Chart issued by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards illustrating the systematic relationships between phase diagrams of transition elements. This chart includes color illustrations.

Report of the annual conference on weights and measures, hosted by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards in Washington D.C. It includes conference proceedings, a list of attendees, information about committees and officers, and other reports or commentaries discussed at the meetings.

Abstract: This report presents a methodology for evaluating heat detection systems installed in buildings. Previous work for use primarily in designing new thermal fire detection systems was used as a starting point. The previous work was enhanced and supplemented to make it more useful for evaluating existing systems. The resulting equations were programmed into a user interactive computer program.' This program is available in both BASIC and FORTRAN and will run on mainframe as well as personal computers. In addition, a modified version of the FORTRAN program was used to develop an extensive set of tables listing: detector activation times for given building geometries, detector characteristics, and fire growth rates. These tables are useful for quick evaluation of alternative heat detector installations. Finally, practical examples are included to illustrate the use of the tables and computer programs.

Abstract: The National Bureau of Standards receives repeated requests from industry and Federal agencies (e.g. , Department of Defense, Nuclear Regulatory Commission) for information about the capabilities of and services provided by State measurement laboratories. This directory is a compilation of such information by State, including a description of the services available and fees charged. The directory will be updated annually in January of each year to coincide with the issuance of annual certification of these laboratories.

Abstract: This manual provides DATAPLOT code solution to a variety of commonly occurring graphical problems. A line-by-line explanation of code is given, along with illustrations and general discussion.

Abstract: Contained herein is a bibliography of sources of experimental and correlated thermodynamic data for the systems: CO₂ + NH₃ + H₂O, CO₂ + H₂S + H₂O, H₂S + NH₃ + H₂O, and CO₂ + NH₃ + H₂S + H₂O. The types of data in this bibliography include all types of equilibrium data, including both eqilibria [sic] in solution and vapor-liquid equilibrium data, enthalpies, heat capacities, and densities. There are 215 references cited. Bibliographic Data Sheet.

From forward: Every laboratory in this country is a valuable national resource. Along with the people who work in these facilities, U.S. laboratories constitute the basic foundation of this country's scientific and industrial strength. As the nation's foremost science and engineering measurement laboratory, the National Bureau of Standards has some of the premier research and testing facilities in the United States, and several of our laboratories are unequaled anywhere in the world. Bureau scientists and engineers use these special facilities to pursue the measurement-related work that U.S. science and industry need to grow and prosper. This brochure highlights only a small number of the special facilities available at NBS and provides information about their availability for collaborative or independent research and testing.

In October, 1986, the 10th U.S.-German Seminar of State and Planning on Environmental Specimen Banking was held at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences in Gloucester Point, Virginia. At this meeting the current status of specimen banking activities in the U. S., FRG, Canada, and Japan was presented and discussed. This publication contains the proceedings of that meeting with contributions describing various activities related to banking and analysis of samples from aquatic, atmospheric, terrestrial, and human monitoring programs.

Abstract: The National Bureau of Standards is establishing a National Cold Neutron Facility at its 20 MW reactor located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. In order to provide guidance in the development of research plans for the Facility, the Department of Energy and NBS sponsored, on November 14-15, 1985, a workshop on the Investigation of Fundamental Interactions with Cold Neutrons. The 25 papers presented at the workshop are printed in the proceedings.

Abstract: This book presents the Proceedings of the DoE/NBS Workshop on Environmental Speciation and Monitoring Needs for Trace Metal-Containing Substances from Energy-Related Processes held at the National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD, on May 18-20, 1981. The Workshop was sponsored by the Office of Health and Environmental Research, DoE, and the Office of Recycled Materials, NBS. The volume contains refereed papers submitted by 24 invited speakers, along with substantially complete text of the discussion following the papers, edited by the Co-chairpersons. The Proceedings address three major topic areas forming the overall objective of the Workshop: (1) what are the general and specific types of metal- or metalloid-containing substances occurring in energy-related process materials such as coals, oil shales, and waste products? (2) what are the current status and future prospects of element- and compound-specific measurement methods suitable for speciation of trace (ppm, ppb) metal- and metalloid-containing substances transmitted to the environment by energy-processing or waste cycling technologies? (3) for what toxic molecular forms of speciated process effluents should biological dose-response data be generated to assure reliable environmental impact and monitoring measurements? Main questions focused, on providing assurance that the speciation methods (or their development) fit basic bioassay criteria along with …

Abstract: This report documents the initial phases of the MIST database, which is a demonstration project jointly supported by the Department of Energy and the National Bureau of Standards. The purpose of the Materials Information for Science and Technology (MIST) is to demonstrate the power and utility of computer access to materials property data. The initial goals include: to exercise the concept of a computer network of materials databases and to build a demonstration of such a system in a way as to be suitable for use as the core of operational systems in the future. Phases I and II are described in detail. In addition, a discussion is given of the expected usage of the databases.

Abstract: This report presents a long-range plan for roofing research. The plan was developed in response to a need for roofing research addressing major materials problems and changes in low-sloped roofing materials technology. The intent of the plan is to establish the technical basis for developing standards and minimum levels of performance to assist in the selection of cost-effective and durable roofing materials. Four major areas of needed research are identified: (1) low-sloped roofing systems, (2) roofing membranes including single-ply and built-up, (3) thermal insulation for roofing systems, and (4) condition assessment and repair of roofs. Within each research area, a goal is given as well as a number of objectives to achieve the goal. A recommended approach to accomplish each objective is also given.

Abstract: The National Bureau of Standards' Office of Standard Reference Data manages a network of data centers that prepare evaluated databases of physical and chemical properties of substances. Databases are available in printed form, on magnetic tapes, diskettes, and through on-line computer networks. This document provides a comprehensive list of the products available from the National Standard Reference Data System (NSRDS) for the years 1985-1986, including indexes qualified by author, material, and property terms. Ordering information and current prices can be found at the end of this document.

Abstract: This report identifies experimental and analytical research needed to advance the state-of-the-art and improve safety and economy in the design, fabrication and construction of steel buildings. A five year plan for a coordinated research program is included. Recommendations for research projects dealing with the following topics are presented: total building systems, connections and members, frames, seismic design, load and resistance factor design, fire protection, and design loads. The recommendations were developed at a workshop involving participation by steel industry representatives, design professionals, Federal agency representatives and university researchers.

Abstract: This Directory provides limited information about some 388 Federal laboratories with ten or more full-time professionals engaged in research and development. Summary data arranged by Federal agency and by State provide a broad overview of the Federal laboratory system. Laboratory lists by staff size, by State and by agency provide a cross reference. For each laboratory, a contact for obtaining technical information is given by name, address, and phone number. Major mission and major scientific or testing equipment is listed for each laboratory.

Abstract: This report presents a methodology for evaluating heat detection systems installed in buildings. Previous work for use primarily in designing new thermal fire detection systems was used as a starting point. The previous work was enhanced and supplemented to make it more useful for evaluating existing systems. The resulting equations were programmed into a user interactive computer program. This program is available in both BASIC and FORTRAN and will run on mainframes as well as personal computers. In addition, a modified version of the FORTRAN program was used to develop an extensive set of tables listing detector activation times for given building geometries, detector characteristics, and fire growth rates. These tables are useful for quick evaluation of alternative heat detector installations. Finally practical examples are included to illustrate the use of the tables and computer programs.

Abstract: This document provides instructions for users of the Cone Calorimeter in installing, operating, maintaining, and repairing the instrument. It is intended for training new operators at NBS and at other laboratories. The troubleshooting and repair sections will be a useful reference section even for experienced operators, since remedies for a large number of potential instrument malfunctions are outlined there.

Abstract: To assist in building a computerized information system on the engineering properties of materials, the standards and metadata requirements for a representative group of mechanical property categories are considered. These categories include: tensile behavior, hardness numbers, notch-bar impact test parameters, and fatigue properties. For each property group, definitions of terms, synonyms (and non-synonyms), standard test methods, standards for reporting data, precision and accuracy, and correlations of properties are addressed. The principal findings and recommendations are as follows. Existing test methods are generally adequate for the properties considered, but better standards are needed for data reporting. Appraisal of materials variability and testing machine variability would be assisted by access to standard reference materials, certified as to their mechanical properties. All properties considered for inclusion in a computerized system can be categorized as parameters for direct search, parameters retrievable with extraction of all data stored for a given material, and parameters which are derived from an analytical representation of experimental data. Drafting of some general standards on computerized file structures and metadata files suitable for the engineering field is advised.

Abstract: A two-day Conference hosted by NBS was held in Gaithersburg, Maryland on May 14-15, 1986 to test the hypothesis that "There is a need for a coordinated methodology for accrediting construction materials testing laboratories." Construction materials include primary materials such as: cement, concrete, aggregates, rock and soil, asphalts, metals, wood and masonry. The Conference was structured to consider: (1) the status of existing laboratory evaluation and accreditation programs; (2) current trends in the accreditation process; and (3) the need for and nature of a coordinated accreditation system. The Conference included the presentation of invited papers and four workshop sessions.

Abstract: This volume presents the Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Precision Measurement and Fundamental Constants, held at the National Bureau of Standards in Gaithersburg, MD, from June 8-12, 1981. Like its 1970 predecessor, the Conference provided an international forum for theoretical, experimental, and applied scientists actively engaged in research on precision measurements relating to the fundamental physical constants, and on the testing of related fundamental theory. More specifically, the purpose of the Conference was to assess the present state of the precision measurement-fundamental constants field, to examine basic limitations, and to explore the prospects for future significant advances. The principal subjects covered were: frequency, wavelength, spectroscopy, quantum electrodynamics, the gas constant, x-ray interferometry, nuclidic masses, uncertainty assignment, gravitational acceleration, mass, electrical quantities, gravity, and relativity. These proceedings contain the vast majority of both the invited review papers and the contributed current research papers presented at the Conference. The new results reported at the Conference were considered for inclusion in the 1983 least-squares adjustment of the constants carried out under the auspices of the Task Group on Fundamental Constants of the Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA).

Summary describing research projects and other activities undertaken by the U.S. National Bureau of Standards, lists of publications from the year, and a calendar of upcoming events.

Abstract: Laboratories accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) are identified along with the specific test methods for which they are accredited. The current status of existing accreditation programs is given for laboratories that test thermal insulation, freshly mixed concrete, carpet, wood burning stoves, paint, and personnel radiation dosimeters, and that provide acoustical testing services. Indexes are provided for searching the Directory for laboratories accredited in specific testing areas or for specific test methods.

From page 5: Numerous opportunities exist for scientists and engineers from industrial professional trade and other organizations to collaborate in research at the National Bureau of Standards on projects of mutual interest. To accomplish its objective of supplying the measurement foundation for industry, science, and technology. NBS conducts research in many areas, including advanced ceramics, automated manufacturing, opto-electronics, and biotechnology.

Abstract: Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis with gas proportional detectors has been used widely in x-ray spectrochemical analysis. It was particularly useful in the detection of low-energy x-ray emission, before the commercial availability of the Blodgett-Langmuir pseudocrystals. With the development of solid-state x-ray detectors of high resolution, and improvement in associated electronics and computers, the interest in energy-dispersive x-ray analysis has increased enormously, to the point where it has replaced Bragg crystal diffraction spectrometry in many instances.