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Elsevier

  • Laterite Soil Engineering

    Pedogenesis and Engineering Principles
    • 1st Edition
    • M Gidigasu
    • English
    Laterite Soil Engineering is one of a few books about solving engineering problems with the help of engineering pedology. This book presents the latest information on the laterite soils’ geotechnical characteristics and engineering behavior. It shows that laterite soils are different from natural soils and that most laterite soils can be evaluated for engineering purposes using accepted theories and well-known test procedures for temperate-zone soils. This book also shows that modern concepts based on pedological considerations are very useful and take a logical approach to the identification and evaluation of laterite soils for engineering purposes. The first four chapters focus on reviewing information about the processes of tropical weathering and laterization. Chapter five summarizes information about the location, morphology and composition of laterite soils. Chapter six highlights the geotechnical implications of the pedogenic processes of tropical weathering, and it emphasizes the contribution of the results of these pedogenic processes to the deviations of engineering behavior of the problem of laterite soils. In addition, chapter seven discusses the influence of laterite soil genesis on the physic-chemical characteristics based on comparing the properties of three genetic soil groups formed under three different weathering conditions. Chapters eight through nineteen discuss the geotechnical characteristics and evaluation of laterite soils, and the effects of pedogenesis and soil-forming factors on the geotechnical and stabilization characteristics of laterite soils. The last chapter discusses the little information that exists on the application of laterite soils in engineering problems.
  • Engineering Geology

    • 1st Edition
    • Q Zaruba
    • English
    Engineering Geology attempts to provide an understanding of relations between the geology of a building site and the engineering structure. It presents examples taken from real-life experience and practice to provide evidence for the significance of engineering geology in planning, design, construction, and maintenance of engineering structures. The book begins with an introduction of geological investigations, distinguishing between the reconnaissance investigation, the detailed investigation, and investigation during construction. It then explains the significance of geological maps and sections; the mechanical behavior of rocks; subsurface investigation for engineering construction; and geophysical methods. The remaining chapters discuss the physical and chemical weathering of rocks; slope movements; and geological investigations for buildings, roads and railways, tunnels, and hydraulic structures. This book is intended particularly for civil engineering students and students of engineering geology in the university faculties of natural sciences. It describes geological features so as to be comprehensible to Technical College students and to explain construction problems intelligibly for geology students. The book will also be of assistance to planners, civil engineers, and graduate engineering geologists.
  • Elastomers and Rubber Compounding Materials

    • 1st Edition
    • I Franta
    • English
    Elastomers and Rubber Compounding Materials reviews the properties of elastomers and particular groups of ingredients and chemicals mixed into the basic elastomer to form a rubber compound. After introducing the history of rubber industry and the general properties of rubber, the book discusses the properties, classification, concentration, stabilization, modification, application, transport, and storage of latex. It presents as well the methods of production, composition, physical properties, and chemical reactions of dry rubber. The book then focuses on the production and classification of different synthetic rubbers, such as styrene-butadiene, isoprene, butadiene, ethylene-propylene, and chloroprene. It also discusses the production, properties, and applications of elastomers, vulcanization chemicals, fillers, stabilizers, plasticizers, blowing agents, and textile reinforcing materials used in formulating rubber compounds. This book will be of great value not only to those who are in the rubber industry, but also to students of polymer science and rubber technology.
  • Elastic Waves in the Earth

    • 1st Edition
    • Walter L. Pilant
    • English
    Elastic Waves in the Earth provides information on the relationship between seismology and geophysics and their general aspects. The book offers elastodynamic equations and derivative equations that can be used in the propagation of elastic waves. It also covers major topics in detail, such as the fundamentals of elastodynamics; the Lamb's problem, which includes the Cagniard-de Hoop theory; rays and modes in a radially inhomogeneous earth and in multilayered media, which includes the Thomson-Haskell theory; the elastic wave dissipation; the seismic source and noise; and the seismographs. The book consists of 33 chapters. The first 16 chapters include basic material related to the propagation of elastic waves. Topics covered by these chapters include scalars, vectors, and tensors in cartesian coordinates, stress and strain analysis, equations of elasticity and motion, plane waves, Rayleigh waves, plane-wave theory, and fluid-fluid and solid-solid interfaces. The second half of the book covers various ray and mode theories, elastic wave dissipation, and the observations and theories of seismic source and seismic noise. It concludes by discussing earthquake seismology and different seismographs, like the pendulum seismometer and the strain seismometer.
  • Optimal Trajectories in Atmospheric Flight

    • 1st Edition
    • Nguyen Vinh
    • English
    Optimal Trajectories in Atmospheric Flight deals with the optimization of trajectories in atmospheric flight. The book begins with a simple treatment of functional optimization followed by a discussion of switching theory. It then presents the derivation of the general equations of motion along with the basic knowledge in aerodynamics and propulsion necessary for the analysis of atmospheric flight trajectories. It goes on to the study of optimal trajectories by providing the general properties of the optimal aerodynamic controls and the integrals of motion. This is followed by discussions of high subsonic and supersonic flight, and approximation techniques to reduce the order of the problem for a fast computation of the optimal trajectory. The final chapters present analyses of optimal reentry trajectories and orbital maneuvers. This book is intended as a reference text for scientists and engineers wanting to get into the subject of optimal trajectories in atmospheric flight. If used for teaching purposes, the book is written in a self-contained way so that a selective use of the material is at the discretion of the lecturer. The first 11 chapters are sufficient for a one-semester course with emphasis on optimal maneuvers of high performance aircraft.
  • Optimal Space Trajectories

    • 1st Edition
    • Jean-Pierre Marec
    • English
    Studies in Astronautics, Volume 1: Optimal Space Trajectories focuses on the concept of optimal transfer and the problem of optimal space trajectories. It examines the relative performances of the various propulsion systems (classical and electrical propulsions) and their optimization (optimal mass breakdown), along with parametric and functional optimizations and optimal transfers in an arbitrary, uniform, and central gravitational field. Organized into 13 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of optimal transfer and the modeling of propulsion systems. It then discusses the Hohmann transfer, the Hoelker and Silber bi-elliptical transfer, and the deficiencies of parametric optimization. The book explains the canonical transformation, optimization of the thrust law using the Maximum Principle, and optimal orbit corrections. The time-free orbital transfers and time-fixed orbital transfers and rendezvous are also discussed. Moreover, this volume explains the classical high-thrust and electric low-thrust propulsion systems and rendezvous between two planets. This book is written primarily for engineers who specialize in aerospace mechanics and want to pursue a career in the space industry or space research. It also introduces students to the different aspects of the problem of optimal space trajectories.
  • Computer-Based Medical Consultations: MYCIN

    • 1st Edition
    • Edward Shortliffe
    • English
    Computer-Based Medical Consultations: MYCIN focuses on MYCIN, a novel computer-based expert system designed to assist physicians with clinical decisions concerning the selection of appropriate therapy for patients with infections. It discusses medical computing, artificial intelligence, and the clinical problem areas for which the MYCIN program is designed, and it describes in detail how the MYCIN program helps physicians in making decisions. Comprised of seven chapters, this volume begins with an overview of MYCIN and the criteria used in its design. It then discusses data structures and control structures in the context of prior work regarding rule-based problem-solving, inferential model building and inexact reasoning in medicine. The book also explores MYCIN'S ability to answer questions with respect to its knowledge base and the details of a specific consultation, evaluation and future extensions of the MYCIN system, the limitations and accomplishments of MYCIN, and its contributions in artificial intelligence and computer-based medical decision making. This book is a valuable source of information for computer scientists and members of the medical community.
  • Alternative Methods of Agriculture V10

    • 1st Edition
    • R Boeringa
    • English
    Alternative Methods of Agriculture is an English translation of a number of parts of "The Dutch Report on Alternative Agriculture.” This book explores not only the relationship between agriculture and the environment, but also the relationship between human beings and society. The book focuses on the role of nature and man in agriculture and environment; the justification of the terms natural and biological; comparisons between alternative agriculture and conventional agriculture; soil fertility; quality of products of alternative agriculture; coping mechanism of alternative agriculture to pests, weeds, diseases and energy problems; economics of alternative systems; and the effect of alternative agriculture on the integration of nature, agriculture and man. The book presents the ideologies that serve as the basis for alternative agriculture, such as A.N.O.G agriculture, biodynamic agriculture, Howard-Balfour agriculture, Lemaire-Boucher agriculture, macrobiotic agriculture, mazdaznan agriculture, organic-biological agriculture, and veganic agriculture. It also explores cultivation methods, including tillage, soil disinfection, fertilizing, composting, soil cover, crop rotation, and multiple cropping.
  • Basic Methods in Molecular Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Leonard Davis
    • English
    Basic Methods in Molecular Biology discusses the heart of the most recent revolution in biology—the development of the technology of genetics. The achievements in this field have simply changed what biologists do and, perhaps even more important, the way they think. Moreover, never before have scientists from such a broad range of disciplines rushed into such a small and slightly arcane field to learn and carry off a bit of the technology. This book comprises 21 chapters, opening with three introductory ones that discuss the basics of molecular biology; the tools of the molecular biologist; and general preparations, procedures, and considerations for use of the book. The following chapters then discuss cloning vectors and bacterial cells; preparation of DNA from eukaryotic cells; probing nucleic acids; plasmid DNA preparation; DNA restriction fragment preparation; purification of DNA; and preparation and analysis of RNA from eukaryotic cells. Other chapters cover preparation of DNA from bacteriophage clones; cloning DNA from the eukaryotic genome; subcloning into plasmids; M13 cloning and sequencing; further characterization of cloned DNA; transfection of mammalian cells in culture; protein methods; general methods; and specialized methods. This book will be of interest to practitioners in the fields of biology and molecular genetics.
  • Atomic Absorption Spectrometry In Geology

    • 2nd Edition
    • Volume 7
    • Ernest Angino
    • English
    Atomic Absorption Spectrometry in Geology, Second Edition, aims to introduce geologists to the basic simplicity and applicability of atomic absorption spectrometry as it relates to geologic problems; to provide a summary of applications of atomic absorption to geology that are at scattered throughout the literature; and to encourage the accelerated application of atomic absorption spectrometry to geological problems. The book is organized into two parts. The first part, ""Theory and instrumentation,"" explains the theory of atomic absorption spectrophotometry; the operation of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer; and the types of interferences in atomic absorption spectrometry. The second part, ""Methods and applications,"" deals with applications of the atomic absorption method, including detection of the metal content of natural waters; metallic content of ores; and the analysis of trace elements in rocks and minerals. Also discussed are applications of the atomic absorption method in marine geochemistry and for isotopic abundance studies. The book includes some Appendices to the First Edition.