bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrared Inspection Techniques for Assessing the Exterior Envelopes of Office Buildings
Authors: Chang YM , Grot RA , Galowin LS
Published: December 2008

In order to assess the thermal integrity of new and existing office buildings, the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) developed and performed a series of diagnostic tests on eight federal office buildings. These buildings have different sizes, ranging from 1800 m2 to 48 000 m2 of floor area, and are located in various climate zones. Thermographic inspection is one of the diagnostic procedures used to identify the locations of heat loss areas, to determine the extent of deterioration of building materials, and to establish a basis for recommendation of retrofit options. Other test methods applied to these buildings for envelope measurements include heat flow for the thermal resistances, tracer gas for air infiltration, and pressurization tests for building tightness. Three types of thermographic inspections were conducted on these buildings: ground-based infrared surveys, serial infrared surveys, and inspection with a spot radiometer. These buildings were designed to meet the new federal energy guidelines of less than 630 MJ/m2 per year of on-site energy consumption and less than 1200 MJ/m2 per year of off-site energy consumption. The thermographic inspections reveal the existence of several classes of thermal deficiencies in the buildings, which were due to both inadequate building design and poor construction quality. Comparisons of the results from several thermographic techniques are shown. Analysis of thermographic data with examples of thermal defects observed from all inspections is presented. Quantitative comparisons of the wall thermal resistance values measured by the spot radiometer with those from heat flow meter measurements are also included.
Thermal Resistance of a Wet Mineral Fiber Insulation
Authors: Sandberg PI
Published: December 2008

A strategy for assessing the thermal resistance of a wet insulation material has been developed. A computer program has been developed to calculate the effects of moisture flow and phase changes. Laboratory experiments in a guarded hot plate apparatus with moist mineral fiber insulation have been conducted. There was satisfactory agreement between the computer calculations and the experimental results.

The practical thermal resistance of mineral fiber insulation in two applications has been studied using the aforementioned strategy:

1. Insulation with accidental high moisture content caused by leakage, rain penetration, and so on. A typical example is insulation on the exterior of basement walls.

2. Insulation with trapped moisture inside impermeable vapor barriers. This situation is sometimes found in roof insulation.

A conclusion was that phase changes in some cases were important energy transfer mechanisms and therefore must be considered.
Development of Experimental Data on Cellular Plastic Insulations Under Simulated Winter Exposure Conditions
Authors: Tye RP , Baker CF
Published: December 2008

An experimental program on expanded and extruded polystyrene insulating materials has been undertaken to investigate the effects of moisture gain on thermal performance. The investigation had two major objectives:

(a) to assist in the development of test methods and techniques that address more realistically the subject of moisture effects on the properties of thermal insulations; and

(b) to develop a credible data base for typical polystyrene materials when subjected to a set of combined temperature, moisture gradient, and continuous time exposure parameters comparable to the most severe that could be foreseen for the continental United States.

In addition, more limited measurements were made on a phenolic foam product, and limited measurements of thermal performance of the materials were made at several mean temperatures encompassing those normally encountered in applications involving the building envelope. Finally, the result of an interlaboratory study on certain specimens from one of the investigations is presented. This was undertaken both to confirm the absolute thermal property values and to illustrate that the ASTM Test for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter (C 518–76) is capable of discriminating between very small incremental changes in thermal performance of the exposed specimens.

The results, which indicate relatively small effects under these conditions, are discussed in relation to those obtained in other studies involving moisture effects and to the probable behavior in the normal environment. The viability of the approach as a suitable standard testing technique is also discussed.
Effect of Wall Mass on the Annual Heating and Cooling Loads of Single-Family Residences for Five Selected Climates
Authors: Burch DM , Walton GN , Cavanaugh K , Licitra BA
Published: December 2008

The space heating and cooling loads for a typical house and a high-solar-gain house containing partition walls and interior furnishings are simulated using a computer program called the Thermal Analysis Research Program (TARP). Separate computer runs are carried out for the following wall constructions: insulated wood frame, insulated masonry with mass on the exterior, and insulated masonry with insulation sandwiched between interior and exterior mass. The reductions in annual space heating and cooling loads achieved in typical houses with masonry wall construction compared with identical houses with lightweight wood-frame wall construction are derived as a function of five climates. Insulation credits for energy conservation standards to account for reductions in space conditioning loads for masonry houses are investigated. The presence of interior mass features was observed to cause the typical house to approach a “static highmass limit” that coincided with steady-state theory. Under such a condition, wall mass was found to have a small effect on annual space heating and cooling loads.
Measurement of Air Leakage Properties of Common Residential Insulating Materials
Authors: Jacobson D , Harrje DT , Dutt GS
Published: December 2008

A methodology for the measurement of air leakage properties of common insulating materials is presented. The method involves measuring air flows through a test ceiling section with cracks of various widths and covered by different insulating materials. Corresponding pressure drops are measured, and pressure-leakage curves are fit through the points. Leakage flows through different insulating materials at specific pressure differences are compared. The results indicate that loose-filled cellulose retards flow somewhat better than fiberglass batts and much better than blown-in fiberglass and vermiculite. The study also investigated several combinations of insulation materials in which one type of insulation has been added on top of another, as in a typical ceiling reinsulation retrofit. Improvements in the form of reduced air leakage are also observed in these tests. Our measurements indicate that the choice of insulation material can greatly influence the air leakage of houses and thus affect energy use, ventilation, and indoor air quality.
Historical Development of Large Heat Flow Meter Apparatus for Measurements of Thermal Resistance of Insulations
Authors: Tye RP , Coumou KG , Desjarlais AO , Haines DM
Published: December 2008

The development and utilization of various types of heat flow meter apparatus, based on the ASTM Test for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter (C 518-76) are presented and assessed in an historical context.

Among the major factors discussed are the events and rationale that established the ultimate need for the large heat meter apparatus; improvements in heat flux transducer and other component technologies; design requirements and apparatus development; calibration requirements, including the internal development of necessary transfer standards prior to the availability of National Bureau of Standards (NBS) certified samples; and the international applications and impact on test specifications.

Results utilizing the current large heat meter apparatus are presented and discussed to illustrate its effects on the stability and reproducibility of results; its accuracy and precision, as determined from interlaboratory, round-robin, and National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) studies; the extent of the thickness effect for a number of different low-density insulation materials; and the resolution of differences in value. Future needs and requirements are also addressed, specifically with regard to higher temperatures of operation.
Thermal Performance of the Building Envelope as Influenced by Workmanship
Authors: Bankvall CG
Published: December 2008

The thermal resistance of the building envelope depends on thermal insulation and design solutions. In practice, however, workmanship may be just as important in the total thermal performance. In the building envelope, certain areas are more susceptible to deficiencies in workmanship than others. This fact should be considered in the design stage.

An ideally installed thermal insulation in a structure will have a well-known thermal resistance. Deviations from this situation will increase the U value. The influence is most important on walls and roofs with low U values, where even small deficiencies may seriously increase the heat loss.

The wind and pressure situation around a building and the air permeability of the structure may lead to air movements in the envelope. This may increase the heat loss. The importance of proper installation of wind protection in an insulated crossbar wall is shown. The increase in U value, especially in combination with deficiencies in the thermal insulation installation, is given. Airtightness of a structure is usually accomplished with a vapor barrier and specially designed joints between different building elements. Large air flows through a wall usually indicate cracks or openings in the vapor barrier and the inside. The increase in heat loss resulting from such flaws is shown. The influence on a building envelope with high thermal resistance is very large.

The results and discussions are related to building envelopes with high thermal resistance and low heat losses. This situation is typical of today's building design in Scandinavia.
Thermal Performance of Metal Furred/Foam Board Insulated Wall Systems
Authors: Miller RG , Berry JA , Sherman M
Published: December 2008

System thermal resistance, R, values were measured in full-scale guarded hot box tests [according to the ASTM Test for Steady-State Thermal Performance of Building Assemblies by Means of a Guarded Hot Box (C 236-80)] on a series of foam board insulated wall systems. Tests were run on Hi-Hat, Temp Guard insulation furring (TGIF), and Z-furring securement systems at a mean temperature of approximately 24°C (75°F).

System R values were calculated for these insulated constructions by means of the series/parallel and zone methods recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Results of comparisons between measured and calculated R values are reported in this paper. Thermal effects of the various metal furring systems are also discussed.
Using Paving Asphalt Rheology to Impair or Improve Asphalt Pavement Design and Performance
Authors: McLeod NW
Published: December 2008

The particular rheological property of a paving asphalt considered in this paper is its temperature susceptibility. Currently neither ASTM nor the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has a temperature susceptibility requirement in its specification for paving asphalts. For this reason, at the present time paving asphalt temperature susceptibility is far more often used to impair pavement performance than to improve it.

Paving asphalt temperature susceptibility is defined in the paper and a method for its measure is indicated. The influence of paving asphalt temperature susceptibility on pavement design and performance in hot climates without frost, and in cold climates with frost, is described.

Using the freezing index, °F (°C) days, as the criterion for the minimum temperature at any paving site, a very simple method is illustrated for selecting the optimum paving asphalt or asphalts for surface, binder and base course layers. A set of requirements for paving asphalt temperature susceptibility, which can be added to a paving asphalt specification, is proposed and discussed.

Is is shown that by the addition of suitable polymers, the temperature susceptibilities of paving asphalts can be changed dramatically. This development implies that what has been always an asphalt supplier's market could change to an asphalt user's market.
Polymer-Modified Asphalt Properties Related to Asphalt Concrete Performance
Authors: Shuler TS , Collins JH , Kirkpatrick JP
Published: December 2008

Mechanical properties of asphalts containing styrenic block copolymers and properties of dense-graded asphalt concrete produced from these binders are presented. Materials studied include unmodified AC-5 and AC-20 asphalts and AC-5 containing 3 and 6% styrenic block copolymers.

Dynamic rheology of the binders was studied as a function of temperature and deformation rate. Complex viscosity of the polymer-modified asphalts exhibits less temperature susceptibility than that of control asphalts from 0°C (32°F) to 93°C (200°F) and slightly higher temperature susceptibility above 93°C (200°F). The modified asphalts are viscoelastic throughout the pavement operating temperature range with a significant elastic component. However, the unmodified asphalts are essentially nonelastic above 38°C (100°F).

Increases in polymer content increase viscosity, ductility, toughness, tenacity, and elasticity of the materials tested. However, shear-thinning characteristics of the polymer-modified asphalts allow handling by familiar techniques at conventional temperatures. Asphalt concrete was evaluated by resilient modulus and indirect tension over a range of temperatures. Results indicate tensile modulus is lowered at low temperatures and raised at high temperatures by addition of the polymer.
Standards for Computerized Material Property Data—ASTM Committee E-49
Authors: Kaufman JG
Published: December 2008

ASTM Committee E-49 on the Computerization of Materials Property Data was instituted in 1986 to provide guidance to individuals and organizations building machine-readable data bases and to aid in the development of compatible and consistent sources capable of a reasonable exchange of information. In the relatively short interval since then, progress has been made in several areas, most notably in the development of formats for the characterization of materials and reporting of test data. Progress has been most rapid in the more mature and stable material classes like metals and polymers. The relative newness and lack of stability of terminology and test procedures for advanced materials will require more time and effort before major strides are apparent. ASTM Committee E-49 is also taking on the significant challenges of data exchange formats and guidelines for the evaluation of data.

Continued rapid progress in all of these areas is essential if we are to maximize the opportunity to improve the quality of materials related decisions through the use of easily accessible and exchangeable numeric performance data.
Japanese Progress in Materials Data Bases
Authors: Nishijima S , Monma Y , Kanao M
Published: December 2008

Recent trends in the development of materials data systems in Japan are reviewed. As the building of materials data bases is a major concern of industry, academic societies, and government laboratories and the sharing of materials information is a common need among interested parties, the government is supporting the building of materials data bases and networking with the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. Data base activities under such programs are briefly discussed. However, a more detailed discussion is given to a comprehensive materials data base on the materials strength of engineering steels and alloys that has been developed by the National Research Institute for Metals (NRIM) and Japan Information Center of Science and Technology (JICST). The importance of incorporating the evaluation procedure is emphasized. In addition, some specifics on Japanese language in the system environment are discussed.
Use of Materials Data Bases in France
Authors: Bathias C , Marx B
Published: December 2008

In order to know the interest and the use for materials data bases in France, a questionnaire was distributed, 5000 copies by the end of 1986. The answers obtained are summed up in this paper. They show what types of organizations are interested in data bases, what their goals are, and what the market is for data bases. In conclusion, we point out the important need of an international cooperation to develop the materials data bases.
Uniform Treatment of Integrated CAD/CAM Data and Metadata
Authors: Su SYW , Alashqur A
Published: December 2008

An integrated data base is the heart of an integrated manufacturing system. It serves as the glue to bind together heterogeneous component systems, which are often developed independently for supporting product design, process planning, manufacturing, product inspection and testing, and product service and maintenance, into a fully integrated system. To establish and use such a data base, a data model that is very rich in semantics is necessary to model the complex structural properties, operations, and constraints associated with the data objects commonly found in computer aided design (CAD)/computer aided manufacturing (CAM) applications. Furthermore, it would be necessary to have a data dictionary facility to allow the users of various component systems to define, display, and modify the schema of the integrated data base.

This paper presents a semantic association model called SAM*, which contains six general constructs for modeling the complex relationships (or associations) among data objects. These constructs can be used in an embedded or recursive fashion to allow very complex objects to be explicitly defined in a schema that contains the metadata of an integrated data base. In this work, the same semantic model is also used to model the contents of the schema so that the metadata, as well as the application data of an integrated data base, can be uniformly defined, stored, displayed, modified, and manipulated by the users. This paper also describes an interactive data dictionary system implemented for the definition and manipulation of metadata and application data modeled by the semantic model.
Distributed Data Bases on the Factory Floor
Authors: Furlani CM , Libes D , Barkmeyer EJ , Mitchell MJ
Published: December 2008

A major facility for manufacturing reseafch exists at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS). The Automated Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) serves as a test bed and demonstration facility in support of research by workers from NBS, industry, academia, and other government agencies. The AMRF has been designed as a “data driven” control system. This permits it to handle a broad range of parts for automated manufacturing, but requires an effective interface between the data generated in a manufacturing system and the control modules that use the data. To meet this requirement, a distributed data system, the Integrated Manufacturing Data Administration System (IMDAS), has been developed. It is designed to provide the control systems of the AMRF access to the data necessary to support the design, planning, manufacturing, and inspection of parts.
Capture of Published Materials Data
Authors: Grattidge W
Published: December 2008

Computerized data systems involving materials property data are needed to support advanced methods of engineering design and computer supported manufacturing. The challenge is to transform the data values extant in printed handbooks, journals, reviews, or monographs into a coherent, accurate, reliable, and consistent body of computerized data available both for automatic as well as manual access in support of engineering tasks. In print, the data values are presented through four principal formats: Direct; Paragraphs (text including embedded numerics); Tables (text or tabular numerics or both); and Graphs (point sets, curve sets, or range sets). Generic templates have been developed to identify and record the metadata as well as guide the capture of the common and separate features with the associated presentation logics for the different formats. Procedures for data capture for tables and graphs are described.

An extensive metadata schema has been developed covering mechanical properties data included in representative sections of the Aerospace Structural Metals Handbook, and Military Handbook 5. When used in conjunction with data input, the local usage of symbols, property, or material names or designations can be allowed and incorporated and still be consistent with an overall metadata structure.
Expert Systems Interfaces for Materials Data Bases
Authors: Iwata S
Published: December 2008

The future course of more intelligent systems as interfaces for materials data bases is reviewed in comparison with an ideal information service supplied by human experts. The ability to understand a wide range of materials information is discussed in connection with a variety of services, ranging from a retrospective search of the original measured information and continuing through value-added procedures of grouping and abstraction. Linking computerized materials data bases and information systems poses problems in handling and organizing incomplete knowledge, which can be solved by valued-added procedures. An idea “simulator” that poses and answers a wide variety of questions to substitute for experiments is proposed. This simulator integrates the relevant data on the materials.
An Interactive Inquiry System for Materials Data Bases Using Natural Clustering
Authors: Pilgrim RA , Johnson PM , Falco PM
Published: December 2008

User inquiry in a data-base management system (DBMS) takes on patterns that can be recognized by a monitoring system using hierarchical conceptual clustering. The application of natural clustering techniques to interactive query sessions permits the automatic development of predictive tools to assist the unsophisticated data base user. This paper defines the desired attributes of such a monitoring inquiry support system, discusses system design considerations, and provides an algorithm for the natural clustering of both numeric and nonnumeric property information. The implementation of such a system is described based on its application to the Spacecraft Materials Data Base SRS Technologies is currently developing.
Computerized Materials Data in Aerospace Applications
Authors: Little CD , Coyle TE
Published: December 2008

The impact of computerized and networked materials data in the aerospace industry is conveyed by a description of its introduction, operation, and expansion plans in the Fort Worth Division of General Dynamics Corporation (GDFW). Like most other companies involved in the design and manufacture of aerospace systems and vehicles, GDFW was committed to an orderly buildup of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) capabilities in the early 1970s. This milestone was followed in the 1980s by a commitment to integrate all computerized analysis and other support functions into the design process. This included the development and implementation of a computerized Engineering Materials Property Data Base (EMPDB), accessible by designers and analysts from their electronic workstations. The scope, development, and operation of the EMPDB is discussed here. Current and future expansion of computerized materials data bases through networking is addressed. Materials engineering files and other resources are now being shared through Local Area Networks (LANs). A computerized Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is now in the procurement cycle and will be operational in 1988. This information will be shared with other General Dynamics divisions and offices throughout the nation via Electronic Mail Office System (EMOS) through corporate-wide networks.
Engineering Plastics via the Dow MEC Data Base
Authors: Petrisko LS
Published: December 2008

The Materials Engineering Center (MEC) of the Dow Chemical Company has developed a computerized engineering data base for plastics. The properties and parameters needed to specify materials for engineering design were defined and a system was developed to correctly link test data results to specific specimens. Validation of the engineering data base entry is achieved by combining knowledge of the laboratory source reliability and of statistical records generated within the system.

Information can be retrieved by selecting a combination of properties based on a specific set of conditions or by specifying a property of various environmental or processing conditions or both.

In this fashion, the MEC data base supplies the information needed by design, materials, and process engineers during the development of new products, applications, and in the modification of existing systems. The data base response speed and simplicity of information retrieval, combined with its well-defined data, make this data base a significant technical development in the materials engineering world.
Designation and Characterization of Composite Materials
Authors: Lees JK , Roberts BK , Michaud RJ
Published: December 2008

Designing and using a computerized materials property data base for composites include the very difficult tasks of fully and uniquely identifying each material and characterizing the material properties in a way that will satisfy the needs of all potential users. Approaches to meeting this criteria are discussed, including abbreviated methods of identification, combining computer fields to fully and uniquely identify both research and commercial composites, structuring data so that different functional groups can access varied subsets, integrating test conditions into the data base, and presenting data in more effective graphic form, when applicable. A multitiered system for assessing data quality is also discussed.
Building Blocks for an On-Line Materials Data Base
Authors: Li HH , Ho C-Y
Published: December 2008

Problems that surface in the development of materials property data bases are many and solutions are varied, with different data base applications and designs. This results in incompatibility among existing data bases. This paper discusses the essential requirements of on-line materials property data bases and the building blocks of various file systems. Areas covered include the types, basic structures, and various forms of the building blocks and the solutions to the problems encountered in the construction of the file systems. Under this scope, three file systems—namely, the materials files, variables files, and data files—are reviewed in terms of the basic building blocks. It is made clear that integration and transformation of data bases are possible if and only if the data bases under consideration are constructed with fully resolved building blocks. With the above considerations in mind, activities of standards establishment and data base development can be carried out in parallel.
Consideration of a Preliminary Data Base for MIL-HDBK-17B
Authors: Newton CH
Published: December 2008

Managing the data in a composite materials data base, such as the data base required for MIL-HDBK-17, is a complex task. MIL-HDBK-17, “Polymer Matrix Composites,” is a fully coordinated military document currently supported by the Army, the Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The guidelines in Volume I of the handbook provide the requirements for a statistically based data base of polymer matrix composite materials properties.

The MIL-HDBK-17 data base must be capable of handling property values for fibers, matrix materials, prepregs, laminae, and simple laminates. A prepreg is a ready-to-mold or -cure material in sheet form. It may be fiber, cloth, or a mat impregnated with resin and stored for use. The properties of each of these types of materials can be further divided into chemical, physical, and mechanical categories. While the material types and property categories readily provide an outline for a data base, a number of properties must overlap the data base boundaries to adequately describe a given material.

Statistical analysis requirements for evaluating batch-to-batch variability and an interest in pooling data from various sources dictate the analysis and storage of all raw data in addition to the statistical parameters reported in MIL-HDBK-17. The capabilities for tracking these data use four types of files—raw data files, statistical parameter files, analysis files, and files that record the history of pooled data. In addition, a hard-copy record is retained for both analysis files and summary tables. The analysis files report raw data, the method of analysis as determined by batch-to-batch variability and the distribution of the data, and the resulting statistical parameters. The summary tables contain the statistical parameters in the MIL-HDBK-17 format tabulated by orientation, loading, temperature, and moisture conditions. These tabulated values can be readily transferred to a word processor for incorporation into the printed handbook.

Data-base management on personal computers was selected for several reasons. PC availability is desirable for the statistical analysis program since each company or laboratory that submits data to MIL-HDBK-17 will want access to this program. Management of the data base itself is conducted through the use of METSEL2. METSEL2 is an interactive data-base program originally designed to store metals properties and currently being revised to include composite materials. Storage and manipulation of the statistical parameters are enhanced by using this program. The in-house data base is also considered a trial run for a data base that may be distributed to the members of the coordination group and other appropriate organizations. The establishment of this permanent, accessible data base depends on factors that have not yet been resolved, such as the export control of data.
PC-Access to Ceramic Phase Diagrams
Authors: Schenck PK , Dennis JR
Published: December 2008

A personal computer (PC)-based version of Phase Diagrams for Ceramists has been demonstrated by the joint National Bureau of Standards (NBS)/American Ceramic Society (ACerS) Phase Diagrams for the Ceramists Data Center. A selection of phase diagrams from the nearly 1100 diagrams of Volume 6 has been transferred from the Data Center's graphics workstations to a PC. Demonstration software has been developed for retrieving and plotting the phase diagrams on the PC's monitor from the PC-based Phase Diagram Data Base. In addition, the software allows the operator to retrieve data from the diagram by means of an interactive graphics cursor whose location is displayed digitally on the monitor in a choice of user units (for example, °C, °F, K). Areas of the phase diagram can be magnified and replotted to clarify features. The operator can also overlay a second diagram for comparison purposes, reverse the diagram, magnify or rescale the diagram, and apply an electronic lever rule or curve-tracking mode. Future refinements include conversions between weight and mole percent and retrieval of ternary or higher-order phase diagrams.
Creating a Materials Data Base Builder and Producing Publications for Ceramic Phase Diagrams
Authors: Ondik HM , Messina CG
Published: December 2008

The Ceramics Phase Diagrams Data Center faced several problems in the early stages of developing a computer data base to distribute to the ceramics user community. The Data Center had to create and store data files containing full scientific notation, provide for transferring data to undesignated computer(s) from the computer on which the files were created, and provide for installation of the data on undetermined Data Base Management System(s) for user access. The solution was incorporated in programs developed in the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) Office of Standard Reference Data and expanded under the support of the American Ceramic Society. All information is expressed using only printable ASCII characters and is stored in dynamic arrays with all fixed length parameters encoded as program variables. Bibliographic and some chemical data for the next several volumes of Phase Diagrams for Ceramists are currently being stored in this form. The data are being manipulated to produce material in typeset form for the published volumes. They have also been transferred with no loss of information to a prototype data base for rapid retrieval.
Corrosion Data for Materials Performance Characterization
Authors: Anderson DB , Laverty GJ
Published: December 2008

A corrosion data program sponsored by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers and the National Institute of Standards and Technology includes computer data base development to characterize the corrosion performance of engineering materials over a wide variety of environments and exposure conditions. The important features of corrosion data are reviewed from both the data source and the user standpoints. Guidelines are provided for data input format development, multiple source data compilation, data validation and evaluation, and interpretive data output schemes.
Development of Data Bases for the ASM/NBS Data Program for Alloy Phase Diagrams
Authors: Scott WW , Baker H , Kacprzak L
Published: December 2008

The joint efforts of ASM INTERNATIONAL (ASM) and the National Bureau of Standards to form the ASM/NBS Data Program for Alloy Phase Diagrams are traced back to a 1975 report prepared by an ad hoc committee of the Numerical Data Advisory Board of the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council. The Committee's recommendations for a program to collect, evaluate, and disseminate all existing alloy phase diagram data are presented. This paper discusses the progress related to the recommendations of the committee, particularly regarding the computerization of alloy phase diagram data. The management aspects of data base development are discussed as well as the various alternative delivery systems that have been explored. The current status of each of the data bases is presented, including the search capability, degree of completion, and plans for maintaining currency.
ACTIS: Towards a Comprehensive Tribology Data Base
Authors: Jahanmir S , Hsu SM , Munro RG
Published: December 2008

Tribology is being increasingly recognized as a critical discipline that can play a key role in raising the level of U.S. competitiveness. The transfer of tribology research information into general engineering practice can be made quickly and efficiently by the computerizing of tribology data. The tribology community has been participating in an international effort to centralize and computerize tribology data that goes beyond the establishment of bibliographic data bases. The community is developing a computerized tribology information system as a self-sustaining activity, with government providing the initial funding for research and prototype construction of a PC-based system that contains six data-base components: numeric, design, newsletter, research-in-progress, bibliography, and product and services directory. The numeric data base, which contains ‘best judgment‘ values compiled by experts, and the design data base, which contains validated design programs, are being developed in the first two years of a six-year program. These two data bases present a formidable technical challenge, since not only must they be self-contained, but they must also interact.
Effects of Chemical Dispersant Agents on the Behavior and Retention of Spilled Crude Oil in a Simulated Streambed Channel
Authors: Clayton JR , Farmer GH , Payne JR , McNabb GD , Harkins PC , Evans JS , Rottunda NP , Phillips CR , Evans ML
Published: December 2008

Field experiments were performed to obtain first-step estimates of the effects of selected chemical dispersant agents (OFC D-609 and Corexit 9550) on the behavior and retention of spilled crude oil in a shallow freshwater streambed environment in southcentral Alaska. Comparisons between experiments with and without prespill additions of dispersants to the oil included measurements of oil in sediment and water samples. Sediment and water contamination by oil was quantified by flame ionization detector capillary gas chromatography (FID-GC) as well as visual observations in the simulated streambed channel following the spill events. Inclusion of dispersants in the oil produced the intended result of enhancing dispersion of oil into the aqueous phase. However, distributions of oil in aqueous and sediment samples were controlled by interactions between a variety of factors including rheological properties of the oil (for example, oil/water interfacial surface tension values), particle size distributions of sediment matrices, exposure of sediment surfaces to oil, and in situ water flow characteristics at specific streambed channel sites. The results imply that use of chemical dispersants to mitigate effects of oil spills in freshwater streambed environments must include an understanding of the interplay between variables related to both the type of oil released and the specific streambed environment.
Dispersant Use Guidelines for Freshwater and Other Inland Environments
Authors: Flaherty LM , Katz WB , Kaufmann S
Published: December 2008

Work is in progress by ASTM Subcommittee F20.13 on Treatment on a series of guidelines covering the use of dispersants in nonsaline environments. These environments include freshwater ponds, lakes, and streams, as well as land. The guidelines are to be patterned after those produced by an earlier task group of the same committee covering saline environments. This paper describes what has been accomplished thus far. Participation by those interested, whether an ASTM member or not, is welcomed.
Use of a Computerized Spill Response Tool for Emergency Response, Personnel Training, and Contingency Planning
Authors: Flaherty LM , Hansen AG , Dalsimer A
Published: December 2008

Under the aegis of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a computerized decision tree (CDT) was developed in 1984 to assist On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) during an oil spill incident in the decision-making process. Since that time the CDT has been expanded and refined for use not only in real-time spill response, but for personnel training and contingency planning.

The CDT has been distributed to EPA Regions, U.S. Coast Guard Districts, and other spill response officials in the United States and overseas. Its widespread acceptance, however, has been somewhat hampered by a lack of understanding of its maximum use beyond immediate spill response activities.

This paper describes enhancements that have been made to the CDT during the past three years, and its potential for applications in personnel training in both emergency situations and for contingency planning. In it possible extension of the CDT to hazardous materials incidents is also explored and other future plans for the CDT as a powerful tool in combatting environmental damages are discussed.
Approaches to Planning for Dispersant Use in Oil Spill Response
Authors: Lindstedt-Siva J
Published: December 2008

Using dispersants to control oil spills has been highly controversial since the 1967 Torrey Canyon spill. Since that time many spill responders have viewed dispersants only as a “last resort” option. Dispersant use is most effective in the early stages of an oil spill, yet most response plans call for dispersant use decisions to be made only after a spill occurs. These decisions require, at a minimum, hours, and may require days. Recently, there have been efforts to shorten this decision-making process. Two of these are discussed in detail. A multidisciplinary, multiagency task force under the auspices of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) developed ecologically based guidelines for dispersant use in marine environments. The guidelines for 13 different marine and coastal habitat types consider dispersant use both to protect and to clean the habitat. They also identify those habitats that are the highest priority to receive protection in the event of a spill. The other project was developed by an American Petroleum Institute (API) task force and contractor with input from federal and state government agencies. It is a site-specific method for planning in advance where to use or not use dispersants in marine environments. It involves dividing an offshore region into “dispersant use zones” based on ecological considerations. This method was applied to selected areas offshore southern California as a test.
Planning for Dispersant Use
Authors: Fraser JP
Published: December 2008

Although the National Contingency Plan states that the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) may authorize the use of dispersants on an oil spill, such authorization is not automatic. In practice, the applicant for permission to use dispersants must submit a plan which then will be considered by the OSC and others involved in the approval process. This plan generally must indicate not only that dispersant use is desirable as a means of mitigating the spill but also must show why use would result in lower environmental impact than if dispersants were not used.

Some parts of a dispersant use plan are time-consuming to prepare and require acquisition of large amounts of information. Fortunately, the most time-consuming parts can be prepared well in advance of any spill. If these parts are prepared in advance, decisions regarding dispersant use can be made in a timely fashion at the time of a spill.

The components of a dispersant use plan should include the following: 1. Spill specific information such as how much of what oil was spilled, when did it occur, wind and sea conditions, and expected oil spill trajectories. 2. Information on resources available for dispersant application such as dispersant stock-piles that may be used, properties of these dispersants, application equipment, and information on application and monitoring methods. This information can best be gathered well in advance of any spill event. 3. Information on environmental impacts, including the comparative impacts of dispersed oil versus untreated oil. This information should be prepared and available in a form that will enable ready assessment, at the time of a spill, of the trade-offs which must be considered. It should be possible to identify well in advance of a spill those areas in which dispersant use should be considered and those in which use might not be favored. 4. A guide or system for decision making; this guide will show how the above information is used in developing the on-scene decision for or against dispersant use. The decision making system should be agreed upon well in advance of any spill. 5. Recommendations regarding dispersant use on the specific spill incident and justification for the recommendations.

Use of this planning method will expedite decision making at the time of a spill, will lead to more rational and logical dispersant use decisions, and will enable the decision maker to document his decision.
Oil Dispersant Guidelines: Alaska
Authors: Manen C-A , O'Brien PS , Hahn B , Metsker H , Fox LB , Kennedy D , Getter C , Tomich L , Conway M , Whitney J , Harris L
Published: December 2008

The Alaska Regional Response Team (RRT) is in the process of developing preconsultation and preapproval plans allowing for the limited use of dispersants on oil spills in Alaskan marine waters. “General Alaska Dispersant Use Criteria” briefly reviews the present data base for oil dispersing chemicals and establishes a three-part classification system for the use of dispersants in Alaskan coastal waters. This system is being applied to Alaskan areas in a site- and resource-specific manner. The general criteria and the application of the classification system to Cook Inlet have been subjected to public comment from the oil and fishing industry, approved by the RRT, subjected to public comment from the oil and fishing industry, approved by the RRT, and incorporated into the Alaska Regional Contingency Plan. At present, this classification system is being used to develop dispersant use guidelines for Prince William Sound, a much different regime, both physically and biologically, from Cook Inlet.
Letters of Agreement for the Use of Dispersants
Authors: Hart TE
Published: December 2008

Subpart H to the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) authorizes the On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) to use dispersants on oil discharges if certain conditions have been met. Primary among these is the requirement that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) representative to the Regional Response Team (RRT) and the affected state concur regarding dispersant use. However, obtaining concurrence after a spill can be so time-consuming that optimal dispersant use is no longer possible.

Since the effectiveness of dispersants is time-critical, the sooner that concurrence can be obtained and the dispersant applied, the more effective such application should be. Thus, planning can significantly increase the performance of dispersants.

One way to expedite the decision making process is in agreements that preauthorize the OSC to use dispersants. The NCP encourages RRTs to plan for such use and to have preauthorizations in place. The Region IV RRT has developed an agreement for the use of dispersants in Florida. Two similar agreements have been developed by the Caribbean RRT for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While none of these agreements allows the unrestricted use of dispersants, each specifies areas where the OSC can use dispersants and areas where dispersants cannot be used without further discussion with the EPA and the state. The Caribbean RRT has also included provisions in the agreements for a monitoring strategy to assess the effectiveness of dispersants when they are used.

The key to an effective and successful response is having an organization and contingency plan in place. Such arrangements are an integral part of the Region IV and Caribbean RRTs' contingency plans and will result in a more timely and informed decision on whether dispersants will be used.