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831 Matching Results
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SQA(TM): Surface Quality Assured Steel Bar Program
OG Technologies, Inc. (OGT) has led this SQA (Surface Quality Assured Steel Bar) program to solve the major surface quality problems plaguing the US special quality steel bars and rods industry and their customers, based on crosscutting sensors and controls technologies. Surface defects in steel formed in a hot rolling process are one of the most common quality issues faced by the American steel industry, accounting for roughly 50% of the rejects or 2.5% of the total shipment. Unlike other problems such as the mechanical properties of the steel product, most surface defects are sporadic and cannot be addressed based on sampling techniques. This issue hurts the rolling industry and their customers in their process efficiency and operational costs. The goal of this program is to develop and demonstrate an SQA prototype, with synergy of HotEye® and other innovations, that enables effective rolling process control and efficient quality control. HotEye®, OGT’s invention, delivers high definition images of workpieces at or exceeding 1,450C while the workpieces travel at 100 m/s. The elimination of surface defect rejects will be achieved through the integration of imaging-based quality assessment, advanced signal processing, predictive process controls and the integration with other quality control tools. The …
Date:
March 3, 2009
Creator:
Chang, Tzyy-Shuh; Shi, Jianjun & Zhou, Shiyu
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Z' Bosons, the NuTeV Anomaly, and the Higgs Boson Mass
Fits to the precision electroweak data that include the NuTeV measurement are considered in family universal, anomaly free U(1) extensions of the Standard Model. In data sets from which the hadronic asymmetries are excluded, some of the Z{prime} models can double the predicted value of the Higgs boson mass, from {approx} 60 to {approx} 120 GeV, removing the tension with the LEP II lower bound, while also modestly improving the {chi}{sup 2} confidence level. The effect of the Z{prime} models on both m{sub H} and the {chi}{sup 2} confidence level is increased when the NuTeV measurement is included in the fit. Both the original NuTeV data and a revised estimate by the PDG are considered.
Date:
March 3, 2009
Creator:
Chanowitz, Michael S
Object Type:
Article
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Scalable Methods for Electronic Excitations and Optical Responses in Nanostructures: Mathematics to Algorithms to Observables
The work reported here took place at the University of Minnesota from September 15, 2003 to November 14, 2005. This funding resulted in 10 invited articles or book chapters, 37 articles in refereed journals and 13 invited talks. The funding helped train 5 PhD students. The research supported by this grant focused on developing theoretical methods for predicting and understanding the properties of matter at the nanoscale. Within this regime, new phenomena occur that are characteristic of neither the atomic limit, nor the crystalline limit. Moreover, this regime is crucial for understanding the emergence of macroscopic properties such as ferromagnetism. For example, elemental Fe clusters possess magnetic moments that reside between the atomic and crystalline limits, but the transition from the atomic to the crystalline limit is not a simple interpolation between the two size regimes. To capitalize properly on predicting such phenomena in this transition regime, a deeper understanding of the electronic, magnetic and structural properties of matter is required, e.g., electron correlation effects are enhanced within this size regime and the surface of a confined system must be explicitly included. A key element of our research involved the construction of new algorithms to address problems peculiar to the …
Date:
March 31, 2009
Creator:
Chelikowsky, James R.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Growth and characterization of superconducting spinel oxide LiTi2O4 thin films
Epitaxial films of LiTi{sub 2}O{sub 4} on single crystalline substrates of MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}, MgO, and SrTiO{sub 3} provide model systems to systematically explore the effects of lattice strain and microstructural disorder on the superconducting state. Lattice strain that affects bandwidth gives rise to variations in the superconducting and normal state properties. Microstructural disorder, such as antiphase boundaries that give rise to Ti network disorder, reduces the critical temperature, and Ti network disorder combined with Mg interdiffusion lead to a much more dramatic effect on the superconducting state. Surface sensitive X-ray absorption spectroscopy has identified Ti to retain site symmetry and average valence of the bulk material regardless of film thickness.
Date:
March 10, 2009
Creator:
Chopdekar, R.V.; Wong, F.; Takamura, Y.; Arenholz, E. & Suzuki, Y.
Object Type:
Article
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Variation in soil moisture and N availability modulates carbon and water exchange in a California grassland experiment
Variability in the magnitude and timing of precipitation is predicted to change under future climate scenarios. The primary objective of this study was to understand how variation in precipitation patterns consisting of soil moisture pulses mixed with intermittent dry down events influence ecosystem gas fluxes. We characterized the effects of precipitation amount and timing, N availability, and plant community composition on whole ecosystem and leaf gas exchange in a California annual grassland mesocosm study system that allowed precise control of soil moisture conditions. Ecosystem CO2 and fluxes increased significantly with greater precipitation and were positively correlated with soil moisture. A repeated 10 day dry down period following 11 days of variable precipitation inputs strongly depressed net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) across a range of season precipitation totals, and plant community types. Ecosystem respiration (Re), evapotranspiration (ET) and leaf level photosynthesis (Amax) showed greatest sensitivity to dry down periods in low precipitation plots. Nitrogen additions significantly increased NEE, Re and Amax, particularly as water availability was increased. These results demonstrate that N availability and intermittent periods of soil moisture deficit (across a wide range of cumulative season precipitation totals) strongly modulate ecosystem gas exchange.
Date:
March 15, 2009
Creator:
Clair, S.B., St.; Sudderth, E.; Fischer, M. L.; Torn, M. S.; Stuart, S.; Salve, R. et al.
Object Type:
Article
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Feasibility Analysis For Heating Tribal Buildings with Biomass
This report provides a feasibility study for the heating of Tribal buildings using woody biomass. The study was conducted for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation in western Montana. S&K Holding Company and TP Roche Company completed the study and worked together to provide the final report. This project was funded by the DOE's Tribal Energy Program.
Date:
March 3, 2009
Creator:
Clairmont, Steve; Bourdon, Micky; Roche, Tom & Frye, Colene
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Low Temperature Combustion with Thermo-Chemical Recuperation to Maximize In-Use Engine Efficiency
The key to overcome Low Temperature Combustion (LTC) load range limitations in reciprocating engines is based on proper control over the thermo-chemical properties of the in-cylinder charge. The studied alternative to achieve the required control of LTC is the use of two separate fuel streams to regulate timing and heat release at specific operational points, where the secondary fuel is a reformed product of the primary fuel in the tank. It is proposed in this report that the secondary fuel can be produced using exhaust heat and Thermo-Chemical Recuperation (TCR). TCR for reciprocating engines is a system that employs high efficiency recovery of sensible heat from engine exhaust gas and uses this energy to transform fuel composition. The recuperated sensible heat is returned to the engine as chemical energy. Chemical conversions are accomplished through catalytic and endothermic reactions in a specially designed reforming reactor. An equilibrium model developed by Gas Technology Institute (GTI) for heptane steam reforming was applied to estimate reformed fuel composition at different reforming temperatures. Laboratory results, at a steam/heptane mole ratio less than 2:1, confirm that low temperature reforming reactions, in the range of 550 K to 650 K, can produce 10-30% hydrogen (by volume, wet) …
Date:
March 30, 2009
Creator:
Clark, Nigel N.; Posada, Francisco; Bedick, Clinton; Pratapas, John; Kozlov, Aleksandr; Linck, Martin et al.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Non-Contact Gaging with Laser Probe
A gage has been constructed using conventional (high end) components for the application of measuring fragile syntactic foam parts in a non-contact mode. Success with this approach has been achieved through a novel method of transferring (mapping) high accuracy local measurements of a coated aluminum master, taken on a Leitz Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM), to the gage software system. The mapped data is then associated with local voltage readings from two (inner and outer) laser triangulating probes. This couples discreet laser probe offset and linearity characteristics to the measured master geometry. The gage software compares real part measured data against the master data to provide non-contact part inspection that results in a high accuracy and low uncertainty performance. Uncertainty from the part surface becomes the prevailing contributor to the gaging process. The gaging process provides a high speed, hands off measurement with nearly zero impedance.
Date:
March 20, 2009
Creator:
Clinesmith, Mike
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Sandia National Laboratories support of the Iraq Nuclear Facility Dismantlement and Disposal Program.
Because of past military operations, lack of upkeep and looting there are now enormous radioactive waste problems in Iraq. These waste problems include destroyed nuclear facilities, uncharacterized radioactive wastes, liquid radioactive waste in underground tanks, wastes related to the production of yellow cake, sealed radioactive sources, activated metals and contaminated metals that must be constantly guarded. Iraq currently lacks the trained personnel, regulatory and physical infrastructure to safely and securely manage these facilities and wastes. In 2005 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) agreed to organize an international cooperative program to assist Iraq with these issues. Soon after, the Iraq Nuclear Facility Dismantlement and Disposal Program (the NDs Program) was initiated by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to support the IAEA and assist the Government of Iraq (GOI) in eliminating the threats from poorly controlled radioactive materials. The Iraq NDs Program is providing support for the IAEA plus training, consultation and limited equipment to the GOI. The GOI owns the problems and will be responsible for implementation of the Iraq NDs Program. Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) is a part of the DOS's team implementing the Iraq NDs Program. This report documents Sandia's support of the Iraq NDs Program, which …
Date:
March 1, 2009
Creator:
Cochran, John Russell & Danneels, Jeffrey John
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Hydrogen Generation From Electrolysis
Small-scale (100-500 kg H2/day) electrolysis is an important step in increasing the use of hydrogen as fuel. Until there is a large population of hydrogen fueled vehicles, the smaller production systems will be the most cost-effective. Performing conceptual designs and analyses in this size range enables identification of issues and/or opportunities for improvement in approach on the path to 1500 kg H2/day and larger systems. The objectives of this program are to establish the possible pathways to cost effective larger Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolysis systems and to identify areas where future research and development efforts have the opportunity for the greatest impact in terms of capital cost reduction and efficiency improvements. System design and analysis was conducted to determine the overall electrolysis system component architecture and develop a life cycle cost estimate. A design trade study identified subsystem components and configurations based on the trade-offs between system efficiency, cost and lifetime. Laboratory testing of components was conducted to optimize performance and decrease cost, and this data was used as input to modeling of system performance and cost. PEM electrolysis has historically been burdened by high capital costs and lower efficiency than required for large-scale hydrogen production. This was …
Date:
March 6, 2009
Creator:
Cohen, Steven; Porter, Stephen; Chow, Oscar & Henderson, David
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Harnessing microbial subsurface metal reduction activities to synthesise nanoscale cobalt ferrite with enhanced magnetic properties
Nanoscale ferrimagnetic particles have a diverse range of uses from directed cancer therapy and drug delivery systems to magnetic recording media and transducers. Such applications require the production of monodisperse nanoparticles with well-controlled size, composition, and magnetic properties. To fabricate these materials purely using synthetic methods is costly in both environmental and economical terms. However, metal-reducing microorganisms offer an untapped resource to produce these materials. Here, the Fe(III)-reducing bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens is used to synthesize magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. A combination of electron microscopy, soft X-ray spectroscopy, and magnetometry techniques was employed to show that this method of biosynthesis results in high yields of crystalline nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution and magnetic properties equal to the best chemically synthesized materials. In particular, it is demonstrated here that cobalt ferrite (CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles with low temperature coercivity approaching 8 kOe and an effective anisotropy constant of {approx} 10{sup 6} erg cm{sup -3} can be manufactured through this biotechnological route. The dramatic enhancement in the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles by the introduction of high quantities of Co into the spinel structure represents a significant advance over previous biomineralization studies in this area using magnetotactic bacteria. The successful production of …
Date:
March 24, 2009
Creator:
Coker, Victoria S.; Telling, Neil D.; van der Laan, Gerrit; Pattrick, Richard A.D.; Pearce, Carolyn I.; Arenholz, Elke et al.
Object Type:
Article
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Search for Point Sources of High Energy Neutrinos with Final Data from AMANDA-II
We present a search for point sources of high energy neutrinos using 3.8 years of data recorded by AMANDA-II during 2000-2006. After reconstructing muon tracks and applying selection criteria designed to optimally retain neutrino-induced events originating in the Northern Sky, we arrive at a sample of 6595 candidate events, predominantly from atmospheric neutrinos with primary energy 100 GeV to 8 TeV. Our search of this sample reveals no indications of a neutrino point source. We place the most stringent limits to date on E{sup -2} neutrino fluxes from points in the Northern Sky, with an average upper limit of E{sup 2}{Phi}{sub {nu}{sub {mu}}+{nu}{sub {tau}}} {le} 5.2 x 10{sup -11} TeV cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} on the sum of {nu}{sub {mu}} and {nu}{sub {tau}} fluxes, assumed equal, over the energy range from 1.9 TeV to 2.5 PeV.
Date:
March 6, 2009
Creator:
Collaboration, IceCube & Klein, Spencer
Object Type:
Article
System:
The UNT Digital Library
The KamLAND Full-Volume Calibration System
We have successfully built and operated a source deployment system for the KamLAND detector. This system was used to position radioactive sources throughout the delicate 1-kton liquid scintillator volume, while meeting stringent material cleanliness, material compatibility, and safety requirements. The calibration data obtained with this device were used to fully characterize detector position and energy reconstruction biases. As a result, the uncertainty in the size of the detector fiducial volume was reduced by a factor of two. Prior to calibration with this system, the fiducial volume was the largest source of systematic uncertainty in measuring the number of antineutrinos detected by KamLAND. This paper describes the design, operation and performance of this unique calibration system.
Date:
March 5, 2009
Creator:
Collaboration, KamLAND; Berger, B. E.; Busenitz, J.; Classen, T.; Decowski, M. P.; Dwyer, D. A. et al.
Object Type:
Article
System:
The UNT Digital Library
The IceCube data acquisition system: Signal capture, digitization,and timestamping
IceCube is a km-scale neutrino observatory under construction at the South Pole with sensors both in the deep ice (InIce) and on the surface (IceTop). The sensors, called Digital Optical Modules (DOMs), detect, digitize and timestamp the signals from optical Cherenkov-radiation photons. The DOM Main Board (MB) data acquisition subsystem is connected to the central DAQ in the IceCube Laboratory (ICL) by a single twisted copper wire-pair and transmits packetized data on demand. Time calibration ismaintained throughout the array by regular transmission to the DOMs of precisely timed analog signals, synchronized to a central GPS-disciplined clock. The design goals and consequent features, functional capabilities, and initial performance of the DOM MB, and the operation of a combined array of DOMs as a system, are described here. Experience with the first InIce strings and the IceTop stations indicates that the system design and performance goals have been achieved.
Date:
March 2, 2009
Creator:
Collaboration, The IceCube & Matis, Howard
Object Type:
Article
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Optimal explicit strong-stability-preserving general linear methods : complete results.
This paper constructs strong-stability-preserving general linear time-stepping methods that are well suited for hyperbolic PDEs discretized by the method of lines. These methods generalize both Runge-Kutta (RK) and linear multistep schemes. They have high stage orders and hence are less susceptible than RK methods to order reduction from source terms or nonhomogeneous boundary conditions. A global optimization strategy is used to find the most efficient schemes that have low storage requirements. Numerical results illustrate the theoretical findings.
Date:
March 3, 2009
Creator:
Constantinescu, E. M.; Sandu, A.; Science, Mathematics and Computer & Univ., Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
EU-U.S. Economic Ties: Framework, Scope, and Magnitude
This report provides background information and analysis of the U.S.-EU economic relationship for Members of the 111th Congress as they contemplate the costs and benefits of closer U.S. economic ties with the EU. It examines the economic and political framework of the relationship and the scope and magnitude of the ties based on data from various sources. In addition, the report analyzes the implications these factors have for U.S. economic policy toward the EU.
Date:
March 20, 2009
Creator:
Cooper, William H.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
The Proposed U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA): Provisions and Implications
This report is examines the provisions of the KORUS FTA in the context of the overall U.S.-South Korean economic relationship, U.S. objectives, and South Korean objectives.
Date:
March 24, 2009
Creator:
Cooper, William H.; Manyin, Mark E.; Jurenas, Remy & Platzer, Michaela D.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Controversies over Redefining “Fill Material” Under the Clean Water Act
This report discusses the 2002 rule, focusing on how it changes which material and types of activities are regulated under Section 404 and the significance of these issues, especially for the mining industry.
Date:
March 17, 2009
Creator:
Copeland, Claudia
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Water Quality Issues in the 111th Congress: Oversight and Implementation
This report discusses the water quality issues. Although much progress has been made in achieving the ambitious goals that Congress established more than 35 years ago to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters, long-standing problems persist, and new problems have emerged.
Date:
March 16, 2009
Creator:
Copeland, Claudia
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Water Infrastructure Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
This report identifies funding for water infrastructure programs and projects contained in the legislation, including amounts in the House- and Senate-passed versions that preceded the conference agreement. Among the purposes identified in the legislation are preservation and creation of jobs and promotion of U.S. economic recovery, and investment in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits.
Date:
March 12, 2009
Creator:
Copeland, Claudia & Carter, Nicole T.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Feed-in Tariff Policy: Design, Implementation, and RPS Policy Interactions
Feed-in tariff (FIT) policies are implemented in more than 40 countries around the world and are cited as the primary reason for the success of the German and Spanish renewable energy markets. As a result of that success, FIT policy proposals are starting to gain traction in several U.S. states and municipalities. Experience from Europe is also beginning to demonstrate that properly designed FITs may be more cost-effective than renewable portfolio standards (RPS), which make use of competitive solicitations. This article explores the design and operation of feed-in tariff policies, including a FIT policy definition, payment-structure options, and payment differentiation. The article also touches on the potential interactions between FIT policies and RPS policies at the state level.
Date:
March 1, 2009
Creator:
Cory, K.; Couture, T. & Kreycik, C.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Solar Photovoltaic Financing: Residential Sector Deployment
This report presents the information that homeowners and policy makers need to facilitate PV financing at the residential level. The full range of cash payments, bill savings, and tax incentives is covered, as well as potentially available solar attribute payments. Traditional financing is also compared to innovative solutions, many of which are borrowed from the commercial sector. Together, these mechanisms are critical for making the economic case for a residential PV installation, given its high upfront costs. Unfortunately, these programs are presently limited to select locations around the country. By calling attention to these innovative initiatives, this report aims to help policy makers consider greater adoption of these models to benefit homeowners interested installing a residential PV system.
Date:
March 1, 2009
Creator:
Coughlin, J. & Cory, K.
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
SALTSTONE 2QCY08 TCLP RESULTS
A Saltstone waste form was prepared in the Savannah River National Laboratory from a Tank 50H sample and Z-Area premix material for the second quarter of calendar year 2008 (2QCY08). After the prescribed 28 day cure, samples of the saltstone were collected, and the waste form was shown to meet the South Carolina Hazardous Waste Management Regulations (SCHWMR) R.61-79.261.24 and R.61-79.268.48(a) requirements for a nonhazardous waste form with respect to RCRA metals and underlying hazardous constituents. These analyses met all quality assurance specifications of USEPA SW-846. The Saltstone Production Facility (SPF) receives waste from Tank 50H for treatment. In the second quarter of the 2008 calendar year (2QCY08), Tank 50 accepted transfers of approximately 21 kgal from the Effluent Treatment Project (ETP) waste, approximately 3 kgal from Tank 710--the H-Canyon General Purpose Evaporator, and approximately 23 kgal form the Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU) Decontaminated Salt Solution Hold Tank (DSS-HT). The Saltstone Grout Sampling plan provides the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) with the chemical and physical characterization strategy for the salt solution which is to be disposed of in the Z-Area Solid Waste Landfill (ISWLF). During operation, samples were collected from Tank 50H …
Date:
March 23, 2009
Creator:
Cozzi, A
Object Type:
Report
System:
The UNT Digital Library
Comment regarding"On the Crooks fluctuation theorem and the Jarzynski equality" [J. Chem. Phys. 129, 091101 (2008)]and"Nonequilibrium fluctuation-dissipation theorem of Brownian dynamics" [J. Chem. Phys. 129, 144113 (2008)]
The incongruous"unexpected inapplicability of the [Crook's fluctuation theorem]" is due to an inexplicable, inappropriate use of inconsistent expressions. The girding is secure.
Date:
March 4, 2009
Creator:
Crooks, Gavin E
Object Type:
Article
System:
The UNT Digital Library