University of Minnesota - Gopher Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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Iron Pavement Project To produce a safer road surface for motorists, and to use more low grade iron ore are the twin purposes of Pro- fessor E. W. Davis in his experiments with a new type of paving. The paving is constructed from iron extracted from low grade ores found in abundance on the Minnesota iron range. A small stretch of pavement has been tested on the campus, and from this the research is going ahead. The life of the iron pavement will be longer than cement, it is believed. There is also the added advantage that any sur- face may be put on the block, and research will determine what shape will he safest for motorists. Mr. Davis states, nWe will be able to make iron paving blocks at the same cost as any other high grade surfacing Rlglzz Irofessor Davis and the mileage test- material. Once the new blocks are per- fected they will have a wide market, and will be serviceable for all roads now cement paved. The surface is impor- tant if accidents are to be cut down. The safety side is uppermost now, after that the mechanical and metallurgical. ln connection with the testing of the new blocks, a small blast furnace has been set up at Cooley, Minnesota. The purpose of the experiment is to treat low grade iron ore and change it into a high grade ore at a cost which will malie it a commercial possibility. The furnace was designed by the University and built with money appropriated by the legislature. The Mines Experiment Station was in complete charge. Re- cently the commercial success of the process was assured, and the furnace sold to an iron mining corporation. Right-View of the experimental blast .fur- nace at Cooley, Minn., which is maintained by the department. In this furnace, low grade ore is rehned for commercial use. It is through the refinement of this low grade material that it is hoped the iron paving can be manufactured at a reasonable cost. mg machine. The wheels of the car are rotated on the material being tested, so as to approximate actual wearing conditions. Phe device aims to bring out all the merits and defects in the paving so as to aid in determining the most practical design for highways.

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..1.a-..---:ibn r1'L, Z 1- t 074 I - v .., p-rvt' Left-Dr. Stakman in his laboratory testing fungi cultures. Hundreds of such specimens are constantly grown in an effort to discover their stability and characteristics. Below-Some of the students from all over the world who come to Dr. Statkman to learn the whys and wherefores of plant pathology. This group repre- sents India, Japan, China, Canada, Norway, and Australia. Lower--One of the acres of disease plots at the Uni- versity Farm. Disease has killed the plants in the plot at the right, while those on the left Hourish. f'- :g'Q1:rg'., .-.v ' ,.. Z ' ,' ,1- ' f' mm.. -, F ... :md A . ' I A --vs .,...o ...ru-J 1- ziil' ' ' ' Qt HM' W4- 1+-6 zmwtlif '. . . ' .1 'W'-:'n-, - . ,I .5 . 4 A . Plant Pathology Research Dr. E. C. Stakmanis associates refer to him as a professor of phytopathology, and discuss with him such subjects a mycology, pathogenicity and parasitic fungi. For the layman, however, it's enough to say that he is an eminent specialist in plant diseases. As a result of the work of Dr. Stakman and his assistants, biologists have come to realize that plant diseases differ in different countries or localities. Thus a knowledge regarding disease specialization, based on this work, is essential to the establishment of govern- mental plant quarantine regulations. In cooperation with the departments of agronomy and horticulture Professor Stakman's investigations have directly or indirectly led to intensive and exten- sive researches on the stability of fungi. These studies indicate that some species of fungi are little aflected by varied conditions, while others change greatly. Frequently new races of fungi arise as a result of hybridization and mutation from unstable forms. Dr. Stakman's most outstanding contributions have been on the nature and extent of stem rust, which occurs on many plants, but especially wheat. In 1928 he was awarded the Emil Christian Hanson prize and gold medal in recognition of his investigations and accomplishments in developing new ideas and methods for investigating rust problems. In the eradication of barberry which causes rust, Professor Stakman has been a leading exponent. I-Ie is in charge of stem rust studies in the United States for the Depart- ment of Agriculture. I-Iis leadership in this Held, as well as in-others, has drawn to his laboratory students and fellow scientists from many parts of the world.

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Hydraulics Experiment Many water conservation problems are being more satisfactorily solved through the work of the University Department of Experimental lingineer- ing in cooperation with state and federal agencies. Inadequate flood control structures in former years have caused serious loss of life and property. But through the experiments of Professor of Hydraulics, Lorenz G. Straub, types of dams and embanlcments are tested before they are constructed, with the idea of discovering designs of maximum efliciency. To study the stability and practicality of the structures, models are built and operated according to definite principles fixed by natural forces en- countered in actual situations. ln this Way it is possible to learn what happens and what is likely to happen under real conditions. Various amounts of water are directed toward thc structure and the effects recorded. If weaknesses are discovered the model is changed until the proper design is found. Engineers and contractors can then go ahead with the construction with greater assurance of successful operation. The design of an overflow structure entails a number of uncertainties. Unusual seasons of flood cannot be accurately accounted for, but by a study of water flow over a period of years conditions can be approximated. As nearly as possible the bed rock on which the actual dam will stand is studied to determine the elfect of large volumes of water on this foundation. liut it is difficult to ascertain whether the rock will endurc the constant and powerful flow of water. So terrific was the force of the water at Muscle Shoals dam that a one hundred ton bloclt of stone was moved. This con- dition could have been anticipated in a measure by means of model experiments. Professor Straub believes that when the new hydraulics laboratory is built at St. Anthony Falls, it will be possible to eliminate many of the present inaccuracies, and make possible a more intensive study of conditions affecting Hoods and flood control. Dr. Straub standing before a model of a sand dam used in testing seepage to determine effects on the lower side. This model checks results in order that under- scouring will be prevented on an actual structure. I-Iarold Flinsch, graduate in hydraulics, watches the action of a water wheel used in experimental research.