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Girls in Aviation Day!

Carol Johnk

– September 23, 2017Posted in: Aviation, Blog

September 23^rd is Girls In Aviation Day!

“Flying is so much more than just a quick way to traverse space.

It’s freedom and color and form and style. I am at home in the air.”

Amelia Earhart, Feb. 7, 1934, Christian Science Monitor.

In honor of Girls in Aviation Day, let’s take a brief look back at the women aviation pioneers!

Amelia Earhart. Photo Credit: The Official Amelia Earhart website.

When we think of women in aviation, we often think of Amelia Earhart. But have you heard of Harriet Quimby, Lores Bonney, Fay Gillis Wells?

Amelia Earheart took her first plane ride in 1920 and began flying lessons in 1921 – buying her first plane that same year. Harriet Quimby was a newspaper reporter/writer and was assigned to cover an airshow in 1910, and she was hooked. On May 11, 1911 – one day before her 36^th birthday, she entered flight school. In 1931 Lores Bonney set a new Australian record for a one-day flight by a woman. In 1933 she was the first woman to fly from Australia to England. In 1928 Fay Gillis jumped from a disabled plane in flight, making her the first woman to join the Caterpillar Club – a group composed of pilots who have made life-saving jumps with silk parachutes. Betty Skelton-Frankman won the International Feminine Aerobatic championship in 1948, 1949, and 1950. She was best known for the trick “inverted ribbon cut,” (she flew upside down, 10 feet off the ground, through a ribbon tied between two poles)!

In 1994 Patrice Clarke-Washington was the only African American woman flying with the rank of captain for a major airline. Jean Ross Howard-Phelan is the 13th woman in the world to receive a helicopter’s pilot license. She learned to fly in 1954. Florence Parlett actively flew until she was 83 years old and has operated the Annapolis Flying Service at Lee Airport in Edgewater, Maryland.

Photo Credit: Vicki Van Meter website

In 1993 at age 11, Victoria Van Meter flew across the ocean and then did it again the following year. A flight instructor was required to be with her on both flights because she didn’t meet the age limit to fly alone.

These women, and so many others, laid the groundwork for women to pursue their love of flying in a variety of aviation careers.

Lori Love: crop duster in California.
Madge Minton: joined the WASPs (World War II Women Airforce Service Pilots) and flew fighter planes across the country to various military bases.
Susan Still: 3rd woman trained in combat aircraft for attack missions.
Suzanne Asbury-Oliver: skywriter for Pepsi in 1980.
Evie Washington: flight instructor for the Civil Air Patrol.
Mary Edna Fraser: uses aerial photography to inspire her silk batik artwork. She doesn’t have a pilot’s license, but will take off, land, and maneuver the aircraft into position.
Ellen Paneok: Native American Eskimo pilot – delivering supplies and mail to remote Alaskan villages.
Mayte Greco: Cuban American pilot and founding member of Brothers to the Rescue (Hermanos al Rescate), an organization of pilots who fly search and rescue operations over the ocean between Florid and Cuba searching for Cuban exiles in rafts.

Dorothy Vaughan, “Human Computer, in her twenties.

They also paved the way for the participation of women in NASA and space exploration. In the beginning they were “human computer,s” then aeronautical engineers, and astronauts.

Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan, Kathryn Peddrew, Sue Wilder, Eunice Smith and Barbara Holley: African American women mathematicians, worked at NASA during the Civil Rights era. “Human computers.”
Shannon Lucid: one of the original core of women astronauts; in 1997 she held the record for the longest time in space for an American (188 days on board the Russian space station Mir).
Mary Ellen Weber: mission specialist on board space shuttle Discovery in June of 1995.
Vickie Gutierrez: Aerospace Engineering. Began working for NASA in 2002.
Rosalind Cylar: Attorney and advisor in the Office of chief counsel at NASA’s Marshall space Flight Center.
Courtney Ritz: Is blind and works at the Goddard Space Flight Center since 2002. She is the Web Accessibility Coordinator.

Peggy Whitson. Photo credit: NASA.

This month, September 2017, astronaut Peggy Whiton broke NASA’s record for the longest time spent in space – 665 days! She also holds other records – the record for the oldest woman to go to space (57 years old); women’s record for the longest amount of time doing spacewalks – 53 hours & 22 minutes; and the first woman commander of the space station. On her latest mission she traveled 122.2 million miles and went orbited Earth 4,623 times. She was born in Mt. Ayr, Iowa.

All of these women – from the pioneering aviators to the pioneering women in aeronautics – have helped clear the way for this generation, and future generations, to fulfill their dreams of flying!

Girls in Aviation Day is sponsored by Women in Aviation International. Women in Aviation International (WAI) hold events are being held world-wide and include one in Dubuque, IA, which is sponsored by the WAI University of Dubuque Chapter. Contact Polly Kadolph for more information.

Resources:

Michele Wehrwein Albion, editor. 2015. The quotable Amelia Earhart. Albuquerque : University of New Mexico. Engineering Library TL540.E3 A3 2015

Kerr, Leslie. 2016. Harriet Qumby : flying fair lady. Atglen, PA : Schiffer Publishing. Engineering Library TL540.Q496 K47 2016

Alexander, Kristen. 2016. Taking flight : Lores Bonney’s extraordinary flying career. Canberra, ACT : NLA Publishing. Engineering Library TL540.B635 A44 2016

Russo, Carolyn. 1997. Women and flight : portraits of contemporary women pilots. Washington, D.C. : National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Boston : Bulfinch Press. Engineering Library FOLIO TL539 .R87 1997

Tallman, Jill W. November 18, 2011. Mary Edna Fraser. AOPA. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Vicki Van Meter. 2012. Vicki Van Meter.

Record-breaking NASA Astronaut Peggy Whitson Sets New Record for Time in Space. NASA.

Keating, Fiona. Sept. 2017. Astronaut Peggy Whitson breaks NASA’s record for longest time spent in space. Independent : News, Science.

Dorothy Vaughan. The Human Computer Project : Inspiring STEM stories from History . Date Accessed: Sept. 5, 2017

Roberts, Jason, editor. Aug. 3, 2017. Peggy A. Whitson (PH.D.) NASA Astronaut. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Other Resources:

Winters, Kathleen C. 2010. Amelia Earhart : the turbulent life of an American icon. New York : Palgrave Macmillan. Engineering Library TL540.E3 W57 2010

Holt, Nathalia. 2016. Rise of the rocket girls : the women who propelled us, from missiles to the moon to Mars. New York : Little, Brown, and Company. Engineering Library TL862.J48 H65 2016

Eschner, Kat. June 16, 2017. Meet the Rogue Women Astronauts of the 1960s Who Never Flew : But they passed the same tests the male astronauts did – and, yes, in high heels. SMARTNEWS : Keeping you current. Smithsonian Institution.

Riley, Ricky. June 29, 2016. This Black NASA Mathematician Was the Reason Many Astronauts Came Home – Their Life Depended on Her Calculations. Atlanta Black Star.

Amelia Earhart. The Family of Amelia Earhart. Date accessed: August 29, 2017. National Geographic.

NASA Langley to dedicate building in honor of Katherine Johnson.

NASA Women of Stem. August 3, 2017. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA.

Gallentine, Jay. 2016. Infinity beckoned : adventuring through the inner solar system, 1969-1989. Lincoln : University of Nebraska Press. Engineering Library TL795.3 .G355 2016

Registration is Now Open for the Creative Kick-Start Program!

Carol Johnk

– September 22, 2017Posted in: Blog, Kick-Start

Registration is now open for the

2^nd Annual Creative Kick-Start Program!

Hey students! Are you interested in giving your idea, project, or invention a kick-start? Want to make that project a reality?

Registration is now open for the 2^nd annual Kick-Start program! The Engineering Library, along with, the Engineering Electronic Shop (EES), Engineering Machine Shop (EMS), are pleased to once again present the Creative Kick-Start program! Applications will be accepted through October 20^th.

The program is designed so engineering students (undergraduate and graduate) may request funding to pay for prototyping and/or finishing projects – using the services offered through EES, EMS, and the Library Creative Space,

There will be ten $500 awards!! How exciting is that!?

Five 3D printers available in the Engineering Electronics Shop (EES)

Since there will only be 10 awards, this is a competitive process! Make sure you check the Kick-Start webpage to get complete details and get your application in soon!

Briefly, any graduate or undergraduate engineering student may apply for a Kick-Start award. You come up with an idea, find a faculty or staff sponsor, complete an online application form, attend an in-person workshop (approximately an hour), and present your project in April!

There are a few requirements which include (but aren’t limited to) keeping receipts and a record of all expenses (a budget spreadsheet template will be be provided). A post-project survey of the Kick-Start program will also be required.

You are strongly encouraged to visit the Hanson Center for Technical Communication for assistance with writing your proposal before it is submitted. We also suggest you fill out a hackaday.io page and use it to post regular, substantial updates on the status of your project. Each update should include photos – of your project, notes or sketches – and text explaining your progress.

There are a few restrictions, one of which is you may not already be receiving funding for this project from any other source. There can only be one idea per submission and a student may only be the primary investigator on one Kick-Start per year. Students may be co-investigators on more than one project. Be sure to check the Kick-Start webpage for more information.

So what else do you need to know?

Creative Kick-Start Innovation Kit!

The idea for the project is yours, and may be a finished product or a prototype. You maintain ownership of your idea and anything you build during the project. For inspiration check out United Nations Global Problems. A team may work on the project together, but one student must be designated as the primary investigator. A primary investigator may be a co-investigator on another project.

You may keep any materials you purchase for your project, but tools purchased should be returned to the Creative Space for use by future makers. There are many tools in the Tool Library which are available to check out. Knowing what items must be returned can be a gray area, so please direct any questions about what should be returned to lib-engineering@uiowa.edu. The $500 award may only be used in EES and EMS for materials, tools, and labor, etc. Any unused funds will revert back to the program and will go toward helping another future maker build their idea.

You are required to have a sponsor who will review the requirements of the Kick-Start program and review your application before it is submitted. The sponsorship officially ends with the presentation in April, but the sponsor and student are free to continue to work on the project if they so choose.

Remember that ‘failure’ is part of the creative process. The important thing is you learn from these failures and therefore are better prepared for future projects. You will still be required to present your project in April – your presentation can deal with what went wrong, how it could be fixed, what you would do differently, what you learned. As Elon Musk said, “Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.”

Ellis mitre band saw in the Engineering Machine shop (EMS).

There are so many resources to help you complete your project! Our Creative Space is a great place to begin! Two collaboration tables, each with a quad-screen monitor will help your team work together to imagine your project. There are 4 modeling stations with the high-powered software you need. 3D cameras, a 4400 Dell computer with a video card, Leap Motion controllers and an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset can help you manipulate your project in virtual reality (check the Tool Library resources!). EES and EMS have the equipment you need to take your project from virtual reality to reality! EES provides circuit board fabrication, dye sublimation printing, PC board prototypes, laser cutting and etching and 3D printing (among other things!). EMS has sheet metal tools, power hand tools, computer controlled machine tools (among other things!) Staff in both EMS and EES are happy to answer questions and provide guidance!

The funds for this project are generously provided by the Engineering Technology Centers. Application Review Committee members are Lynn Allendorf (Director, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center), Kari Kozak (Head, Lichtenberger Engineering Library), Spencer Stumpf (Inventions Manager, UUI Research Foundation), and Danny Tang (Cheif Technology Officer, College of Engineering).

Be sure to check out the 2017 Kick-Start Award Winners!

3D Modeling an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Precision Landing System for Autonomous Aircraft

Here are two of the groups who received Kick-Start awards last year! You could be an award winner, too! Get your application in before Oct. 20^th and start making your vision a reality!

It Is Hurricane Season!

Carol Johnk

– September 15, 2017Posted in: Blog, Weather

It’s hard to pay attention to the science behind hurricanes when people’s lives are on the line and everyone is waiting to see what will really happen. Now that Harvey and Irma have done their worst, here are a few facts and interesting tidbits about hurricanes . . . information that will stand you in good stead when the next one approaches. And there will be a next one. After all, the Atlantic hurricane season last through November 30.

Geocolor Image of Hurricane Irma. Sept. 8, 2017. Photo Credit: NOAA/CIRA

How does a hurricane form? Briefly, hurricanes develop from smaller, but strong, thunderstorms which develop in tropical waters. If several thunderstorms cluster together and become stronger they can become a tropical depression. (A tropical depression has a relatively low air pressure and wind speeds between 23 and 38 mph circling around the center). If the wind speeds increase above 38 mph it is called a tropical storm and given a name (we’ll look at naming a little later). A tropical storm could last for days while moving across the ocean – fizzling out or possibly reaching shore. If winds intensify and reach 74 mph, the storm becomes a hurricane. (The speed of 74 mph was first calculated by Sir Francis Beaufort in 1805…)

Now, about those categories. The graphic on the left may be humorous – but it is accurate (at least as far as the facts go, not sure about the cats…Notice I’m refraining from saying anything about ‘cat’egories…). A category 1 (winds between 74-95 mph) will produce some damage (roofs, siding, gutters, trees, and the possibility of power outages lasting several days). Category 2 (96-110 mph) will cause extensive damage (major roof damage, trees snapped and uprooted, and near total power outage which could last weeks). Devastating damage will occur with a category 3 (111-129 mph) hurricane (homes will sustain major damage, many trees will be uprooted blocking roads, water and electrical outages could last weeks). Catastrophic damage will occur with a category 4 (130-156 mph) hurricane (homes suffer severe damage, most trees will be uprooted or snapped, power poles will come down, residential areas will become isolated and most areas will uninhabitable for weeks or months). Category 5 (157 mph and higher) damage is catastrophic (most homes destroyed, residential areas isolated, water and electrical outages will last months and most of the area will be uninhabitable for months or longer). This is only the damage from the winds and doesn’t include the flooding from the rain and storm surges.

Newly upgraded and repainted NOAA Lockheed WP-3D Orion N42RF, aka “Kermit,” taking off from Tampa, FL on Jan 18, 2017. Photo credit Lt. Kevin Doremux.

So, where does the data come from? Data on individual hurricanes is gathered using satellites and radar – but that data isn’t as complete as when hurricane hunters are also collecting data. Yes, there really are Hurricane Hunters who fly through the eye of the hurricanes on purpose! Specially equipped National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) aircraft play an integral role in hurricane forecasting. Instruments on board are continually transmitting measurements of pressure, humidity, temperature and wind direction – all which help give scientists and forecasters real-time access to the storm information. And these Hurricane Hunters make the run through the eye of the storm over and over again during an 8-10 hour shift!

So what’s the deal with naming the hurricanes? It’s pretty simple – human names are easier to remember than meteorological numbers. If there is more than one hurricane at a time (like now) there is much less chance for confusion when referring to the storms. There are six lists of names, which are used in rotation. One list is used one year, then the next list the following year, etc. Names on the list are alphabetical with one name for each letter (with the exception of the letters Q, U, X, Y and Z, which have no names associated with them). This system of relying on names from these lists began in 1953, and was begun by the National Hurricane Center. These lists are now maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorologic Association.

Tropical Cyclone Names Worldwide, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Atlantic Names. World Meteorological Organization

The origins of the modern naming system may be traced back to a 19th century Australian meteorologist named Clement Wragge (known as Wet Wragge….). He started out using letters of the alphabet and then switched to using popular female names in the South Pacific. It is also said that he sometimes named hurricanes after politicians who were not supportive of his work …

In the 1960s women began to speak out about the inequality of gender-specific names. Finally, in 1979, male name’s were introduced and they now alternate with female names. The first hurricane with a male name was “Bob” and he hit the Gulf Coast on July 11, 1979. The names of hurricanes which are particularly destructive and deadly are retired – Irene, Katrina, Sandy, and Matthew are recent examples. It is expected that the names Harvey and Irma will be retired after this year.

Would you like to prepare for the hurricane by watching some hurricane-themed movies? You might want to watch Key Largo, Thunder Bay, The Killer Shrews, and Hurricane for example!

Or perhaps you’d like to create your own hurricane playlist? There are a number of possible songs – Ridin’ the Storm Out (REO Speedwagon), Riders on the Storm (The Doors), Like a Hurricane (Neil Young), and so many more.

Wherever you are – please be safe! Listen to the forecasters and officials in your area. The category meme, the movies and the playlist might make light of hurricanes, but they are dangerous, destructive, and can be deadly.

Resources:

Mooney, Chris C. 2007. Storm world : hurricanes, politics, and the battle over global warming. Orlando : Harcourt. Engineering Library QC944 .M66 2007

Kirkland, Kyle. 2010. Weather and climate : notable research and discoveries. New York : Facts on File. Engineering Library QC861.3 .K57 2010

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. National Hurricane Center. Date accessed Sept. 8, 2017.

Keim, Barry D. 2009. Hurricanes of the Gulf of Mexico. Baton Rouge : Louisiana State University Press. Engineering Library QC945 .K45 2009

Hapij, Adam W., editor. 2011. Multidisciplinary assessment of critical facility response to natural disasters : the case of Hurricane Katrina. Reston, VA : American Society of Engineers. Engineering Library TH1096 .M85 2011

NOAA Hurricane Hunters. May 19, 2017. Office of Marine & Aviation Operations. NOAA.

Tropical Cyclone Naming. 2017. World Meteorological Organization

Volcovici, Valerie and Brian Thevenot. Sept. 1, 2017. After bungling Katrina, Hurricane Harvey is a big test for FEMA – and tens of thousands of Americans are counting on federal help. Business Insider : Politics.

Photo Credits:

Geocolor Image of Hurricane Irma. Sept. 8, 2017. NASA : Hurricanes.

NOAA Hurricane Hunters. May 19, 2017. Office of Marine & Aviation Operations. NOAA.

Other Resources:

Interested in information about specific hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico? Hurricanes of the Gulf of Mexico has information about storms going back as far as 1906!

For information about the changes in disaster assessment and protection systems since Hurricane Katrina, check our resources, including – Multidisciplinary Assessment of Critical Facility Response to Natural Disasters : the Case of Hurricane Katrina, The New Orleans Hurricane Protection System : What Went Wrong and Why, and Hurricane Katrina Damage Assessment: Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi Ports.

Bromwich, Jonah Engel. Sept. 7, 2017. Harvey and Irma, Married 75 years, Marvel at the Storms Bearing Their Names. New York Times .

Hurricane Season Playlist. 2017. Johns Hopkins University Press

The Red Cross Officially Launched the First Drone Program for Disasters. Futurism : Robots & Machines Date accessed: Sept 8, 2017

Waxman, Olivia B. Sept. 6, 2017. The Woman Who Helped Change How Hurricanes Are Named. Time : History. Time, Inc.

Spend a Day as a Pioneer!

Carol Johnk

– September 8, 2017Posted in: Blog, DIY

Credit: Tim Abramowitz / E+ / Getty Images.

Have you ever gotten caught up in the romanticized idea of the Wild West and pioneer days? But, now that you are so used to modern conveniences have you decided life back then wouldn’t have been romantic at all? It would have been really, really, hard… Never fear – we have a resource to teach you how to experience parts of pioneer life – while in the comfort of your own home (and using some modern tools and safety equipment)!

Photo from “Make: Like the Pioneers.”

Make: Like the Pioneers will walk you through a (somewhat) typical day in the life of a pioneer. A pioneer (and you!) start the day building a fire – no matches or charcoal allowed! Learn to make and use a bow drill – using branches, string, and a knife (or an optional handsaw!) and you’ll never be without fire again! You can continue the morning routine by making bacon soap (yes, soap and not soup)! There are several other morning activities to learn and enjoy – including “kitchen table cider making,” (both fermented and non-fermented). Just think – you can move through the rest of your “pioneer-day” smelling like bacon and drinking cider! Would you like to spend your winter evenings next to the fire writing a book about your pioneer experiences? Then you just might like to spend your mornings learning to make paper and binding your own book!

How about spending the afternoon making furniture?! According to Gordon Thorburn (the author of Chapter 6, “Fool’s Stool”), “Almost anybody can make a 17th-century board stool. In those early, pioneering times, techniques and tools were fairly primitive and ambitions consequently modest, so today, faking the American colonial style requires a do-it-for-fun, cavalier attitude rather than serious precision.” The list of materials and tools needed include, among other things, “cow manure (preferred) or wood stain…” (You can see in the picture [right] your homemade furniture doesn’t have to be perfect!) Perhaps making a “Rok-Bak” chair (from a single sheet of plywood) is more your style… You can also learn to “lash.” Chapter 8 is an entire chapter of full-page, full-color photos showing, in detail, how to build a sturdy platform using only sticks and twine!

Your evening can be spent pickling grapes and beets – or, in preparation for Halloween and Thanksgiving, you can learn to brine and roast a turkey and roast pumpkin seeds! There is also a delicious-sounding recipe for garlic herb butter for rubbing into that tasty T-day turkey!

Once those daily chores are finished, it is time to relax! Many pioneers spent their few leisure time making tools which would make their work and lives easier. Chapter 12 has clear, step-by-step instructions for building a da Vinci Reciprocating Mechanism. Learn to make a table-top version of da Vinci’s mechanism for powering a sawmill with a water wheel!

Photo from “Make: Like the Pioneers.”

If you want to go waaaay back – perhaps to prehistoric times – you can create your own oil lamp! Since there are cave drawings from as long ago as 15,000 to 30,000 years ago, experts postulate there must have been a way to light those caves in order for the “primitive Rembrandts” to create those drawings. Oil lamps have progressed over time (obviously!) and the final chapter details how to make your own “Oil Lamp from the Cave Dwellers of Lascaux.” (An interesting fact: This chapter was written by William Gurstelle. Since volume 4, every issue of Make magazine has had an article written by him. We have all the issues here at the library – up to volume 57 now – so come in and check out all the other articles he’s written!)

So, ready to try your hand at living like a pioneer? Or at least “making” like a pioneer? I think you’ll find Make: Like the Pioneers makes it much easier than it was “back in the day!”

Resources:

Make Editors. 2015. Make : like the pioneers. San Francisco, CA : Maker Media. Engineering Library TT157 .M35 2015

What hardships did American pioneers face? 2017. Reference. IAC Publishing, LLC.

Other Resources:

Liu, Joanne S. 2009. Barbed wire : the fence that changed the West. Missoula, Mont. : Mountain Press Pub. Co. Engineering Library TS271 .L59 2009

The Science of Shoes!

Carol Johnk

– September 1, 2017Posted in: Blog

You’ve spent the summer wearing flip-flops, sandals, and going barefoot – now that fall is coming and classes have started, it is time to start thinking about shoes…

If you are run, dance, play soccer, ride bicycles, hike or climb, you probably think about the fit, construction, and “science” of your footwear. But most of us don’t think much about the science of the shoe – we think more about style and comfort (in some cases – about which I may personally know, only the style!).

The human foot is quite complex and consists of 26 bones, 33 joints, plus muscles, tendons, ligaments, and a network of blood vessels, nerves, skin and other soft tissue. It is quite a complex – and flexible – structure providing the body with support, balance, and mobility.

Considering the complexity of the human foot, it is rather amazing that anyone can walk into a shoe store and find shoes that fit (reasonably) well. Men’s, women’s, and children’s feet are all different – not to mention all the individual differences among human beings! There are flat feet, feet with high arches, differences in the width at the ball of the foot, length of toes, narrow heels, the list goes on. Without even looking at the special circumstances of feet with particular needs, the thought of designing a shoe where “one size fits all” is daunting! (Did you know that certain studies have shown that male and females have different length feet, even when they are the same height?)

Ever wonder why shoes of “yesteryear” looked so, well, utilitarian? This can partially be explained by the beginnings of World War II. The height of heels was limited to 2.5 cm (less than an inch) in the United States and .5 cm in Britain. Leather was in short supply, so cheaper, poor-quality leather was used. Once those restrictions were removed, the heels became higher and peep toes emerged! Then as leather became more expensive, cheaper alternatives were found – plastic and synthetic fibers became quite common. Platform shoes have come and gone, as have other particular footwear styles. (Alas, I had a pair of blue denim platform shoes “back in the day.” I miss those shoes….) All these changes were motivated by fashion.

But, what about the science of shoes and designing shoes so they are healthier for the body?

Illustration from “The Science of Footwear,” page 202.

A “shoe-last” is a wooden or plastic mold upon which a shoe is constructed. There are 4 reference points – the vamp, instep, ball break, and heel point (where the backseam is). The shoe-last has evolved based on a women’s American size 6-B shoe and on a men’s American size 7.5C shoe-last.

So, you have “normal” feet – nothing that would cause you to need specialized shoes – what can you expect from standard retail footwear? Generally, there are 5 characteristics: a moderate to low heel (<2 inches); a cushioned midsole; breathable, comfortable uppers; adjustable fastening (laces, straps, etc.); and a stable heel. There are, obviously, a great many variations on these characteristics and there are many styles that are missing some (or all!) of these characteristics! These 5 characteristics are what are recommended for the most comfortable (and least damaging) day-to-day footwear.

Okay, about those stylish heels that are so popular. Wearing those heels have been shown to have the following effects (among others): changing the posture & putting weight on the toes; increasing the pelvic tilt; changing the gait; increased activity of lower spine muscles & lower back pain; muscle fatigue and pain; corns & bunions; deformation of the toes; and increased risk of ankle sprains. Benefits? Supposedly the calves look slimmer and the feet look smaller.

Have you heard that going barefoot is healthier than wearing shoes? Check out this abstract – available through PubMed. The Science of Footwear has more in-depth information about the science of athletic shoes, children’s footwear, shoes for the elderly population, and shoes for those with particular, medical shoe needs.

Test Footwear: Foot Bio-Tec Orthotic Footwear. Image from PubMed abstract.

And, just in case you are wondering – yes, conventional wisdom says that flip-flops are not a healthy choice for your feet and joints. Studies have been done on flip-flops and the effects on foot and joint health. One of these studies found a flip-flop with a molded foot-bed may have a significant on foot pain, function, and foot health and “…might be a valuable adjunct therapy for people with foot pain.” (hmm. maybe I can break out my flip-flops again…)

Whether you wear, flip-flops, sandals, stilettos, sneakers, fashion boots or work boots, high-tech running shoes or ordinary sneakers, think about all the science that goes into making them comfortable and better for your feet and joints!

Resources:

Goonetilleke, Ravindra S., editor. 2013. The science of footwear. Boca Raton, FL : CRC Press. Engineering Library TS990 .S334 2013

Chuter, VH, Searle A., Spink MJ. Nov. 11, 2016. Flip-flop footwear with a moulded foot-bed for the treatment of foot pain : a randomised controlled trial. PubMed.

Shakoor, N., Block, JA. Spet. 2006. Walking barefoot decreases loading on the lower extremity joints in knee osteoarthritis. PubMed .

Other Resources:

Falcon, Delialah. May 7, 2016. Weighing the Pros and Cons of Walking Barefoot. symptomfind. IAC Publishing, LLC

Barrett, Stephen, DPM FACFAS. Oct. 3, 2014. Are Flip-Flops Really That Bad for Your Feet? Podiatry Today

Sharpe, T., Malone, A., French, H., Liernan, D., O’Brien, T. May 2016. Effect of flip-flops on lower limb kinematics during walking: a cross-sectional study using three-dimensional gait analysis.PubMed .

Need Help Surviving College?

Carol Johnk

– August 21, 2017Posted in: Blog, Explore our Library, Start of Classes, Welcome Students

LET US HELP YOU SURVIVE COLLEGE!!

Welcome to the Fall Semester!!

Carol Johnk

– August 21, 2017Posted in: Blog, Explore our Library, Start of Classes

Welcome to the Fall 2017 Semester!!

It’s hard to believe that the new semester is here already! Let us help you on your way to academic success!

New this fall: Live chat and text messaging!!

Not in the library, but have a question? We now have both Live Chat and text messaging available! Live chat is available from the Lichtenberger Engineering Library homepage. If no one is available to personally help you, we have a Knowledgebase which just might have the answer for you! The answer isn’t there? Never fear – you can still ask your question and someone will get back to you as soon as possible! There are several options available: email, submit a question online or text us! We now have a text number! Be sure to add 319-250-2176 to your contacts!

We have Study Spaces!

In the main entrance area we have 27 ITC computers – 2 with stand-up desks; 2 scanners – including one with a high-speed, face-up book capture system; and 2 black & white printers. We have 2 study pods, too. Pod 1 has MediaScape (connect up to 6 laptops!) and a white board; Pod 2 is equipped with a group work table and a white board. Check here for reservation instructions and reservation information.

New group study tables!

Also on the main entrance floor we have 4 study carrels – each with a light and power outlet. We have 6 club chairs and 4 group tables, which can be moved together for larger groups!

Bean Bags in the lower level for quiet study!

Prefer a quiet study space? We’ve got that covered, too! Our lower level is a dedicated quiet space. We have 34 study carrels (each with a light and power outlet), 4 wing-back chairs, 6 arm chairs, 4 comfy bean bags, and 4 gamer chairs! The 150,000+ books in our collection are also located on the lower level and cover subject matter from Aeronautics to Z-80 Programming!

We have a Creative Space!

Collaboration tables & 3D scanning station in the Creative Space!

It has a a 3D scanning station (other 3D scanners available to check out from the Tool Library!), 2 quad-screen collaboration tables (each has the ability to project 4 laptop screens to the monitor!), 4 modeling stations with engineering software, 5 white boards, 2 high-top tables with stools, and a VR work station – an Oculus Rift and hand controllers are available to check out (2-hour loan time) from the Tool Library!

We have e-Resources!

We have access to over 3,000 e-resources and online subject guides covering information for all the engineering majors. You can access IEEExplore, over 20,000 Standards, Patents, a citation guide, information on Engineering ethics, copyright and open access information. There is also a wide range of handbooks and digital publications, all available from our homepage.

Our journal subscriptions cover everything from Road & Travel, SWE, Make Magazine, to The Journal of Theoretical & Applied Mechanics.

There is also a wonderful collection of DVDs – we have Mythbusters, Junkyard Wars, How It’s Made, Extreme Engineering, and a host of other titles (150+) – all available by asking at the circulation desk.

We have a Tool Library!

Need a measuring tape? A hammer? How about a thermal imaging camera? A hot glue gun? Maybe a sports camcorder? We’ve got ’em! Or did you forget your laptop charger? Don’t worry we’ve got those, too! We have 172+ tools available to check out!

We have a YouTube channel!

Check out the overview of the library video – and the one about surviving college! We also have tutorials to help you learn about our resources and how to navigate your way through them! You’ll want to subscribe to our channel – there will be lots more videos coming!

Explore our homepage – with links to new books, resources, our blog, and how to get help. You can search course reserves, databases and e-journals directly from our homepage, too. Then come explore the library! We are at 2001 Seamans Center – just off the Student Commons. Our hours are listed on our homepage – so stop in!

Head Librarian, Kari Kozak and Informatics Librarian, and Qianijn (Marina) Zhang, are both available for research consultations and all our staff are available to help you find the resources you need!

Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook follow us on Twitter and Pinterest

Come see all we have to offer – we look forward to seeing you soon!

Qianjin (Marina) Zhang, Engineering & Informatics Librarian

Kari Kozak, Head, Lichtenberger Engineering Library

The Solar Eclipse – What, Where & How!

Carol Johnk

– August 18, 2017Posted in: Blog

NASA Photo. Total Eclipse Australia, Nov. 15, 2012

I’m guessing you have heard a lot about the “Eclipse of the Century,” lately. And, you’ve no doubt heard that you shouldn’t look directly at the eclipse. But what else do you know about a total eclipse?

You might think that a total solar eclipse is a fairly rare event – after all, this one has been dubbed the “Eclipse of the Century.” However, a total solar eclipse occurs approximately every 18 months – or 2 total eclipses every three years. So, why is this one so special? The eclipse which will occur on August 21, 2017 at 1:12 p.m. (time for the most complete viewing in Iowa City, Iowa) is the 1st coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in 99 years! There will be total eclipses in 2019 and 2020 – but only visible below the equator. The next total eclipse which will cross the United States will occur on April 8, 2024.

Hawaii experienced a total solar eclipse in 1991, but the U.S. mainland hasn’t seen one since 1979. The Eclipse of the Century (i.e. August 21, 2017) will sweep from coast to coast! The path of totality (total darkness) will begin near Lincoln City, Oregon, crossing into Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and finally, South Carolina. Tiny slivers will pass over Montana and Iowa. Many references to the eclipse say it will pass over 12 states – “forgetting” to include Montana and Iowa! The total eclipse in Iowa will be seen on a farm in the extreme southwest corner! It is such a small corner and a such a short duration it often is ignored!

Graphic from “Total Solar Eclipses and How to Observe Them” by Martin Mobberley.

In Iowa City, the countdown to the Iowa version of the total eclipse begins at 11:47 a.m. The maximum will be reached as 1:12 p.m. and it will end at 2:36 p.m. Iowa City and the surrounding area will actually see a partial solar eclipse – the percent of the totality will be 92.22%.

Did you know there are several types of solar eclipses? A partial eclipse is when the moon obscures only a portion of the sun. An annular eclipse is a total eclipse but one in which the moon is so close to the sun they appear to be nearly the same size and the edges of the sun can be seen. A total eclipse is when the moon totally blocks the sun.

So, what causes an eclipse? We know the moon passing in front of the sun blots out the sun – but how? The length of the new moon’s shadow is – on the average – 232,100 miles. The moon’s distance to the earth’s surface is – on the average – 234,900 miles. So, when the moon passes directly in front of the sun it appears smaller than the sun – which causes the bright ring of sunlight around the moon’s silhouette!

Now you have a very basic idea of what a solar eclipse is, how is the best and safest way to actually observe it?

Looking directly at the sun is never a good idea, but is definitely not safe during an eclipse. The solar radiation that reaches the earth is known to contribute to the accelerated aging of the outer layers of the eye and the development of cataracts. Light-sensitive rods and cone cells can be severely damaged by exposure to intense visible light. It is possible there could be a temporary or permanent loss of vision from retinal burns. The danger is increased because there are no pain receptors in the retina and the effect may not show up for several hours after exposure.

Using homemade filters or very dark sunglasses is not safe. Special “eclipse glasses” and handheld solar viewers are available. However, one should be sure that those glasses and viewers are from reputable vendors and are certified as safe for eclipse viewing. The American Astronomical Society; National Science Foundation have a website, Solar Eclipse Across America, which has information about how to safely view an eclipse and a list of reputable vendors where you may purchase certified glasses, viewers, and filters. Interestingly, this website explains an alternative method of viewing the eclipse via a pinhole projection.

If you are interested in photography, you should know that taking photos of the eclipse without the proper equipment can damage your camera. Chapter 11 of Total Solar Eclipses deals with DSLRs and digital eclipse photography. Solar Eclipse Across America also has a page dedicated to shooting both still images and videos. Certified filters for telescopes, binoculars and camera lenses are also listed on the reputable vendor page.

For those of you in the Iowa City area, head to the University of Iowa Sciences Library eclipse page on their website – you’ll learn what is happening on campus, where and how you can see it, what to expect and more! If you aren’t able to get out and safely view the eclipse it will be possible to watch it online! For a list of websites which will stream live check out How to watch the total solar eclipse online – Astronomy magazine has a list of where and when the total eclipse will be live online – those of us who are not lucky enough to be in the path of the total eclipse will still be able to view it!

Want to check out what the eclipse will look like where you are? Time : Science has a simulation that shows the eclipse from any location in the United States!

How much do you know about solar eclipses? Check out this quiz from National Geographic!

Those who have experienced total eclipses say there is nothing like them and seeing one is an experience like no other. So, no matter where you are in the path of this eclipse – please be safe and ENJOY!!

Resources:

Mobberley, Martin. 2007. Total solar eclipses and how to observe them. New York : Springer. Engineering Library QB541 .M63 2007

Levy, David H. 2010. David Levy’s guide to eclipses, transits, and occulations. Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press. Engineering Library QB175 .L48 2010

Solar Eclipse – August 21, 2017. University of Iowa Sciences Library. Date accessed: August 8, 2017

Zeller, Michael. 2014-2017. Eclipse Basics. Great American Eclipse. Date accessed: August 8, 2017.

Eclipses and Transits. NASA Date Accessed: August 8, 2017

Solar Eclipse Across America : Monday, August 21, 2017: Sun…Moon… You! 2017. American Astronomical Society

Chou, B. Ralph, MSc, OD. Eye Safety During Solar Eclipses. NASA, Heliophysics Science Division. Date Accessed: August, 8, 2017

Kilen, Mike. May 16, 2017. A tiny farm field is the first Iowa spot in 63 years under a total solar eclipse. The Des Moines Register.

Bell, Terena. August 1, 2017. How to watch the total solar eclipse online : viewing options for astronomy fans outside totality. Astronomy Magazine.

Wilson, Chris, Aug. 7, 2017. See How the Solar Eclipse Will Look From Anywhere in the U.S. Time : Science

Other Resources:

View the Solar Eclipse Safely. 2017. University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

Zeller, Michael. 2014-2017. Future Eclipses in the 21^st Century. Great American Eclipse Date accessed: August 8, 2017.

Weitering, Hanneke, Space.com Staff Writer. June 23, 2017. The Best ISO-Certified Gear to See the 2017 Solar Eclipse. space.com

August 21, 2017 – Great American Eclipse (Total Solar Eclipse). timeanddate.com

Jao, Joe. Space.com Skywatching Columnist. April 25, 2017. Total Solar Eclipses: How Often Do They Occur (and Why?). space.com.

Eclipse 101 : Safety : Eclipse Eyeglass Safety : Don’t be Blindsided! NASA . Date accessed: July 31, 2017

What’s Happening in the Lichtenberger Engineering Library?

Carol Johnk

– August 16, 2017Posted in: Blog, Explore our Library, Start of Classes

Lichtenberger Engineering Library Fall 2017 Newsletter

Engineering Library 2016-2017 Year in Review
Creative Space & Tool Library
YouTube Video Channel
Live Chat and Text Messaging Now Available!
New Resources
Subject Guides
Classroom Assistance and Library Tours
Course Reserves

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1) Engineering Library 2016-2017 Year in Review

Want to know what the Engineering Library has been up to this last year? Check out the following infographic: https://magic.piktochart.com/output/23653246-2016-2017-engineering-library

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2) Creative Space & Tool Library

In September 2016, the Lichtenberger Engineering Library in collaboration with the Engineering Technology Centers opened a maker/creative space for students. This space is for students to imagine, tinker, design, and create.

With this space, we have added 111 tools to the Tool Library over this past year. Some of the tools added include:

Virtual Reality Glasses
3D Scanners
Adapter, Cables and Chargers for computers and mobile devices
Arduino programming language and circuit building kits
GoPro Camera
Soldering Irons

Set up a tour of the space and to learn more about the tools available at: http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/eng/creative-space/

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3) YouTube video channel

We have a new YouTube video channel!

Check out our latest video: Surviving College
We have tutorials for specific library resources and how to get the most benefit when using them!
There are videos designed to help new (and returning) faculty, staff, and students become familiar with the library and what is available.

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4) Live Chat and Text Messaging!

We now have both live chat AND text messaging available!

Live chat is now available on the Lichtenberger Engineering Library homepage and within each Subject Guide!

You may also ask your questions by texting us at 319.250.2176!

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5) New Resource

ACM eBook Collection:

37 eBooks from across the spectrum of computer science subject matter

Morgan & Claypool Synthesis Collection:

We own the complete collection of over 800 of these 75 to 125-page electronic books that synthesizes a research or developing hot topic.
Areas covered include: Tissue Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, and Global Engineering just to name a few.

MIT eBooks

The MIT Press eBooks library – a computing and engineering collection is now available through IEEE Xplore
With almost 600 titles going back as far as 1943!

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6) Subject Guides

Check out our subject guides – available for each discipline. The subject guides are being continually updated with new information and resources. You’ll find information on popular resources geared toward your discipline. The guides also include helpful information on patents, standards, creating citations, and engineering ethics among other things. Check our homepage (http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/eng/) to discover it all!

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7) Classroom Assistance and Library Tours

Both Engineering Librarians are available for short- or class-length demonstrations on a wide variety of library resources.

Kari Kozak, Head of the Lichtenberger Engineering Library, is available to talk about resources and services to students, faculty, and/or staff. This could range from an overview of the library and services to in-depth researching strategies including evaluating information. Sessions can be to individuals, small groups, lab groups, or classes. Email Kari at kari-kozak@uiowa.edu for more information.

Qianjin (Marina) Zhang, Engineering & Informatics Librarian, is available to talk about data management and citation management programs such as Endnote. Email Marina at qianjin-zhang@uiowa.edu for more information

Kari is also available to give tours of the library, including the Creative Space. Schedule a time to visit individually or as a class, to see first-hand all we have available.

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8) Course Reserves

Course Reserves are being organized for the Fall Semester. If you have not already done so and would like to have items put on reserve for the Fall Semester, please email the Engineering Library at lib-engineering@uiowa.edu with a list of the materials and course number.

Our Year in Review!

Carol Johnk

– August 9, 2017Posted in: Blog, Fiscal Year Report

Check out this fascinating infographic highlighting our past fiscal year! We’ve had an exciting year and are looking forward to a great 2017-2018!!

Engineering Library News

Girls in Aviation Day!

Registration is Now Open for the Creative Kick-Start Program!

Registration is now open for the

2^nd Annual Creative Kick-Start Program!

It Is Hurricane Season!

Spend a Day as a Pioneer!

The Science of Shoes!

Need Help Surviving College?

LET US HELP YOU SURVIVE COLLEGE!!

Welcome to the Fall Semester!!

Welcome to the Fall 2017 Semester!!

Come see all we have to offer – we look forward to seeing you soon!

The Solar Eclipse – What, Where & How!

What’s Happening in the Lichtenberger Engineering Library?

Our Year in Review!

Archives

Registration is now open for the

2nd Annual Creative Kick-Start Program!

LET US HELP YOU SURVIVE COLLEGE!!

Welcome to the Fall 2017 Semester!!

Come see all we have to offer – we look forward to seeing you soon!

Archives

2^nd Annual Creative Kick-Start Program!