Comparison of visual estimation and line point intercept vegetation survey methods on annual grass-invaded rangelands of Wyoming

Scientists and natural resource managers require suitable vegetation survey methods to assess the success of rangeland restoration projects. Visual estimation and point intercept methods are commonly used to evaluate vegetation cover. This study compared the performance of one visual (quadrat-based) and two line point intercept (LPI – canopy and basal) methods to assess biodiversity, cover, and to estimate biomass production on sites invaded by introduced annual grasses across Wyoming, USA. Greater species richness and higher Shannon index values were measured in quadrats, while introduced annual and native perennial graminoid cover values were higher in LPI canopy in general. Overall, these outcomes indicate quadrats as the most suitable survey method when biodiversity monitoring is the primary objective, while suggesting LPI canopy when monitoring vegetation cover is prioritized. Finally, our regression models indicated quadrat-based estimates as the most reliable to predict introduced annual and native perennial graminoid biomass.

Non-Dimensional Groups, Film Thickness Equations and Correction Factors for Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication: A Review

Apart from complex numerical models to predict the tribological behavior of elastohydrodynamically lubricated contacts, non-dimensional similarity groups and analytically solvable proximity equations can be used to estimate integral fluid film parameters. Based upon the pioneering work presented by Dowson and Higginson as well as Blok and Moes, these approaches have been continuously improved over the years by modifications or correction factors to capture different contact geometries (line-, point- or elliptical contacts) as well as to include fluid compression, thermal, non-Newtonian, starvation or roughness effects. Consequently, this review article aims at systematically reviewing these modifications/corrections and discussing their applicability as well as limitations before presenting some recommendations for future research activities.