Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 217-235). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.S. Ed.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 42). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.S. Ed.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 33). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.A. Educ)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-113). Also available via the Internet.

no abstract provided by author / Master of Science

A major problem encountered in the designing and construction of any nuclear reactor system is the removal of heat from the core of the reactor. In the V.P.I. UTR-10, the heat is removed from the fuel plates by the light water moderator-coolant which is pumped between the plates. The maximum temperature which the fuel will attain is determined by the coolant temperature, the coolant flow rate, and the reactor operating power. The latter two of these are given by the reactor instrumentation. No provisions were made which allowed the temperature of the coolant in the region of the fuel elements to be measured. In order to ascertain this coolant temperature, an array of copper-constantan thermocouples was inserted between the individual plates of the fuel elements. The temperature of the coolant near the bottom and top of the 144 fuel plates was found using this thermocouple arrangement. These results were used to predict temperature of the coolant and fuel at a power level of 100 Kw. It is believed that with appropriate modifications of the present system no major difficulties should be encountered in increasing the reactor's licensed power from 10 Kw to 100 Kw. / Master of Science

Virginia Tech Engineering graduates of 1975 were surveyed to determine if salary differences existed between matched groups of co-op and non co-op graduates and to determine if selected variables were related to salaries. The average salary for co-ops was higher for both first and current positions (six years after graduation). These differences were significant at the .0545 level for first salary and at .0845 after six years. Several variables had significant relationships to salaries. Location for both groups, undergraduate major for non co-ops and type of employer for co-ops were related to first salary. Four variables were related to current salary: type of employer for co-ops and undergraduate major, job function and fathers' Socio-Economic Index for non co-ops. For most of these variables with significant relationships with salary, the significance levels were similar for both groups, and these probably had little effect on salary differences between groups. Co-ops probably had higher first salaries because of their co-op experience. Two variables with possible effects on salary differences were undergraduate major (which was related to current salary for non co-ops) and type of employer (which was related to current salary for co-ops). These two variables may have undetermined effects on salary differences between the groups. The effect of fathers' socio-economic attributes (educational level and occupational prestige) seems to increase with time, with closer relationships to current salaries than to first ones. / Master of Arts

An experiment has been performed which establishes the capability of the reactor at V.P.I. to provide a satisfactory neutron supply for neutron radiography. Several different specimens including low Z materials and heavier materials such as iron have been used as test objects. The effects of alternate methods of obtaining the radiographs and of the different experimental parameters have been studied. Quantitative investigations were made of the effects of voids of different depths in varying thicknesses of three test specimens which consisted of graphite, bakelite, and plexiglass. The results of these studies showed that it would be practical to detect voids of as little as 1/32 of an inch at depths of up to one inch in the test specimens. It is felt that the research performed in this experiment adequately demonstrated the usefulness of neutron radiographic methods in non-destructive testing and the capability of the V.P.I. reactor facility for this technique. / Master of Science

The objective of this thesis was to identify and measure the effect of factors that influenced income earnings of former agricultural students. Data were obtained from a questionnaire mailed to former Virginia Tech students, all of whom were enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences during 1977. An analysis of the 243 respondents was conducted with emphasis on educational profiles, labor market entry and participation, and personal characteristics. Models based on human capital and labor market principles were developed to explain differences in individual incomes. Earned income models were estimated for the first job after leaving college, for the job held in 1985, and for the 1985 job in a lagged formulation. Analysis of covariance was used to estimate the empirical models. Model results for the first job starting income indicated positive returns to education and the provision of profit sharing benefits. Significantly higher starting incomes were also found for males and for those who considered pay as important or very important. In contrast, the year of job entry exhibited an inverse relationship with starting income. No significant differences in first job income were found for college major, type of placement services used, state location of the job, nature of the job (whether agricultural or not), and provision of housing benefits. Model results for the 1985 income, as in the starting income model, indicated positive returns to the provision of profit sharing benefits. Significantly higher incomes were also associated with married respondents, urban residents, and those who ranked oral communication skills as much needed or essential. In contrast, lower incomes were associated with those who ranked a technical skill to be much needed or essential and with those who held more previous jobs. Insignificant variables in the 1985 income model included level of education, college major, state location of the job, nature of the job, personal assessment of the importance of pay, provision of housing benefits, ranking of the need for knowledge of agricultural policy, and gender. Results for the lagged formulation of the 1985 income model were similar to results for the 1985 income model. In addition, prior income was found to be a positive and significant determinant of 1985 incomes. Implications for academic support areas, curricula, and students were presented and discussed / Master of Science

M.S.