Finally there is a detailed description on what was done to improve the telescope here at Allegheny.
Solar at Allegheny: Model for the Future
Maggie Surface, 2007
Solar Energy uses photovoltaic technology to convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic Modules are made up of silicon semiconducting materials. This project explores the science behind harnessing solar energy using photovoltaic modules. This knowledge was applied to Allegheny College to design a system for Allegheny?s Solar Scholars Program. The Sustainable Energy Fund started the Solar Scholars Program in 2006 to provide funding assistance for solar array installation on the campuses of higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. The system that will be installed on the roof of Allegheny?s Carr Hall will produce 3.06 kilo-Watt-hours of power. This project also includes guidelines for the installation of this array, to occur in the summer of 2007.
A Study of Secondary Rays and the Construction of a Secondary Cosmic Ray Detector
Justen Altemus, 2006
An experiment was done involving the construction of a secondary cosmic ray detector. After the construction was finished, experiments were done to test intensity of cosmic rays. Vertically traveling, secondary cosmic rays were detected in the basement of Carr Hall at a rate of 106+/-1 particles/minute. Horizontally traveling, secondary cosmic rays were detected at a rate of 43+/-1 particles/minute.
Underground Exploration through Resistivity Surveying
Joshua Oidick, 2006
For my senior project, I used two different methods of resistivity surveying to test the effectiveness of my experimental design and method at detecting changes in resistivity as a function of depth or lateral movement. I used a Wenner Array to explore how the resistivity varied over an entire field, and a Schlumberger Array to explore how the resistivity varied over an entire field, and a Schlumberger Array to explore how the resistivity varied by depth below a particular location. To test my experimental setup, I used a Schlumberger Array to test how resistivity varied by depth in a sand box under several conditions. I then mapped the changes in resistivity as a function of location using a three dimensional plot and a contour plot for my Wenner Array surveys, and a two dimensional graph that showed how resistivity varied with current depth for my Schlumberger Array Surveys.
An Investigation Into Phenomena: Sunspots
Aaron Rape, 2006
This experiment dealt with solar observation. An eight-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain was set up with a neutral density filter to observe the sun in an attempt to locate sunspots. Sunspot data was collected on sunny days starting January 27 and ending April 13. Images were collected using a Sony digital video camera recorder. On days that observing was possible; the Meadville sunspot number was computed. The sunspot numbers were then graphed as a function of time.
Chirality of 2D N=4 Gauged SU(2) Superstring Theory
Michael Ney, 2004
An introduction to superstring theory is provided through a background development of quantum field theory and general relativity. It is assumed that the reader has knowledge of senior level undergraduate physics and has had exposure to tensors. Using this background development we proceed into a discussion of the chiral submanifold of the supergravity. Initial work by Gates and Linch indicate that the chiral submanifold of any chirally compliant supergravity can be expressed entirely through an analysis of the topology of the superspace. It was found that this purely topological look at the chiral subfield of 2D N=4 supergravity produced results that correspond to expectations. This provides further evidence that such a purely topological expansion of the chiral submanifold is valid.
Inertial Measurement of Camera Motion as a solution to motion re-creation in a 3D Animation Package
John Przyborski, 2004
The problem of camera motion matching in the creation of advanced visual effects may be greatly simplified through inertial measurement of camera position. This study exposes some of the difficulties in measuring position and orientation changes through inertial measurements alone. Double integrating acceleration data to get position quickly result in runaway position curve thanks to compounding integration errors. Other solutions are proposed as alternatives for determining position changes.
A Study of Muon and Gamma Ray Detection and the Construction of a Muon Detector
Anthony Simon, 2004
The construction process of a Berkeley Lab Cosmic Ray Detector model is explained through one's own experience in building one. Experimentally measured muon count rates are presented for 'vertical traveling' and 'horizontal traveling' muons. Muon count rates are also measured incorporating a lead filter in their detection. Other scintillator measurement experiments are run as well. In particular, the detection of gamma rays resulting from the decay of a radioactive Na22 source is measured over a variation of angles. The intensity of these gamma rays are also measured over a variation of energies.
The Physics of Modern Dance and its Usefulness in Teaching Basic Physics Principles
Lauren Wagner, 2004
No abstract available.
The reduction of laser speckle in an optical imaging system
Kathryn Wheeler, 2004
MECCO Marking & Traceability would like to increase the resolution of their patented Bumpy Bar CodeTM vision system by reducing or eliminating the effects of laser speckle brought on by their single-mode, red laser. The reduction of laser speckle in an image-forming system was the focus of this study. It was determined the most practical solution would reduce spatial coherence to provide a speckle pattern with less contrast. This solution was attained through the use of an opal glass diffuser inside a Keplerian beam expander placed in front of the laser beam.
Neutral Hydrogen: The Wave of the Future
Andrew Cutler, 2003
While the ultimate goal of this project was to connect the motorized mount to the radio telescope and collect data of neutral hydrogen in the Milky Way, the little things - the computer program and the interface box - consumed the majority of the project time prohibiting any significant data from being taken. Regardless, in order to understand fully the concepts behind radio astronomy, important background theory is discussed. First, a brief history of the science is presented, followed by a description of the Milky Way, which is a region abundant with neutral hydrogen. Then, a detailed derivation of the radiation of neutral hydrogen is explained proceeded by antenna theory and the breakdown of the Allegheny College radio telescope and its particular functions.
Expanding the Classroom to the World Wide Web: Creating a web page for High School Physics classes
Kristen Grenda, 2003
No abstract available.
The Kinetics of Protein Binding to a Self-Assembled Monolayer
Renae Irvine, 2003
The kinetics of a general immobilization reaction used to bind proteins to thin films was investigated using streptavidin binding to an organic film monolayer via replacement of an active ester. The process was examined with respect to rates of the molecule binding and concentration of the streptavidin solution using the quartz crystal microbalance instrumentation. The binding rates found using the static method, 0.15s-1 for 0.6 mg/ml, 0.09s-1 for 0.4 mg/ml, and 0.07s-1 for 0.24 mg/ml, demonstrated a linear increase with increasing concentration. The binding decay constants for the flow method also demonstrated the same trend, but with less accuracy. These trends supported the expectation that the streptavidin binding reaction was first order (and that the overall rate law is second order). The surface coverage was also investigated and found to be 1.15 x 1013 molecules/cm2, which agrees with findings of other related studies. The static method was concluded to be more efficient than the flow method overall. Many other protein surface reactions could be investigated using these same methods to either confirm or reject the preliminary results concluded from this experiment.
Applying the Quartz Crystal Microbalance to analyze bonds made between proteins and films
Nina Carpico, 2002
The Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) is used to determine the amount and characteristics of bonds made between proteins and films on the quartz crystal surface. The amount of bonds made are characterized by changes in mass on the piezoelectric crystal's surface, which is directly related the change in frequency of the crystal. In the following paper the factors that influence the change in frequency and the mass added to the crystal surface are evaluated and techniques for data analysis are outlined. A theoretical basis has been established, and compared with actual data. The data was plotted and organized with a LabView program.
Tune Your Radio to 1420: Detecting 21cm Neutral Hydrogen Radiation
Joseph Casella, 2002
This is a project using the Allegheny College radio telescope to collect radio signals from space. These signals are detected from regions containing neutral hydrogen that emit 21-cm radiation at a frequency of 1420 MHz. The telescope was successfully used to observe a portion of the Milky Way. A brief history of the evolution of radio telescopes is discussed, followed by an explanation of how hydrogen emissions advance our knowledge about the universe. Finally, the telescope is broken down into its basic components for an investigation on how this system functions.
Determination of Epicenter Distance and Direction Using Lehman-Style Seismographs
Matthew Crocker, 2002
This research project focuses on collecting seismic data using simple pendulum seismographs, determining the location of the epicenter from these data, and gaining a better understanding of earthquakes and the physics behind the field of seismology. The seismographs used in this project were built foloowing the instructions of James D. Lehman, James Madison University, which were outlined in the July 1979 issue of Scientific American (Walker). This report includes background information on the cuase of seismic activity and, a discussion of the physics, theories, and equations used to collect seismic activity. It also includes the data collected during the project along with calculations for the desired information and discussion of the results. The main goal of this research project was to show that seismic data could be collected using a seismograph built from common materials and that these data can be used to find the origin of the activity through distance and directional calculations. This was accomplished using two horizontal seismographs oriented perpendicular to each other. It is a continuation of a research project started by Allegheny student, Daniel Burr during the '01/'02 academic year.
Biomechanical Analysis of the Pole Vault Event
Jared McNeilly, 2002
Biomechanics and sports science have become of particular interest to the world of athletics as a means of enhancing physical performance. Use of biomechanical analysis has become especially useful to highly technical athletic activities such as the pole vault. A technical model for pole vault technique, including discussion of physical principles governing the event, was developed to serve as a template for proper pole vault technique and to be used to aid in video analysis. Jumps were recorded, digitized, and analyzed using Videopoint Version 2.0. Athletes were evaluated based on adherence to the technical model and the results of the video analysis was examined to determine the relationship between technical deficits and physical output and performance. Emphasis was placed on simplified expression of scientific results.
A View Through the Clouds: An Exploration of the 21-cm Line of Hydrogen
Jonathan Ashey, 2001
The Allegheny College Radio Telescope can be utilized to explore regions high in neutral hydrogen concentrations. It was found to be an effective tool in locating the Milky Way, which radiates 21-cm radiation, characteristic of neutral hydrogen. The telescope was instrumental in the production of a signal strength map of a portion of the galactic plane centered towards Sagittarius. However, due to poor resolution of the Allegheny College Radio Telescope, results were unable to show detail less than 4 degrees.
The Effectiveness of Discovery Learning in Teaching Students Electrostatics
Jared Rastoka, 2001
No abstract available.
Emergent Patterns in the Cycle of Poverty: A Description of Human Behavior Through Complexity Theory
Michelle Greiner, 2000
Physical sciences are generally kept separate from psychological sciences because often the physical sciences employ linear, reductionist models that cannot be applied to human systems studied by psychologists. This study attempts to integrate the two fields using complexity theory - a mathematical theory that attempts to describe the behavior of complex systems. Complexity principles were applied to the cycle of poverty in an attempt to determine the relationship among different variables that affect poverty in a population. In this study, the variables of focus were resources, motivation, and role models. As more variables were introduced, the model systems began to exhibit behaviors consistent with the characteristics of complexity theory.