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| 1975 |
Apollo-Soyuz Test Project
In January of 1975, a UCLA space experiment to investigate
the formation of optical fibers is being prepared for
summer launch to orbit as part of the joint Apollo-Soyuz
Test Project mission. Aboard the spacecraft, a small electrical
furnace will use elements to fuse together optical fibers
into a matrix, providing qualities that cannot be obtained
using earth-bound laboratories. Professors Alfred S. Yue
and Cavour W. Yeh predict that these light-transmitting
fibers could vastly improve telephone and television communications.
The project, supported by NASA, extends a similar experiment
by Yue and professor Frederick G. Allen carried aboard
the Skylab in 1974.
Nationwide Networks
In June of 1975, wide ranging research into computer networks
is led by professor Leonard Kleinrock and funded primarily
through grants from the Advanced Research Projects Agency
(ARPA). On-going ARPA-funded research has expanded to
include performance evaluation of computer networks and
the study of advanced packet switching in satellite and
ground radio environment. Also, secure systems in a network
environment are under study, and measurement experiments
include the control by UCLA researchers of a satellite
over the Atlantic Ocean.
Engineers Join Doctors
In June of 1975, doctors and engineers are joining
together to work on projects such as development of artificial
joints and organs, electronic instrumentation for medial
diagnosis and treatment, life support systems, and injury
prevention in automobile accidents. Some 45 projects are
under way involving professors and students in engineering,
medicine, dentistry and public health, and plans are going
forward for a campus-wide institute for medical engineering.
Engineer Degree
In August of 1975, a new degree of Engineer,
roughly midpoint between the master's and Ph.D. degrees
is approved for the School of Engineering and Applied
Science by the Regents. The degree will be of special
value to graduates planning to work in industry, since
it will give them high-level training directed toward
engineering practice while eliminating the lengthy Ph.D.
research and dissertation studies. Students obtaining
the degree also have the opportunity to return to the
Ph.D. program within three years to continue pursuit of
a Ph.D.
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| 1976 |
Plastics And You
In March of 1976, a course taught by professor Stephen
L. Cannon called "Plastics and You" explores
the pervasiveness of plastics in the average American's
daily life. As pervasive as plastics are, the industry
is still in its adolescence, Cannon says, and foresees
a future where shopping centers and even cities are enclosed
in giant, air conditioned plastic bubbles, and strong,
lightweight buildings are constructed by spraying plastic
foam onto the basic framework.
Brain-To-Computer Commands
In May of 1976, professor Jacques Vidal, head of the Brain
Computer Interface Project, reports a study in which faint
signals from the brain are read by a computer opening
up new channels of communication between man and machines.
A half dozen electrodes, attached painlessly to a person's
scalp, pick up the weak brain wave - or electroencephalograph
- signals and amplify them a million times before they
are transmitted to a computer. The computer then tries
to mimic the commands the brain has made by suggesting
the same point on a computer screen the subject has suggested.
Artificial Joints
In June of 1976, faculty in the materials department are
examining materials used in artificial joints to understand
failure of the plastic and metal devices. The fatigue
and fracture characteristics of metal alloys in weight-bearing
joints is measured and the characteristics of acrylic
cements used in the joints is studied to find ways of
reducing or eliminating tiny cracks that appear and lead
to eventual failure of the joints. In the area of friction
and wear, the fundamentals of interacting surfaces in
relative motion are investigated. Faculty involved in
the research include Stephen Cannon, Christian Wagner,
and Aly Shabaik.
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| 1977 |
Analyzer Goes To Washington
In December of 1977, the world's last working
model of a mechanical differential analyzer is donated
by UCLA to the Smithsonian Institution for their pioneering
computing displays. The differential analyzer, first used
at UCLA in 1947, introduced much of Southern California
industry to automatic computing. The machine has been
obsolete since 1960 when it began to be replaced by electronic
circuits. From 1960 on, it was used mainly as a display
piece, clanking away occasionally for student and public
demonstrations.
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| 1978 |
Plasma For Fusion
In February of 1978, experimental plasma physics work
is concerned with the scientific feasibility of fusion
reactors, in which hydrogen is converted to helium to
produce electrical and thermal power. Efforts are focused
on plasma diagnostics and heating.
Expert Systems
In April of 1978, faculty in the engineering systems department
are investigating various models of eliciting judgmental
knowledge from "experts" and reducing it to
a formal structure facilitating decision making by computers.
Creep
In May of 1978, professor T.H. Lin is developing improved
stress-strain relations for metals subject to multiaxial
stress. Lin is devoted to developing a physical theory
of creep of metals, which has particular importance when
designing structures that are subjected to mechanical
loading at elevated temperatures.
Engine And Fuel Lab
In June of 1978, the Engine and Fuels Laboratory under
the direction of professor William D. Van Vorst has been
upgraded and now permits on-line sampling of unburned
hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and monoxide, oxygen, and
nitric oxides in auto exhaust. Efforts are directed at
investigation of fuel additives and their effect on performance
and emissions, with the results applied to the development
of engines and fuels that will maximize fuel economy and
produce minimum air pollution.
Aerosols And Pollution
In July of 1978, professor Sheldon K. Friedlander has
developed a laboratory for the study of aerosol behavior,
including use of optical particle counters capable of
measurements in the .1 to 5 micron range. Friedlander
is examining new theories on nucleation in a reacting
gas, and suggests classic nucleation theory may have to
be modified as applied to smoggy atmospheres and process
gases.
Nuclear Studies
In August of 1978, wide-ranging research in nuclear engineering
is conducted by a number of faculty in the following areas:
reactor physics and transport theory; light water and
advanced reactor safety; probabilistic risk assessment
for nuclear and non-nuclear risk; thermal hydraulics;
and nuclear materials.
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| 1979 |
O'Neill Tours China
In January of 1979, Dean Russell R. O'Neill journeys to
the People's Republic of China with a UCLA delegation
to explore future academic relations and possible exchanges
between the two nations. UCLA was selected as one of six
U.S. universities to be linked with a major Chinese institution;
UCLA's exchange partner is Zhongshan University in Canton.
Antennas
In March of 1979, Robert S. Elliott and Nicholaos G. Alexopoulos
are carrying out research aimed at the design of seek-and-track
antennas for radar applications. Alexopoulos is also exploring
radiation patterns in patch antennas, and with Oscar M.
Stafsudd is accomplishing research on the scattering properties
of active particles and fibers.
Laser Fusion
In April of 1979, professor Frank F. Chen is examining
reflective loss processes that are a barrier to development
of a process where energy is produced by igniting small
pellets of deuterium-tritium fuel with intense laser radiation.
Solid State
In May of 1979, students are working on projects in the
field of solid state electronics with faculty direction:
professor Fred G. Allen is studying the energy loss of
hot electrons on thin semiconducting films; Oscar M. Stafsudd
is studying low temperature deposition techniques to make
low-cost silicon material for solar cell applications.
Waste Utilization
In July of 1979, professors John D. Mackenzie
and William J. Knapp continue examination of converting
waste to lightweight ceramic building and insulation materials.
Mixtures of waste glass and fly-ash are used to form electrical
power poles, and metallurgical slags are being converted
to glass ceramics.
Acoustic Emission
In August of 1979, professor Kanji Ono is examining
acoustic emissions from structural materials, such as
during plastic deformation, fracture, and phase transformation,
including acoustic behavior of nuclear reactor pressure
vessel steel.
Earthquakes
In September of 1979, under the direction of professor
Gary Hart, the Full Scale Earthquake and Wind Laboratory
is gathering data on the response of existing structures
to earthquakes. At Century City, Santa Barbara, and other
locations in the state, instruments have been placed in
buildings to measure motion. Should the ground move, the
building moves the instruments and the information is
transmitted over telephone lines to a central recorder
on campus.
Space Arrays
In October of 1979, professor D. Lewis Mingori
and students are involved in studies related to controlling
the orientation of and the shape of large flexible spacecraft.
The research is directed at understanding how best to
locate actuators and sensors for controlling the orientation
of large space arrays.
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| 1980 |
E-Week Showers No More
In April of 1980, Engineers Week is moved to the third week
in April after the event is washed out two years running.
Engineers Week is usually observed during the week of George
Washington's birthday, because he is considered the country's
first engineer.
Rubber Band Auto Engergy
In August of 1980, professor Andrew F. Charwat is expanding
on a reversible energy storage technique for automobiles
that involves the use of rubber bands as "collectors."
By connecting the wheels to the movement of the pistons
using a series of rubber bands, energy could be stored
during braking and then released during acceleration,
saving on fuel consumption, Charwat says.
Center For Intermedia Transport
In September of 1980 it is announced that a new research
center focusing on long-range environmental problems has
been established under an initial $500,000 grant from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Studies at the
National Center for Intermedia Transport Research, directed
by professor Sheldon K. Friedlander, will be concerned
with the movement, transportation, and chemical deposition
of pollutants as they circulate in the three media of
land, water, and atmosphere.
Crump Institute
On October 9, 1980, the Crump Institute for Medical Engineering
is established and F. Eugene Yates is named director.
The institute is an expansion of the research involvement
between engineers and medical professionals that began
with formation of the Institute for Medical Engineering
in 1976. Much of the impetus and most of the funding comes
from Ralph and Marjorie Crump. Ralph E. Crump is a 1950
graduate of the UCLA College of Engineering and president
of Frigitronics of Bridgeport, Conn. The company specializes
in the development and manufacture of medical instruments,
many invented by Crump himself, particularly for use in
cryogenic (low temperature) surgery.
Methane From Waste
In November of 1980, professor Michael K. Stenstrom is
using roof-top digesting machines to research ways to
boost methane production during a sewage sludge process.
By feeding the process with the right type of micro-organic
nutrients, Stenstrom has been able to produce an end product
that is 65 percent methane. The project is sponsored by
Southern California Edison, which sees methane as a clean,
low sulphur fuel for power plants.
Computer Research
In November of 1980, the computer science department receives
more than $5 million in grants from the National Science
Foundation and the Advanced Research Projects Agency to
conduct a program of research on advanced distributed
computing systems and their applications using a local
area network containing a few powerful computers and a
large number of flexible mini-computers. The title of
the funded proposal is "An Advanced Network Environment
for Distributed Systems Research."
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| 1981 |
Reactor Licensing
In March of 1981, the Argonaut research reactor
is up for relicensing, while at the same time it comes under
attack from a campus-community anti-nuclear group called
Committee to Bridge the Gap. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission
recently denied the group's petition to close down the reactor
because of perceived safety risks.
Dip-Slip Faults
In June of 1981, professor Poul Lade is focused on the
mechanisms that determine ground-surface offsets above
a dip slip earthquake fault. By using mathematical formulas
based on laboratory results in which faults were identically
simulated, researchers arrive at an accurate prediction
as to how the soil above the fault will react when it
begins to move.
Plastic Finger Joints
In August of 1981, professor Bruce Dunn is involved in
a variety of research areas in materials science, including
researching possibilities for synthesis of solid state
batteries and sensors, and, in the biomedical area, examining
use of polymers for the replacement of finger joints to
aid patients suffering from severe arthritis.
Mudslides
In November of 1981, professor Poul Lade says hillside
dwellers who have been threatened by brush fires in the
summer should prepare for mudslides after heavy rains.
Most Los Angeles homes sit on a mixture of clay and sand,
and as rain soaks into the ground, the clay expands and
starts losing its cohesiveness and strength, causing slope
failures.
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| 1982 |
Price Of Humans
In January of 1982, a group of experts led by professor
David Okrent is developing rational guidelines for the intuitive
process of risk assessment. The team examines the dollar
cost of "deferring a premature death" and finds
that it varies enormously. According to figures compiled
in 1975, the cost of averting a single fatality through
a cervical cancer screening program was $25,000; through
improved road barriers, $230,000; through upgraded coal
mine safety, $22 million; and through safer radioactive
waste disposal, $100 million. Systematic research into risk
management is a complicated subject merely a decade old,
where "life's dollar value depends on where the hypothetical
victim lives, what kind of work he does, the impact of pressure
groups and changing social priorities.
CAD/CAM
In March of 1982, the Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided
Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) program has expanding to 40 graduate
students who perform work on 13 advanced CAD/CAM graphics
computer workstations.
Molecular Beam Epitaxy
In May of 1982, pioneering research is carried out in
the field of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), one of the
major advances expected to have a large impact on the
electronic devices of the 1980s. MBE is a process by which
layers of one single crystal material are grown on top
of another single crystal material. The minute layering
process enables construction of smaller and faster semiconductor
circuits.
Modeling Aqueducts
In June of 1982, faculty at the School's Water Resources
Center have completed modeling work on the Central Arizona
Project, which represents the first application of mathematical
programming to the optimal operation of an aqueduct system.
The CAP is a modern aqueduct system scheduled to deliver
Colorado River water entitlements to urban, agricultural
and industrial users in Central Arizona. The UCLA model
determines the best flow necessary to meet water demand
by analysis of water management using the capabilities
of the system's open channel aqueducts, tunnels, check
gate structures, inverted siphons, pipes, and relift pumping
stations.
Better Teeth
In July of 1982, faculty in the materials department are
investigating a class of composites based on a new principle
called "transformation toughening." The process
reduces the propagation of cracks in such materials, increasing
"flexural strength" by 60 percent. Such toughened
ceramics will have applications as cutting tools, hip-joint
replacements, and improved artificial teeth.
Breathing Teddy Bear
On November 15, 1982, doctors and engineers at the Crump
Institute hold a press conference to feature new research
into infant sleep patterns and a solution to the abnormal
patterns that may cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
By putting sensors beneath an infant's crib, researchers
determine the movements of an infant. A teddy bear that
"breathes" by having its chest expand is placed
in the crib. Researchers determined that when the teddy
bear is made to breathe, the infant goes to it and sometimes
cuddles it. By helping regulate infant breathing patterns,
the incidence of premature disease or death can be avoided.
Research has shown that infants who sleep fitfully in
the first six weeks of infancy are prone to early health
problems, whereas infants with stable breathing patterns
typically lead normal lives.
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| 1983 |
Minority Engineering
In February of 1983, the Minority Engineering Education
Center is opened and dedicated to serve as a focal point
for the School's efforts to enroll and retain an increasing
number of students from underrepresented minority groups.
The center is an outgrowth of a long-standing program
for introducing select high school students from minority
groups to the study of engineering.
Hacker Discovered
In September of 1983, UCLA staff determine that former
engineering student Ronald Mark Austin has been breaking
into the UCLA computer system and from there accessing
government, military and industry networks nationwide
through the ARPANET. On November 2, 19-year-old Austin
is arrested at his home in Santa Monica. The break-in
scenario is remarkably similar to the plot of a recently
released movie titled "War Games."
Self-Testing Computer
In December of 1983, professor Algirdas Avizienis is refining
techniques for fault tolerant computers, a technique he
developed at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1967 when he
designed the STAR (Self Testing and Repairing) computer.
In addition to refining the error-catching mechanisms
in the computer hardware, he has extended his efforts
so that the system will also diagnose and neutralize human
mistakes in both software programming and circuit design.
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| 1984 |
Invention Into Smithsonia
In February of 1984, a photo-electric mixing
tube, the heart of an eight-year-long experiment at UCLA
that gave birth to the field of quantum optics, was given
to the Smithsonian Institution. The device, invented by
professor A. Theodore Forrester, is the second of Forrester's
inventions to be included in the Smithsonian collection,
the other being his ion propulsion engine put on display
in 1964.
Hydrogen Car Sold To Museum
In May of 1984, UCLA's first hydrogen-powered car, a 1972
Gremlin, is sold for one dollar to Harrah's Automobile
Museum in Reno, Nevada, where it will go on display.
Reactor To Be Decommissioned
In June of 1984, it is announced that UCLA will decommission
its training and research reactor and that the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission has been notified that UCLA will
withdraw its application to renew the operating license
for the reactor. The reactor operated safely from startup
in 1960 through shutdown on Feb. 3, 1984.
Bridge-Tester Helps Retrofit
In December of 1984, in order to test the feasibility
of a CalTrans program to retrofit freeway bridges to reinforce
them against earthquakes, professor Larry G. Selna and
students construct a massive bridge-tester capable of
exerting 1.5 million pounds of pull. Using the device,
the UCLA team constructs bridge joints utilizing the "pinning"
method" suggested by CalTrans, and then evaluates
the design using the bridge-tester. The UCLA team determines
during the first nine tests that the method of tying bridge
spans together with cables is insufficient. The team will
now embark on tests of bridge joints containing steel
rods to hold the spans together.
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