An empirically-based classification of lower Paleozoic carbonate-bearing rocks was created for field-based geotechnical applications. Geotechnical parameters were subsequently correlated to that classification. Seven hundred seventy-seven samples were used as the basis for the classification. Thirteen categories based on visual and tactile properties and a hydrochloric acid test were created. Samples were from central, north-central, and south-central Kentucky and represented the majority of Ordovician exposures in the state, and some Mississippian exposures. Few Silurian and Devonian units were included in the sample set. Geotechnical parameters, including density as well as elastic constants (shear and compression wave velocities, Poisson’s ratio, Young’s modulus, and shear modulus), were calculated for 113 representative samples from the classification. Compression strength testing was completed on 29 samples and the slake durability index was calculated for 18 samples. Testing values were correlated to the classification system in an attempt to use the classification as a predictive and comparative tool for geotechnical applications. Despite samples being heterogeneous and isotropic, each of the 13 categories behaved differently and predictably, with the sharpest contrast in siliciclastic and carbonate rocks.

Master of Science / Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering / Steven Eckels / The current research presents the experimental investigation of heat transfer and flow characteristics of sonic multiphase flow in a converging-diverging nozzle. R134a and R123 are used in this study. Four different nozzle assemblies with two different throat sizes (2.43mm and 1.5 mm with 1° growth angle with the centerline of the nozzle in the diverging section) and two different heater lengths (200 mm and 125 mm) were tested. Each test section was an assembly of aluminum nozzle sections. The experimental facility design allowed controlling three variables: throat velocity, inlet temperature, back pressure saturation temperature. The analysis used to find the average heat transfer of the fluid to each nozzle section. This was achieved by measuring the nozzle wall temperature and fluid pressure in a steady state condition. Two methods for finding the average heat flux in sonic nozzle were included in the data analysis: infinite contact resistance and zero contact resistance between nozzle sections. The input variables ranges were 25 °C and 30 °C for inlet temperature and back pressure saturation temperatures, 1100-60,000 kg/m[superscript]2s for mass flux, and 1.4-700 kW/m[superscript]2 heat flux. The effect of the mass flux and heat flux on the average two-phase heat transfer coefficients was investigated. The flow quality, Mach number(M), and Nusselt number ratio ([phi]) were also calculated for each section of the nozzle. As the fluid flowed through the nozzle, the pressure of the liquid dropped below the inlet saturation pressure of the liquid due to sonic expansion in the nozzle. This temperature drop was significantly lower in the case of R134a than R123. The results showed that the two-phase heat transfer coefficients were above of 30000 W/m^2 K in the first 75 mm of the nozzle, and they decreased along the nozzle. The Mach number profile appeared similar to the temperature profile, and the fluid was in the sonic region as long as temperature of the fluid dropped in the nozzle. Nusselt number ratios were compared with the Mach numbers and showed that the Nusselt number ratio were increased in the sonic region. The results showed that the length of the sonic region was larger for R123 than for R134a, and the Mach numbers were higher for R123. The Nusselt ratios of R123 were low compared to the R134a cases, and the trend in the Nusselt ratios was notably different as well.