University of Minnesota - Gopher Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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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.

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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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Dr. Stenstrom supervising the apparatus he invented with Dr. Carl Nurnberger which changes radium into radon. Device used in determining the strength Of seeds filled with radon. Dr. Vigness stands beside the lead shield which pro- tects the operator from the harmful effects of radium. Cancer Research In the world Hght against cancer Dr. K. Wilhelm Stenstrom, Professor of Biophysics, and Dr. Carl Nurnberger, Instructor in Physiology, and now in China, have invented a radium emanation machine to capture the radon gas given ofT by radium in solution. Radium itself has few beneficial proper- ties, but the gas it emanates can be safely and effectively used in treating cancer and tumor. The gas is caught in small glass tubes and attached to threads or encased in tiny gold needles, both of which are inserted at the spot of the cancer. Where- as radium has a life of 1700 years, radon retains its therapeutic powers for but a few months, losing half its strength in the first five days and the remaining in succeeding five day periods. Cancer is caused by irritations, and as a result the cancerous portion grows cells much faster than ordinary tissue. The emanations of the radon hen- ent the patient by attacking the cancerous growth. The effect of the radium is to slow up the growth of all tissue, and especially that which is diseased due to its greater susceptibility to the gas. To prevent injury while working with radium, and to ascertain the correct amount of radon to be administered to a patient, Drs. Stenstrom and Nurnbergcr have also invented an apparatus for measuring the strength of radium emanations. Fully protected by a heavy lead screen, it is pos- sible for the operator to discover the strength by turning a knob which places a radon needle in an ionization chamber. The power of the radon contained in the needle is then recorded on a scale beside the operator. 21 All