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By Alexander Siefert, Steffen Pankoke

In the development of commercial vehicles as well as of passenger cars, the effects of vehicle vibrations on operating safety, health and comfort can only be predicted by numerical simulation when appropriate occupant models are available. Such models must be based on human anatomy and have dynamic properties of real humans in order to achieve realistic results. Since human dynamic behavior depend on posture and percentile, the occupant model needs to be adjustable to these parameters with respect to geometry and dynamic properties [1,2]. Dynamic Human Finite-Element-Model CASIMIR CASIMIR is a non-linear, dynamic finite-element-model of the human body. It consists of a dynamic model of the upper torso with head, neck, shoulders and arms as well as of a dynamic model of the lower extremity with pelvis and legs. The most important part is the lumbar area with dynamic non-linear models of the lumbar spine and of back and abdominal musculature. The frequency-dependent characteristics of the intervertebral discs and the effects of muscle activation and non-linear frequency-dependent muscle properties are included. In the latest stage of development, CASIMIR has been equipped with a compliant model of the body surface in the contact areas to the seat. This results in a very realistic transmission of static and vibrational forces into the human body, see fig. 1. Intense model verification and validation has been performed in all stages of model development, starting with validation of small components like intervertebral disc, ending with validation of whole-body-vibrations using measurements of the dynamic mass / mechanical impedance [4]. For an in-detail examination of stresses in the vertebral bodies and discs, a non-linear submodel of the lumbar spine with an increased number of degrees of freedom can be coupled to the whole-body-model, enabling the researcher to examine local effects of vibrations and single shocks on the lumbar materials. [ ] Since it is well known that human dynamic behavior is significantly affected by anthropometric data and posture, CASIMIR can be individualized to the anthropometric status of single individuals or to the mean values for specific percentile groups. Furthermore, posture can be adjusted to the seating conditions applicable to a specific vehicle. Posture modification capabilities include the variation of the lumbar lordosis [3].

Jan 6, 2006

By M. Kanda

Two different techniques were used to make measurements of the absolute value of electromagnetic noise in and above an operating coal mine, McElroy Mine, located near Moundsville, West Virginia. The electromagnetic environment created by 300 volt dc and 480 volt ac machinery was measured. In one technique noise was measured over the entire electromagnetic spectrum of interest for brief time periods. The noise was recorded using broadband analog magnetic tape. The noise data was later transformed to give spectral plots. In the other technique, noise amplitudes were recorded at several discrete frequencies for a sufficient length of time to provide amplitude probability distributions. The specific, measured results are given in a number of spectral plots and amplitude probability distribution plots.

Jan 1, 1974

By Ferron A. Olson

Natural bornite (Cu5FeS4) leached in ferric chloride or in sulfuric or hydrochloric acid solutions with oxygen showed several differences. In ferric chloride 80 of the copper was leached in two stages. The first (30 copper removal) requiring one minute was controlled by mixed kinetics (liquid ferric ion diffusion and chemical surface reaction). The second was controlled by formation of a surface sulfur layer and then diffusion through the sulfur. With oxygen in sulfuric acid reaction was slow and only the first stage was studied. Copper removal had an induction period. The bornite structure disappeared at 12% copper removal (also found with ferric chloride) and covellite formed on the surface with a species inside the particles having an x-ray structure similar to CuFeS2 but with composition Cu3FeS4 (also with ferric chloride). Copper removal was controlled by iron dissolution. Surface iron vacancies filled with Cu+ to give CuS while interior copper dissolution produced Cu3FeS4. Preliminary results with oxygen and hydrochloric acid showed 80% copper removal and sulfur as end products (similar to ferric chloride).

Jan 1, 1982

By E. R. Bauer

Prolonged exposure to noise can cause permanent damage to the auditory nerve and/or its sensory components, known as noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). It is the most common occupational disease in the United States today. The Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is addressing NIHL in the mining industry through several research efforts. This paper presents a general review of NIHL, the status of NIHL in mining, the results of the longwall noise surveys, and a review of the longwall engineering controls research efforts.

Jan 1, 2008

A mineral survey of the Rough Hills WSA (Wilderness Study Area) in northeastern Nevada was done by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in 1985 at the request of the Bureau of Land Management. The WSA is comprised of 6,685 acres of mountainous, desert lands within the Elko District of the Bureau of Land Management. The survey entailed investigations of prospects or mineral occurrences to provide information on possible resources within the WSA. No mineral resources were identified in the WSA. The only historical mining activity was for placer gold at the Prunty prospect at the confluence of Copper Creek and the Bruneau River. Total gravel at the prospect is about 6,500 cubic yards; however, the survey showed significant gold values (greater than $0.10 gold per cubic yard) only in the southwestern portion. There, however, the gravel averaged less than $1.00 gold per cubic yard, and only about 3,000 cubic yards are present, a grade and yardage insufficient to be of commercial interest. The occurrence, however, may have value for recreational mining by hobbyists.

Jan 1, 1986

By Steven R. Davis

Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota, and a 30-mile radius area of influence on the United States side of the International Border, was examined for hardrock (nonferrous metallic minerals and diamonds) mineral potential and environmental sensitivity by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The investigation also included an analysis of current Metallic Minerals Leasing Rules of the State of Minnesota, and the probable effects of changes proposed to the current rules by the State of Minnesota in order to "encourage mineral exploration and development." The study has determined that the proposed changes to the Minnesota State Leasing rules will have minimal, if any, impact on the likely, foreseeable levels of mineral-related activities in the State as a whole, and particularly, in the area of influence to the Park. Voyageurs National Park management was advised on the extent and character of the proposed rules changes, and on those items of concern meriting a specific and timely response by the National Park Service.

Jan 1, 1994

By GEORGE S. POPE

This bulletin is a revision of Bulletin 63 and is published by the Bureau of Mines in order that purchasers of coal for Government, State, municipal, or private use may be informed regarding advances or refinements in sampling coal deliveries and preparing specifications for the purchase of coal. The purchase of coal by the Government under specifications depending on the heating value of the coal, its content of ash and of moisture, and other considerations, rather than upon the reputation or trade name of the coal, was based on the fuel investigations begun by the Technologic Branch of the United States Geological Survey in 1904. The plan was first adopted by the Treasury Department in 1906. Since then the plan, variously modified in form, but the same in principle, has been gradually adopted by other departments until, at present, of the coal used by the Government, the total value of which approximates $8,000,000 annually, more than half is purchased under specifications. The Government publications dealing with the adoption by the Government of the specification plan, the number of contracts awarded on that basis, and the quality of the coal delivered under such contracts in the several fiscal years covered by the reports are given in publioations a listed at the end of this bulletin. Under the authority of acts of Congress making appropriations for analyzing and testing fuels belonging to or for the use of the United States Government, a laboratory is maintained at the headquarters of the Bureau of Mines, Washington, D. C., where samples representing deliveries of coal purchased under specifications for Government use are analyzed and tested. At this laboratory more than 1,200 samples have been analyzed and tested in one month. With the complete equipment and the efficient force employed, the analytical work has been so perfected that the analyses and heating-value tests of the samples received are as accurate as may be reasonably expected in laboratory work of this nature. One of the serious drawbacks to the general adoption of the specification method for the purchase of coal is the difficulty of obtaining at reasonable cost samples of coal that can be considered fairly representative of the commercial product delivered in wagons, railroad cars, or ships. Therefore the method of taking and preparing samples for shipment to the laboratory has been given fully as much care as the making of the analyses and tests, and a general plan of collecting samples fairly representative of the delivered coal has been evolved through various modifications and improvements based on experience and increased knowledge of the physical and chemical characteristics of the various coals that are purchased by the Government. The method that is in general use by the Government is described in the following pages. In connection with studies of the coal deposits of the country, of the best methods of preventing waste in mining, and of increasing efficiency in the utilization of coal belonging to or for the use of the Government, geologists and engineers of the United States Geological Survey and of the Bureau of Mines have visited more than 2,500 coal mines scattered through all of the coal-producing States and Territories. From each mine 2 to 8 or more samples were taken, the number depending upon the size of the mine and its output. The analyses and descriptions of the samples collected up to the end of the fiscal year 1913 are published in Bureau of Mines bulletins 22 a and 85,b and those of samples collected in the fiscal years 1914 and 1915 are presented in a bulletin that will soon be published by the bureau. A study of the analyses of these samples and of the samples taken from cars shipped from a number of the same mines shows that the mine samples are as a rule of higher grade than the average commercial shipments, particularly with respect to containing a lower percentage of ash and having a correspondingly higher heating value. This difference is due to the fact that the Government inspector, proceeding on the basis of what can be done by a good miner, usually removes more of the partings of bone, slate, and other extraneous matter from his mine samples than the average miner does in ordinary practice, the aim of the miner being to get the maximum number of tons past the tipple inspection, as his earnings are based on his output. The average miner, therefore, does not always take as much care as he might in rejecting the impurities. The difference may be caused, too, by the presence of pieces of the mine roof and floor in commercial shipments. The Government inspector can readily

Jan 1, 1916

By Jeffrey Johnson, Carl Sunderman, Ted Williams, Stephen Signer, Douglas Bayer

To measure the loading behavior of friction bolts, researchers at the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) installed strain gauges on the interior of friction bolts and developed a battery-powered miniature data acquisition system (MIDAS) that fits inside the hollow portion of the friction bolt. The advantages of this system are that it is protected from face blasts and eliminates the need for external wiring. Laboratory pull-out tests showed that friction bolts installed in a concrete block with resin were loaded to about 1.8 tons/ft of bolt length; bolts installed without resin were loaded to 1.3 tons/ft. Three strain-gauged friction bolts were installed at Hecla Mining Company’s Gold Hunter Mine, Mullan, ID, in the wall or rib of a mechanized cut-and-fill stope. The object of these tests was to establish an installation procedure for the bolt-and-MIDAS combination and to evaluate performance. The stope was advanced in three 15-ft increments and strains induced in the rock bolts by stress changes in the rock were recorded every 30 minutes. The MIDAS proved to be rugged enough to withstand the shock and vibration from nearby (5 ft) face blasting. Data from MIDAS showed that the friction bolt installed with resin was the most sensitive to each face advance. It showed a steady increase in loading to a maximum value of 1000 microstrain. The friction bolt installed without resin showed stick-slip behavior with loads to a maximum of 400 microstrain before the stope was completed.

By BUREAU OF MINES

This summary of State laws on explosives was compiled primarily to ascertain what subjects relating to their control have been acted upon by each State legislature and , in general , how they have been treated . It does not include any legislation passed after 1942 , or any proclamations , regulations , or administrative orders . It does not purport or attempt to be authoritative . If any problem arises involving interpretation of the statutes of any particular State , the original source must be consulted for the exact words used by the legislature . This summary , however , will be useful in determining whether relevant statutes exist , and in locating thern quickly, with a minimum of effort . It will be of value also in comparing statutes in one State with similar statutes in other States to determine what construction has been placed upon them by the courts of these jurisdictions or to contrast the varying provisions of many States upon a similar subject . To make these comparisons easier , the statutory provisions for each State have been grouped under several major topics in outline form . Although this sometimes has resulted in disruption of the continuity of individual acts , the increased general clarity and availability of comparable sections have more than justified the procedure followed ,

Jul 1, 1943

By Robert Stefanko

This report, rather than attempting to replace previous annual reports, supplements, and more importantly, coordinates and summarizes the entire effort. Even with such restrictions, the report is voluminous and, therefore, a decision has been made to divide it into two parts. The first volume is basically narrative and includes tabular results and analyses. The second volume is in appendix form giving detailed information. Together, they permit a logical discussion of all aspects of the project (Volume I) without cumbersome distractions but, at the same time, provide all the details to permit others to evaluate and explain the results or develop similar research programs (Volume II). The aim of the original proposal was basically to develop instruments and techniques and then make measurements of suitable power parameters, ground fault currents and ground resistance beds. With such information available, it was possible to develop a meaningful simulator which would permit investigating electrical systems and components on paper without costly trial and error procedures in the third year, a cable splice testing program was added to the project. While there were the usual delays attendant in such original research, these objectives were achieved.

Jan 1, 1973

By Peter G. Groer

The commonly used exact methods (1-2) to determine the WL measure the total a activity or the total number of a counts during three preselected time periods. Due to the half-lives involved (TRaB = 26.8 min, TRaC = 19.7) I these methods take 3S minutes to complete the a activity Ra measurements. Methods using the total a counts, obtained at times less than about one RaB half-life after the end of sampling run into statistical 214 problems. These methods are almost blind to RaB (Pb214) as a consequence of its relatively long half period (see above) and the fact that RaB is a ß emitter. The way out of this dilema is to measure RaB directly through its ß activity. Since RaB's daughter Rae (Bi214) is also a ß emitter, the two f3 spectra have to be separated to obtain RaB alone. How this is accomplished 1s described in subsequent sections describing the theory of the IWLM and its calibration. 2.0 THEORY The IWLM samples air for two minutes and counts this airs ample for two minutes starting 3 sec after the end of the sampling period. The instrument has three channels. The lower a channel, the upper a channel, and one ß channel. The total RaA counts observed are accumulated in the lower a channel, the total RaC? counts are stored in the upper a channel. The total ß counts from RaB and RaC are recorded in the ß channel. These three quantities are functions of NA, NB, and NC, the unknown concentrations

Jan 1, 1975

By D. B. Taliaferro, Thomas Jennings, C. M. Keithly

"INTRODUCTION This report describes the methods of development and operation and gives the results of controlled water injection into oil sands in Illinois. It is the third of a group relating to water-flooding operations in various States; previous reports have covered projects in Oklahome 5/ and Kansas.6/ Systmatic water flooding has been in progress, in these States, for more 10 years. In Illinois the Tide Water Associated Oil Co. has been injesting water into one or two wells on each of five leases in the Robinson Acknowledgments This study was made under the general supervision of R. A. Cattell, chief engineer, and H. C. Fowler, assistant chief engineer, Petroleum and Natural Gas Division, Bureau of Mines, Washington, D. C., and N. A. C. Smith, supervising engineer, Petroleum Experiment Station, Bureau of Mines, Bartlesville, Okla., and under the direct supervision of Ludwig Schmidt, senior petroleum engineer, Bureau of Mines, Bartlesville, Okla.The cooperation of the operators who are conducting water-flooding projects and who have made this report possible by furnishing data on their operations is gratefully acknowledged. The writers are grateful also to the following members of the Bureau of Mines for assistance in preparation and criticism of the manuscript: C. J. Wilhelm, Franklin, Pa.; and Gustav Wade, R. E. Heithecker, and Peter Grandone, Bartlesville, Okla. The illustrations were prepared by Helen Cramer, Petroleum Experiment Station, Bureau of Mines, Bartlesville, Okla."

Aug 1, 1944

By J. R. Thoenen

This circular is the second of a series presenting methods employed in solving the technical problems encountered in the production of sand and gravel. The first paper3 discussed the methods use in prospecting and exploration. This one teals with the problems involved in bringing a raw prospect to the production stage and considers the various methods of development and the Factors affecting that development. Later publications are planned to present and discuss methods of recovery and treatment. The recovery of sand and ravel from natural deposits and their preparation for market involve a progressive sequence of operating steps or processes. Each step or process presents its own peculiar problems which require different angles of mental approach, methods, and tools, but all are more or less dependent on the step or process which precedes or follows.

Jan 1, 1933

During the period 1979 thru 1982, Multi Mineral Corporation conducted a mining research program at the United States Department of the Interior's Bureau of Mines Oil Shale Mining Environmental Research Facility in the Central Piceance Creek Basin, Rio Blanco County, Colorado. The program consisted of mining, environmental and geotechnical research data and the results are described in this report.

Jan 1, 1983

By G. Andrews

This case study details the process that was used for project planning and permitting for the Greens Creek Mine, located near Juneau Alaska, as seen through the eyes of one of the primary environmental consultants. This case shows how a Company could involve the public and the agencies in the early 1980's and develop a project sensitive to concerns expressed with a high level of environmental protection. Comparisons are made to the current environmental permitting situation. Initial baseline studies performed during the exploration phase provided helpful information for more detailed environmental work in 1980-1981 as planning and permitting formally got underway. Since the mine was in a National Monument and abuts up to a designated wilderness, the Monument Manager administered the project for the lead agency, the USDA Forest Service. Planning and permitting progressed smoothly to a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) in 1983. Metal prices were depressed when the FEIS was completed and the project permitting proceeded slowly. Ownership changed several times in the mid-1980's. New owners re-evaluated the project and suggested five changes that required a supplemental EA prior to development. The project was fully permitted and started construction in 1988. Operation began in 1989. Today the environmental process in southeast Alaska is now much more complex, detailed, expensive, and time consuming than in the early 1980's. Significant issues discussed that may impede development and operation include overlapping agency jurisdictions, personal agendas of agency staff, conflicts between agencies that impede project progress, changing regulations, and a well organized environmental opposition.

Jan 1, 1993

By W. C. Babcock

This report covers Phase V of .a continuing program to apply a new liquid membrane process called coupled transport to the recovery pf metals from hydrometallurgical leach solutions. During this phase of the program, a membrane system of moderate scale was constructed and field-tested at the Exxon Highlands Mine and Mill Co. site near Douglas, Wyoming. The test unit contained four hollow-fiber membrane modules, each with 100 ft2 of membrane area. In the field tests, about 1000 gallons per day of leach solution was processed. The unit was operated on the leach solution for about 50 days. Leach solution entering the unit contained 100 ppm uranium. This concentration was reduced to about 5 ppm by coupled-transport treatment, and the uranium was concentrated to about 2 wt% as a uranyl carbonate product. Under these conditions, a transmembrane uranium flux of about 2.5 lb/ft2-year was obtained. An economic analysis showed that the cost of recovering uranium from this leach solution via coupled trans-port is about $1.20/lb. At higher concentrations of uranium in the leach solution this cost is reduced. For example, at 1000 ppm the cost of uranium recovery is about $0.30/lb.

Jan 1, 1983

By Neal M. Miur

"INTRODUCTION The Mineral Ridge-Clay Lick fault system in Crittenden and Livingston Counties, Kentucky, is one of the larger and more important fault systems of the Western Kentucky Fluorspar district. Total production from it up to July 1945 (chiefly since 1900) was approximately 80,000 tons of fluorspar ore, 10,000 tons of which came from the Mineral Ridge Fluorspar Co. tract 1, which was being operated by the Mahoning Mining Co. of Rosiclare, Ill. The fluorspar ore carries lead and zinc that can be recovered by milling, and the Mahoning Co. planned to log-wash the ore at the mine and then mill it in its mill at Rosiclare, The Mineral Ridge Fluorspar Co. properties were examined by O. M. Bishop, an engineer of the, Bureau of Mines, in August 1942. During 1943 and 1314, developments on the properties were under observation by X. B. Starnes, of the Bureau, and it was decided to diamond-drill tracts 1 and 2, as indications seemed favorable for opening up additional fluorspar ore bodies. Drilling was begun March 12, 1945, and was completed July 2, 1945, during which time 12 holed were drilled on tract 1 of the Mahoning Co.'s leases for a total of 3,637.1 feet, and one hole 359 feet deep was drilled on tract 2 of the Jennings lease. The Mineral Ridge-Clay Lick fault system, 4 to 47 feet wide, was encountered in all holes at 126 to 265 feet."

Apr 1, 1947

In July 1982 the Committee on Underground Coal Mine Safety completed its study of safety in U.S. underground coal mines; the results of the study were published in the National Research Council report entitled Toward Safer Underground Coal Mines. One of the findings of this study was: THERE IS A STRONG CORRELATION BETWEEN MINE SIZE AND FATAL INJURIES. THE FATALITY RATE IN MINES WITH 50 OR FEWER EMPLOYEES IS NEARLY THREE TIMES THAT OF LARGE MINES (WITH OVER 250 EMPLOYEES), AND ABOUT TWICE THAT OF INTERMEDIATE-SIZED MINES (WITH 51-250 EMPLOYEES). Although the Committee explored possible reasons for the higher fatality rate in the smaller mines, it was not able to explain this phenomenon fully. Therefore the Bureau of mines requested that the Committee undertake a supplementary study of fatalities in small underground coal mines. The Committee met in the fall of 1982, discussed the problem, developed an approach to it, approved a program of statistical analyses, and authorized a panel of four committee members to explore the problem in greater depth. The panel, in turn, reviewed the results of the statistical analyses and met with the president of the National Independent Coal Operators Association and with several owners of small underground coal mines for a detailed discussion of the unique problems of small mines. Panel members examined 66 individual fatality reports prepared by Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspectors who investigated fatal accidents that occurred in small underground coal mines in 1979 and 1980. This report is the result of those studies, analyses, and deliberations. The first draft was prepared by the panel, but the report has been reviewed and approved by the entire Committee.

Jan 1, 2011

By James P. Ulery

In This Chapter [Geologic features associated with anomalous methane emissions Gas outbursts and blowers Methane drainage strategies for mitigating anomalous methane emissions and General considerations for a methane drainage program] This chapter summarizes how certain geologic features may be associated with unexpected increases in gas emissions during coal mining. These unexpected emissions have the potential to create explosive conditions in the underground workplace. Also discussed are the generally used practices to alleviate potential hazards caused by gas emissions associated with these geologic features. INTRODUCTION Unforeseen mine gas emissions in quantities sufficient to create hazardous conditions have been attributed to sources outside the mined coalbed since the first documentation of methane explosions in coal mines [Payman and Statham 1930]. Geologic features such as faults have long been recognized as conduits for gas flow from strata adjacent to mined coalbeds [Moss 1927; Payman and Statham 1930]. Other features such as sandstone paleochannels, clay veins, and localized folding have also been recognized for their impact on gas emissions into mine work-ings [Darton 1915; Price and Headlee 1943; McCulloch et al. 1975; Ulery and Molinda 1984]. The fact that strata adjacent to mined coalbeds can emit large quantities of methane gas into mine workings is not surprising from a theoretical perspective. Many researchers have recognized that during the burial and diagenesis of the organic matter forming today’s minable coalbeds, similar dispersed organic matter in adjacent strata has produced methane in quantities far exceeding the storage capacity of the coal and surrounding rock [Juntgen and Klein 1975]. It is not surprising then that large quantities of methane can remain trapped in these strata. A potential hazard occurs when mining of a nearby coalbed causes pressure differentials and mining-induced fractures conducive to gas flow into the mine workings from these strata. This gas flow may be facilitated or temporarily impeded by the presence of geologic structures or anomalies.

Jan 6, 2006

By C. E. Brechtel

A testing program was conducted to design a cemented backfill fur hydraulic placement in underhand cut and fill mining of a steeply dipping coal seam. The testing evaluated the use of three different backfill aggregates, locally available at the coal mine, with Portland cement and five different pozzolans, including a Class F fly ash, a Class C fly ash, a cement kiln dust and ground smelter slag. Both viscosity and uniaxial compressive strength of backfill mixtures with different pozzolan and Portland cement contents were used to evaluate their suitability. Based upon the results of preliminary testing, an optimum mixture of alluvial sand with six percent Portland cement and ten percent Class F pozzolan was chosen for further compression testing.

Jan 1, 1985