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Titanosaur Reproductive Biology: Comparison of the Auca Mahuevo Titanosaur Nesting Locality (Argentina), to the Pinyes Megaloolithus Nesting Locality (Spain): Author: Jackson, Frances Drew; Date: 2007-05-15; Program: Earth Sciences; Abstract: Taphonomic and microstructural studies at the Late Cretaceous Auca Mahuevo titanosaur nesting site (Argentina) reveal significant differences in reproductive attributes compared to alleged sauropods producing Megaloolithus eggs at the Pinyes locality (Spain). Auca Mahuevo clutches contain 15-40 M. patagonicus eggs; many of the 12-14 cm eggs contain titanosaur remains. Six clutches include both normal and abnormal eggs exhibiting three types of abnormal morphology: Type I displays two normal, superimposed eggshells, while Type II and III exhibit a normal inner eggshell, with one and three overl...; Download File | View full details

Efficient Finite Element Modeling Across Optical Length Scales: Author: Harwood, Jason Alan; Date: 2007-08-15; Program: Mechanical Engineering; Abstract: Optical engineers frequently rely on finite element analysis (FEA) to predict the thermal and mechanical performance of an optic before it is produced. These analyses are usually performed by modeling a simplified version of the real structure to obtain the global deformations of the surface of the mirror. This method eliminates the ability to represent localized deformations and strain gradients, resulting from thermal and mechanical loading, which may exceed the mechanical limit of the materials or material interfaces in coated mirrors causing delamination or cracking. The goal of this study...; Download File | View full details

Comparative Taphonomy and Paleoecological Reconstruction of Two Microvertebrate Accumulations from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Hell Creek Formation, Eastern Montana: Author: Wilson, Laura Elizabeth; Date: 2006-08-15; Program: Earth Sciences; Abstract: Although microvertebrate accumulations are commonly used for paleoecological reconstructions, the taphonomic processes affecting the final taxonomic composition of an accumulation are often ignored. To explore the correlation between taphonomic processes and taxonomic structure, one floodplain and one channel-lag deposit from the Maastrichtian Hell Creek Formation were compared. Specimens were quarried to collect high-resolution vertical and horizontal distribution data. Distribution of skeletal elements with specific physical attributes and relative abundance of taxa are shown to correlate wi...; Download File | View full details