29 Aug 2025

Nanofiber Fabrication by Electrospinning Technology: Optimization, Characterization, and Application

Abstract: This project explores electrospinning (ES) as one of the most successful technologies to produce nanofiber materials. Electrospun nanofibers are used in various military technologies, including advanced filtration systems, impact-resistant protective gear, thermal insulation, radar absorption for camouflage and stealth, antimicrobial wound dressings, drug-delivery patches, rapid healing, efficient solar cells, and self-cleaning materials for regeneration. Researchers at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) investigated electrospinning effects on morphology, crystallinity and distribution of metal oxides for photocatalytic activities, and magnetic and mechanical properties in reinforcing composites. This study includes the following fabricated electrospun mats: -iron and titanium oxide (Fe3O4 and TiO2) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) -graphene, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) -graphene-polyacrylonitrile (PAN) -metal-organic frameworks (MOF), graphene-MXene with PAN The research presented herein includes electrospinning theory, process, and parameters; sol–gel technology in solution preparation; and electrospinning sample characterization to guide readers in the fabrication of electrospun fibers with targeted characteristics. Future studies explore electrospun MOFs and MXene, a class of two-dimensional inorganic compounds with transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides composites. These studies are invaluable for advancing military programs and enhancing warfighter support and civil works.

29 Aug 2025

Developing Conceptual Ecological Models for Hydraulic Analysis

Purpose: Technological advances, coupled with increased availability of spatial and monitoring data for hydraulic analysis, environmental flows analysis, and remote sensing, present opportunities for novel investigations of the structure and function of ecological systems. To leverage these capabilities in ecological analysis, it is necessary to develop a framework that links engineering model capacities with ecological principles. It is well known that riverine ecosystems are complex systems at the intersection of channel form, stream flow volume, and biology. However, because of differences in technical language and analytical philosophy, there are practical challenges associated with cross-walking multidiscipline riverine studies into interdisciplinary efforts that comprehend both engineering and ecological principles. Challenges associated with cross-discipline communication and framing the scope of ecohydraulic analysis are inherent barriers that limit the traction of research crossing disciplinary boundaries.

29 Aug 2025

Monitoring of Understudied Wetlands: State of Knowledge

Abstract: Some wetlands can present unique challenges for mapping and monitoring due to their size, location, foliage architecture, and spectral characteristics. For instance, assessing ecological condition and restoration success using traditional remote-sensing systems in forested and ephemeral wetlands is onerous. Therefore, the purpose of this technical note is to evaluate the state of knowledge and technology related to the use of remote sensing in assessing vegetation dynamics in understudied and hard to monitor wetlands. Ultimately, this exercise will identify data gaps and recommend improvements for analyzing and modeling wetland systems and trends, quantifying disturbance impacts, and assist efficiencies of data collection to improve management decisions, which in turn will help in reaching restoration goals.

29 Aug 2025

Adaptive Management Framework for Microseira wollei in Lake St. Clair, Michigan

Abstract: Microseira wollei has grown to problematic densities within Lake St. Clair, located between Lake Erie and Lake Huron. Though stakeholders have issued a call-to-action for the management of M. wollei, no substantive plan exists, which was the impetus for this adaptive management framework. Field surveys, emerging technologies, laboratory evaluations, and a literature review were integrated to develop this site-specific frame-work. Adaptive management consists of a series of iterative steps to define and characterize the issue; identify goals, plan, and prioritize; determine a plan; implement management; measure the outcomes; and adapt and re-fine the plan. M. wollei is widely distributed within the study area and across large sections of the lake bed. Due to its large spatial extent, long-term management should focus on regaining and maintaining uses within Lake St. Clair that have been affected by shoreline accumulations. Mechanical removal is anticipated to be the most effective tool; however, the potential addition of algaecides or nutrient sequestration products could be explored for increased effectiveness. The planning and execution of a substantive management plan for M. wollei in Lake St. Clair are outlined and described, but effective management will require a concerted effort on a scale that matches the scope of the problem.

28 Aug 2025

South Atlantic Coastal Study (SACS) Calibration and Validation of the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CSTORM) for Water Levels and Waves Part 3. Gulf of Mexico Domain

Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division, is currently engaged in the South Atlantic Coastal Study. One of the phases of this study is focused on conducting coastal storm modeling for the eastern and central Gulf of Mexico coastline of the United States. This technical report details the development of input for the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CSTORM) suite of models (WAVEWATCH III, ADCIRC, and STWAVE) for this project and presents the efforts made to calibrate model setups and validate results for eight historical tropical storm events impacting the study area.

28 Aug 2025

South Atlantic Coastal Study (SACS) Calibration and Validation of the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CSTORM-MS) for Water Levels and Waves: Part 2. South Atlantic Coast Domain

Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division, is currently engaged in the South Atlantic Coastal Study. One of the phases of this study is focused on conducting coastal storm modeling for the southern Atlantic coastline of the United States. This technical report details the development of input for the Coastal Storm Modeling System suite of models (WAVEWATCH III, ADCIRC, and STWAVE) for this project and presents the efforts made to calibrate model setups and validate results for seven historical tropical storm events impacting the study area.

28 Aug 2025

South Atlantic Coastal Study (SACS) Calibration and Validation of the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CSTORM-MS) for Water Levels and Waves: Part 1: Puerto Rico / US Virgin Island Domain

Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division, is currently engaged in the South Atlantic Coastal Study. One of the phases of this study is focused on conducting coastal storm modeling for the Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. This technical report details the development of input for the Coastal Storm Modeling System suite of models (WAVEWATCH III, ADCIRC, and STWAVE) for this project and presents the efforts made to calibrate model setups and validate results for four historical tropical storm events impacting the study area.

27 Aug 2025

Evaluating Transport of Stockpiled Mississippi River System Sand for Beach Nourishment and Other Uses

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Rock Island and St. Paul Districts, maintain 876 miles of shallow-draft navigation channels, dredging approximately 2 million cubic yards of clean, fine- to medium-grained sands from these waterways annually. Due to system constraints and certain state regulatory policies, most of this dredged material (DM) is placed in upland and island facilities. As these dredge placement areas fill with sediment, the districts need to remove sediment to create additional storage or seek new land acquisition. While a significant amount of this DM is being locally used beneficially, the current uses are opportunity driven and dictated by proximity. As such, the districts continue to seek alternative beneficial use practices. One major limiting factor to increased beneficial use is the cost of material transport. Per the Federal Standard, USACE will use the least costly DM placement alternatives that are consistent with sound engineering practices and meet federal environmental requirements. Transport beyond traditional placement sites typically costs much more. The analysis described in this report reviews nontraditional transportation modes and routes to match distant needs with river sediment.

27 Aug 2025

Methods for 3D Printing Dredge Sediments to Sequester Contaminants

Purpose: This technical note describes methods for preparing dredged sediment and commercially available clay for 3D printing, focusing on achieving optimal consistency and properties for successful extrusion. These methods establish best practices for using dredged sediments in 3D printing applications.

27 Aug 2025

Demonstration of a Remotely Operated Vehicle for Inspecting the Chicago Electrical Fish Dispersal Barrier

Purpose: This report describes the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) application of a remotely operated vehicle to inspect an electrical fish dispersal barrier at the bottom of the Chicago Sanitary Ship Canal (CSSC) for the US Army Corps of Engineers–Chicago District.