This paper presents a broad overview of the equipment and rational of the experiment conducted by the VPI Satellite Communications Group under INTELSAT Contract 433. The object of this experiment is to assess the validity of meteorological radar as a predictor of satellite earth-space path fade statistics. To validate the data collected by the VPI radar for this experiment, the differential reflectivity (ZDR) measured during the November 29-30, 1985 rainstorm is compared with calculated ZDR and ZDR from published plots. The special hardware and calibration techniques required for this experiment are also described. An IBM-PC controlled antenna pointing system and a system to continuously monitor both the peak and average power of the radar transmitter are included. Also included is a calibration system for the radar receiver. A simple computer program is developed which will give the radar cross section of a metal sphere. This sphere is used as a calibrated radar target. / M.S.

M.S.

M.S.

Downtown Blacksburg, Virginia, is defined by the presence of the townâ s original sixteen blocks, situated in a four x four square gridded arrangement. The edges of the downtown area are loosely bounded by unique natural and architectural markers and by rules for urban development that contribute to the architectural vernacular of the town. Public spaces are activated by the company of these markers, and sometimes by the repudiation of the urban rules, and thus a secondary reading of public occupation within the downtown sphere manifests itself. This thesis project attempts to identify and analyze the rules and characteristics of Blacksburgâ s urbanity and to project those rules into a new feature of the downtown foursquare grid. A train station that occupies the vicinity of the historic â Huckleberryâ rail line characterizes, defines, and augments the public regions of downtown Blacksburg. / Master of Architecture

The thesis reports an investigation of 1060 freshman admissions to Virginia Polytechnic Institute in fall, 1961. Multiple regression methods were used to produce equations linking college performance with high school rank and College Board verbal and mathematical scores. Analyses were done for males and females, civilians and cadets. The three predictors accounted for only 34 percent of the variation in first year QCA among males. High school rank contributed most to the prediction; verbal score was found to be a very poor predictor. Predictions were more reliable for accumulative year performance than for first quarter only. Prediction error is discussed and expectancy tables constructed. Actual and predicted quality credit averages were used to investigate subgroups of the sample. Differences were found between civilians and cadets, Virginians and Out Of-Staters. Cooperative, drop-out, and trial summer school groups all had distinct characteristics. Curriculum groups differed widely in actual performance, but in most cases, corresponded to prediction. Exceptions are discussed. The same data was subjected to discriminant analysis, using two extra variables, civilian or cadet status, and Virginia or Out Of-State school. The function divided students by a predicted QCA of 1.000, with 28 percent probability of misclassification. Rank alone was found to be more effective in prediction than verbal and mathematical scores combined. Results of investigation into subgroups using discriminant predictions agreed with regression findings, with different exceptions to curriculum non-significance. Prediction is advised by regression rather than by discriminant analysis, but the present results are not recommended for future application, for reasons discussed. / Master of Science

Problem The problem for this study was to determine the occupations entered by graduates of the agricultural education department at Virginia Polytechnic Institute from 1959-1969, their advancements, and the effectiveness of their training. Purposes The specific purposes of the study were to determine: the employment record of the graduates, their mobility, the effectiveness of their training, their financial advancement, their educational advancement, and certain of their other achievements. Method The study was based on data secured by mailing a questionnaire to the 245 graduates. The questionnaire was completed and returned by 179 (73.l percent) of the graduates. Findings There were 134 (74.9 percent) of the reporting graduates who began employment in the agricultural education field. In 1970 there were 96 (53.6 percent) of the reporting graduates who were still employed in the agricultural education field. The 104 (58.l percent) of the graduates who reported that they had changed occupations listed 39 reasons for changing occupations. The graduates reported a need for more courses in business and management. The graduates also reported a need for more training in the specialized areas of the agricultural education curriculum. The average beginning salary for the reporting graduates was $5,650.00. The average 1970 salary was $9,439.00. There were 41 (22.9 percent) of the graduates who held advanced degrees beyond the Bachelor of Science degree. There were 110 (61.5 percent) of the graduates who reported special achievements. / Master of Science

Allochthonous nutrients were monitored during three storm events on one of the major tributaries entering the shallow VPI&SU Duck Ponds. Autochthonous nutrients were monitored for a period of ten months. During these storms, the stormwater runoff contributed large amounts of organic matter and fertilizer nutrients that settled in the ponds and during anoxic conditions, recycled to stimulate algal blooms. Alum was applied to one pond to reduce internal cycling of nutrients. A 25 mg/L dose of alum produced an aluminum hydroxide floc that settled to the bottom and afterwards, lowered othophosphate-phosphorus concentrations below 10 µg/L in the water column. The longevity of the one-time treatment in reducing the sediment-phosphate release rate is unknown because the monitoring program was not continued beyond July of 1988. A pond-treatment program involving copper sulfate was initiated to control algal blooms consisting mainly of the green alga, Chlamydomonas. Based on the complexing properties of the water, such as alkalinity and humics, a copper sulfate dose of 13.6 kg was determined to be a safe and effective dose that reduced algal densities but did not result in any visible adverse effects upon other aquatic life. Both of the pond management schemes were designed to aid managers of small urban ponds who have low operating budgets and a lack of technical equipment. / Master of Science

Master of Science

A resume of this thesis shows its main objective to be the design of Draper’s meadows, a community designed and landscaped for living, to provide housing for some members of the faculty of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia. A review of literature dealing with community design from the l860’s to the present time, was made. A preliminary survey of the site was made, and data taken in this survey was used to make a topographic map which served as a base map for accurately projecting subsequent drawings. A general consideration of the environment and physical condition of the site along with a discussion of its historical significance, and a review of the methods of attacking the problem of community design, present the reader with an introduction to the thesis. The body of the thesis consists of three main sections: “Design of community,” “Construction Details,” and “Landscape Design.” Drawings related to these topics are included and frequently referred to end explained in these sections. of the design is of a contemporary nature, stressing simplicity und beauty along with unity and individuality. It is concluded that the design does embody some new principles which could be adaptable to other community situations, while at the same time providing a solution to the design of a community at Draper’s Meadows. / Master of Science

Sited in downtown Blacksburgâ s Main Street, this elementary school participates as a citizen of the town as much as it is a singular entity that provides a secure, focused atmosphere for learning. Located directly adjacent to the original sixteen squares of Blacksburg, the site that once held an inward looking, stalwart building now holds an elementary school that realizes its responsibilities as a public building in addition to its internal purpose. Its architecture is an exploration in creating and resolving the tension in materiality and form. Its formal moves call out each element of the program and the following drawings depict the relationship of one to another. / Master of Architecture