bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience of Designing a Relational Materials Database
Authors: Bamkin RJ , MacRae SCF
Published: March 2009

This paper describes the design of a database for Engineering and Manufacturing Materials data in a tabular (relational) format. The freedom permitted by a relational (rather than hierarchical) data model allows better use of the computer's ability to handle n-dimensional and complex networks of information.

The following features arc described: • The use of Information Engineering. • The separation of independant variables from property identifiers, to allow extensive scope for storage, interpolation and presentation of complex data. The use of ‘inheritance’ to allow storage and maintenance of generic information (in a manner which is analogous to class-instance object oriented systems). • The capability of holding data of varying quality and for differing applications (design and specification data) within the same database. • The use of direct document publishing. • The integration with company wide systems referencing materials information.

It will be noted that these features arc based on the study of the structure of the materials information and are believed to be generic solutions to the modelling of Materials Property Data.
Expert Systems and Materials Property Databases
Authors: Anderson DB
Published: March 2009

The incorporation of interactive interfaces with databases to simulate those found in expert systems and the induction of rules from data are promising approaches toward facilitating the retrieval and interpretation of materials property data, thus combining the benefits of expert system and traditional database technologies. The hybrid system concept of utilizing data as facts and knowledge as rules is described in the context of addressing the need for expanding database utility to meet a broader range of user requirements.
Probing the Boundaries of Knowledge-Based Systems
Authors: Vancoille MJ , Smets HM , Bogaerts WF , Arents HC
Published: March 2009

Although expert systems have been a central focus of attention in the materials community for a couple of years now, it is surprising that so few really successful systems have hit the market. This has probably to do with the fact that dealing with materials property data is not a trivial task. It might also indicate that expert systems lack some properties (or that those have not yet been fully developed) to deal with materials property data and that some alternative and complementary techniques will have to be used, such as neural networks, hypermedia systems and intelligent interfaces to deal with specific problems.
Adhesive Selection by Means of the PAL Program
Authors: Lees WA , Selby PJ
Published: March 2009

The development of PAL, a material selection program, is reviewed in relation to the correct choice of an engineering adhesive. For this choice to be accurate the requirements of the adherends, the productions processes and the ultimate use of the bonded components need to be taken into account. It is shown that selection by means of a “rejection-residue” process is an effective basis on which to construct an “Expert System” and that quantitative, and frequently elusive, information does not have to be used. PAL's own form of “fuzzy-logic”, which is illustrated, copes well with imprecision and allows extremely fast operation. This latter is one of PAL's challenges of the conventional approach to the subject which usually comprises a “Shell” developed in isolation from the information (expertise) with which it is subsequently loaded. The modus operandi of PAL is described together with its automatic presentation of important, though unsolicited, information.
A Database System for Atmospheric Corrosion
Authors: Qu Z , Li C , Wang G , Zhu R
Published: March 2009

This paper states the function, the architecture and the establishment of an atmospheric corrosion database for materials. A relational data structure is used for the database design. The system can collect, arrange and store vast amounts of atmospheric corrosion data for ferrous and non-ferrous metals materials and coatings under eight different climate conditions of the whole country, and supply fourteen kinds of report forms. The advantages of the system are that it is convenient to operate and easy to master. It has been used in China to compile the results of Chinese research on atmospheric corrosion and protection.
A Component Modelling System to Aid Materials Selection in Engineering Design
Authors: Brooks R , Elliman DG , Chia TB
Published: March 2009

A highly interactive system is described for the modelling and analysis of simple engineering components. The system has been developed to provide flexible control over the component profile and to aid materials selection through close integration with materials selection software and a materials database. The system allows the designer to investigate the relationship between component geometry, loading, boundary conditions, other design parameters and suitable materials. The methodology behind the system flexibility is described and the software structure, which is based on object-oriented programming methods, is also outlined. A description of the user interface is included and the application of the system to materials selection for automotive components is discussed.
The Further Development of Databanks in Germany
Authors: Mösl FG
Published: March 2009

The paper gives some information on the development of materials databanks in Germany since the second ASTM-Symposium in Orlando/USA in November 1989.

The progress of the projects for creating a framework is reported (databank structure and user friendly access via natural language and graphic oriented interfaces) as well as the situation on the projects “Corrosion and Corrosion Protection”, “Ternary Alloy Phase Diagrams” and “ProSTEP”.

The new governmental activities had to concentrate on the integration of data sources from East Germany. There is one leading specialized materials data center in Dresden, called IMA, where new projects were started.

In industry it is essential, to harmonize the different databanks. But a real cooperation between different companies did not take place.

Some Closing Remarks are given on important aspects for new projects. The aim should be to establish a kind of an “independent competence center” working on materials databanks.
Structure and Applications of the NASA Fracture Mechanics Database
Authors: Lawrence VB , Forman RG
Published: March 2009

A computerized database of fracture mechanics properties of materials has been developed for use in fracture control analysis of NASA space hardware. This database currently consists of fatigue crack growth and fracture toughness data. To unify data access, a data set identification code was developed. The identification code contains fields representing the material, heat treatment, product form, crack orientation, and environmental atmosphere and temperature. For fatigue crack growth data, the file system is made up of a directory file, a specimen information file, and a numerical data points file. The fracture toughness data require only a directory file, and a specimen information file. This system is designed to be compatible with NASA/FLAGRO which is used to perform fracture control analysis for both the Space Transportation System payloads and Space Station Freedom. The database has already proven to be useful for providing least squares curve fits for materials included in NASA/FLAGRO. Also, studies have been conducted using the database to check the accuracy of crack case solutions, and to evaluate or develop improved crack growth models.
The FATDAC Code for Fatigue Database Analysis
Authors: Andrew SP , Eason ED , Warmbrodt SB
Published: March 2009

The FATDAC code, an interactive, modular, menu-driven computer program was developed to interface directly with a database for the analysis of fatigue and corrosion fatigue data. The code provides a variety of analysis techniques to solve problems inherent in fatigue databases. The solutions include: (1) an optimization process which minimizes the numerical scatter in da/dN that arises from differentiation of (a,N) data, (2) a feature for combining data from many investigators while taking into account the varying amount of crack extension or life represented by each point, and (3) weighted least squares techniques for fitting standard or user-defined models to (da/dN,ΔK).
Standards for Materials Databases - National and International Programmes - Do They Provide for Data Users Needs?
Authors: Reynard KW
Published: March 2009

There is a wide range of standards for materials and materials databases dealing with a variety of aspects such as testing, classification, designation, standard reference materials, use and others. They are produced by many national and international bodies whose purposes and practices are sometimes quite different. Most of these standards have their origins before the time when storage and handling of data in a computer was a possibility and the conservatism of the standards making process has not always assisted in their development to support and assist the materials database manager and all the latest kinds of data user.

Given the rapid development of the materials databases and the hardware available for their application and for the transmission of the data, many database managers believe that standards may be premature, though most welcome the development of guidelines and state of the art assessments. Data users on the other hand look for standards to simplify the problems of access and application arising from the use of data from a variety of sources. Materials producers collectively appear to be most resistant to both the development of standards that recognise the computerized use of the materials data and to the modification of existing standards to cope with the new demands of the engineering designer.

The work of VAMAS TWA10 ‘Materials Databanks’ in prestandardization and that of ASTM Committee E-49 ‘Computerization of Materials Property Data’ in producing standards is compared with that of other standards bodies. The reasons for the differences are examined and the future needs of data users considered.
Using Materials Databases to Preserve Corporate Know-How
Authors: Martini-Vvedensky JE
Published: March 2009

Experience of the purchasing, manufacturing and use of a material is important information to consider during materials selection. This paper discusses the use of materials databases to provide framework for the easy retrieval of experience reports.
Mateds - Materials Technology Education System. A System for Materials Science Education and Materials Selection
Authors: Hagström J , Sandström R
Published: March 2009

A materials property databank for aluminium alloys with information adapted to engineering applications is presented. The databank contains property data for about 100 wrought and 45 cast alloys. Data exist for mechanical, physical and thermal properties as well as for technological properties related to formability, joining, corrosion resistance, etc. The total number of properties is at present 58. The system offers flexibility in the way search criteria can be entered as well as in data presentation modes which heavily rely on graphics. Both systematic materials selection including preselection, discriminating search and optimisation as well as more conventional semi-systematic methods are available. MATEDS has been used extensively in university education and for industrial applications since 1988.
Fire Engulfment of Pressure-Liquefied Gas Tanks: Experiments and Modeling
Authors: Sumathipala UK , Hadjisophocleous GV , Aydemir NU , Yu C-M , Sousa ACM , Steward FR , Venart JES
Published: March 2009

The in-vessel transient thermohydraulics, under emergency relief, of tanks of heated pressure liquefied gases, determines whether vessels will safely relieve their contents, rupture and cause a pool or flashing jet fire, or catastrophically fail and boiling liquid expanding vapor explosions (BLEVE) resulting in a significant fire ball and rocketing debris.

This paper reviews the basic thermohydraulic phenomena and their interaction. The mech- anisms are illustrated with reference to direct visual observation in small vessels and the interpretation of additional data obtained in intermediate scale experiments.

The paper additionally describes a two-dimensional zone and a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) field technique to describe the tank and fluid behavior under fire attack conditions.
How to Tell Whether What You Have is a Fire Risk Analysis Model
Authors: Hall JR
Published: March 2009

The growing interest in fire risk analysis in the past decade has not eliminated a substantial degree of confusion and disagreement over the meaning of key terms like fire risk and fire hazard and over the bases for choosing an analytical approach that is right for each problem. This paper describes the essential elements of fire risk analysis models, some common misconceptions about fire risk analysis, and some key principles in deciding when and how to use it.
The Measurement of Building Fire Safety—Example of the Application of an Existing Method for Fire Hazard and Fire Risk Assessment at the Community Level
Authors: Harvey CS
Published: March 2009

A proven method for the evaluation of community fire protection was implemented to accomplish fire and life safety goals without the usual increases in cost for equipment and personnel. The method increases relative protection, yet demonstrates an actual decrease in the cost of new construction. Entry into the system was voluntary during the first years of activity; participation became mandatory when the savings became clear and no significant opposition was present. The method relies on the understanding of equivalency concepts for code compliance.
Present and Future ASTM Standards Developments in the Radiology (X and Gamma) NDE Test Method
Authors: Graber HC
Published: March 2009

ASTM Subcommittee E07.01 on Radiology has been focusing efforts in expanding the development of standards in several different areas. In the past several years, standards addressing the radiologie examination of product forms, radioscopic imaging, and radiologic system variables have been published. An overview of these standards will be presented. Standards work identified for future development include, for example, performance standards and product form examination for radioscopy, radiologic examination of composite materials and tutorial, and performance standards for computed tomography. An overview of the current status and committee activity for future work will be presented.

Standards work identified for future development include, for example, performance standards and product form examination for radioscopy, radiologic examination of composite materials and tutorial, and performance standards for computed tomography. An overview of the current status and committee activity for future work will be presented.
Reference Radiograph Standards: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Jones TS , Goldspiel S
Published: March 2009

Radiographic interpretation is a complex art involving visual discriminations of subtle radiographic details. The unambiguous communication of these details between purchaser and supplier has frequently proven a difficult task. Reference radiographs supply a direct visual reference to a range of discontinuity types and severity levels, providing a visually communicated basis for evaluating components to an agreed upon acceptance level. The first set of widely used reference radiographs were assembled by the U.S. Bureau of Engineering in 1938. This set of production radiographs illustrated a variety of defect types in steel castings and wasadopted by ASTM in 1952 following the formation of Subcommittee E7.02 on Reference Radiographs. ASTM currently maintains 13 reference radiograph documents covering castings of a wide variety of materials and steel weldments. All current documents are produced using made-to-purpose hardware containing intentionally produced discontinuities of various types and severities. The future holds a great number of challenges for this activity due primarily to two factors. First is the rapid development of many new materials for aerospace and other applications. These materials include composites, ceramics, and exotic alloys. Second is the development and use of advanced radioscopic imaging systems in which radiologic interpretation is performed using video displays rather than the traditional film viewers. The development of reference radiological images appropriate to these systems offers many new challenges.
Standardization of Ultrasonic NDT from an ASTM Perspective: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: VanValkenburg HE
Published: March 2009

ASTM ultrasonic NDT standards developed by Subcommittee E07.06 range in scope from tutorial documents to definitive procedures. The evolution of these has paralleled that of the underlying technology, which is now approaching 50 years of practical application. The chronology of this relationship and its importance in promoting acceptance of the methodology are discussed. The scope and status of current standards, in-process revisions, developmental documents, and recommended future projects are reviewed. Some of the many other sources for standards-related documents, both within and outside of ASTM, are summarized.
Electromagnetic (Eddy Current) Testing
Authors: McEleney PC
Published: March 2009

This paper will cover the electromagnetic (eddy current) testing method and ASTM Subcommittee E7.07 on Electromagnetic Method and its activities. The basic principles and applications of the test method are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages are noted. Areas of standardization highlighted are terminology, equipment, test procedure, and reference standards. These referenced standards cover sorting, coating thickness, conductivity, and tubular products.

The background of ASTM Subcommittee E7.07 and its standard chronology are highlighted. The subcommittee's growth from three sections in 1958 to its present ten sections is covered in detail. Extensions of the scope to cover the magnetic method for coating thickness, fringe flux, and the electric potential method are noted. Thirteen documents have been developed by the subcommittee, and six new documents are currently in development. Of high interest currently is the work on wire rope examination standards. Many challenges are presented to ASTM E.07 including: (1) developing documents that can replace DoD specifications and standards, and (2) developing sorely needed documents for wire rope inspection. This paper notes a high level of standard document development currently.
The Challenge of Standards for Emerging Technologies
Authors: McClung RW
Published: March 2009

The preparation of standards for emerging NDT methods may sound paradoxical with the rapid changes normally associated with new and emerging technology. However, consensus documentation of terminology and basic methods of performing tests of NDT equipment can do much to aid in the emergence and acceptance of such technology. Subcommittee E7.10 on Other NDT Methods was established to serve as an “umbrella” group and home for standards activities for emerging or other technology that has not yet grown sufficiently large to justify an independent subcommittee. Current activities include sections on thermoelectric sorting of metals, optical holography, and infrared methods. In addition, there are task groups on NDT reliability and methods for metal verification, identification, and sorting.
Standards for NDT Laboratories
Authors: Plumstead WC , Jaycox CE
Published: March 2009

In 1976, after about ten years of debate and repeated ballots, the ASTM Practice for Determining the Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Agencies (E 543) gained final approval and was published. The document provides the minimum requirements considered essential to the proper organization, administration, and operation of commercial and in-house agencies providing nondestructive examination services. It represents an industry consensus for the minimum practices expected of a qualified nondestructive testing agency. It includes guidelines for equipment maintenance and calibration for the most frequently used NDT methods, personnel qualification and certification, and minimum requirements for an effective quality manual.

Subsequent documents to supplement E 543 have been developed that offer detailed guidelines for a laboratory quality control system (ASTM E 1212) and for a survey (audit) checklist (ASTM E 1359) for use by evaluators of nondestructive testing agencies.

Nondestructive testing agencies that meet the requirements of ASTM E 543 and ASTM E 1212 can be expected to offer consistent quality performance and reliable examination results. These ASTM documents are being specified more frequently than in past years, but, unfortunately, are not being applied as they should for the best results. In many cases, the lowest bidder is assumed to be qualified, but the qualifications are not verified. Too often, when evaluations of nondestructive testing agencies are conducted, individuals are used who are not technically knowledgeable in the field. Frequently, these evaluations are conducted after the award of a contract, when changes are very difficult. Increased use of these ASTM standards by industry combined with competent evaluations of the quality of an agency's work and its technical and management skills will result in increased levels of confidence on the part of the users of products inspected and examined by these agencies. These higher levels of confidence will improve the acceptance of U.S. products worldwide.
SAE/AMS NDT Standards
Authors: Cooper TD , Nethercutt BW
Published: March 2009

The development of nondestructive testing standards for the aerospace industry is a key task that is critical and that is receiving increasing attention. The Aerospace Materials Division of SAE International (formerly, the Society of Automotive Engineers) (SAE) has traditionally prepared and maintained a series of Aerospace Materials Specifications (AMS) covering the various NDT methods and materials. They were under the technical cognizance of Committee B, Finishes, Processes and Fluids. Because of the increasing importance of this area of technology, a new Committee (Committee K, Nondestructive Methods and Processes) was formed a few years ago to better focus attention on these documents and to ensure that the appropriate technical experts would be available to provide the current specifications that are needed. As the Department of Defense (DOD) has emphasized more reliance on nongovernment industry consensus standards bodies to begin to provide documents to replace military and federal specifications, this task has become even more urgent. Since its inception, Committee K has begun working on the task of upgrading older documents and creating new ones that are badly needed. This presentation will highlight the history and accomplishment of Committee K to date and will outline its future plans to provide AMS documents covering all of the major nondestructive inspection methods.
Harmonization of NDT Standards Within the European Economic Community
Authors: Borloo EE
Published: March 2009

The European Council of Ministers invited the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) to draw up a policy on conformity assessment involving testing and calibration, quality assurance, certification, and accreditation, aiming to harmonize the existing national regulations in order to eliminate barriers to trade, principally after 1 Jan. 1993 (beginning of the Single Market).

The CEC gave mandates to European standardization bodies to draw up European standards for Community purposes.

To date, several standardization programs have been mandated under this system; in particular, one of the ongoing works at CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) level is in the field of nondestructive testing—it covers the pressure vessels area. 1. CEN TC 138 is the technical committee (TC) involved with nondestructive testing. This TC has the scope to set up standards on terminology, equipment, and general principles of methods for the different NDT methods as well as to standardize the principles of qualification and certification of NDE testing personnel. 2. CEN TC 121 is the TC involved with welding. This TC has a working group, 5B, involved with NDT and six subworking groups, the scope of which is to set up standards on general rules, examination techniques, and acceptance criteria for the different NDT techniques when examining welded structures.

Participants in the different working groups are experts from the 12 EEC countries and also from the six EFTA countries. These experts are technicians from industry, technical laboratories, or from national standardization bodies. 1. EEC: European Economic Community: Belgium-Denmark-France-Germany-Greece-Ireland-Italy-Luxembourg-Portugal-Spain-The Netherlands-United Kingdom. 2. EFTA: European Free Trade Association: Austria-Finland-Iceland-Norway-Sweden-Switzerland.

During these technical meetings, national and international, existing documents (e.g., DIN-AFNOR-BS-ASTM-ISO-IIW) are considered, aiming to create future European NDE standards.
NDT Personnel Qualification—A U.S. Perspective
Authors: Wheeler GC
Published: March 2009

The status of NDT personnel qualification and certification (PQ) is reviewed from the point of view of U.S. practitioners. Present U.S. practices and standards are compared with those of some other nations and those of ISO.

Results of a survey of U.S. organizations and individuals familiar with various PQ systems are used to evaluate the spectrum of current U.S. attitudes on the subject. It is concluded that an international standard acceptable to the United States as well as to most other nations should now be achievable in a relatively short time.
NDT Personnel Qualification—An ISO Perspective
Authors: Zirnhelt JH
Published: March 2009

Subcommittee 7, “Personnel Qualification,” of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 135, “Nondestructive Testing,” has been working since 1983 on the development of an international standard for the qualification and certification of nondestructive testing personnel. The document is based on fundamental principles proposed by the International Committee for Nondestructive Testing (ICNDT). The draft international standard (DIS 9712) was circulated for letter ballot in early 1990. General international agreement on DIS 9712's key elements of central certification at three levels in individual nondestructive testing (NDT) methods has been reached. The document has earned the support of developing countries, who embraced it even in its earliest format as a model for new national standards, and who, through their regional organizations, contributed significantly to its development. As we enter 1992, the pressure for a universally acceptable standard which permits mobility of personnel, boasts broad general international acceptance, and maintains the high level of competence needed in NDT will lead to agreement on the international level. A comprehensive ISO standard for the qualification of NDT personnel will facilitate international trade in capital goods and services.
Standards for Storage, Retrieval, and Exchange of NDT Data
Authors: Berger H , Hsieh T
Published: March 2009

Users of nondestructive testing need to have the capability to call up easily the results of previous and other method inspections in order to better interpret NDT data. The new breed of computerized NDT equipment, such as ultrasonic scanners and X-radioscopic systems, already makes use of computerized storage of NDT data. Needed are standards to facilitate the transfer of such data so that results can be made available from different and often incompatible equipment and methods. Related standards are reviewed, and progress toward standards for the transfer of NDT data are discussed. An NDT transfer effort is in progress. This will make use of a neutral format exchange as envisioned in the work of the international effort to develop the exchange document Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP), the specification planned to include manufacturing and life cycle data.
Control Methods for Magnetic Particle Inspection
Authors: Stadthaus M
Published: March 2009

Nondestructive inspections are increasingly called upon to follow foreign and international codes. In many cases the user is not familiar with the required inspection procedures and parameter checks. A guideline about procedures and checks for magnetic particle inspection has been published by the German Society of Nondestructive Testing (DGZfP). The following brief version includes additional comments on future developments in standardization.
Field Screening Procedures Applied to Soils for use in Risk Assessments
Authors: Clarkson JR , Peuler EA , Menzie CA , Crotwell DT , Bordenave TV , Metcalf MC , Pahl DH
Published: March 2009

Potential for human and environmental exposure to contamination at waste sites throughout the country continues on the forefront of primary environmental concerns of the 1990's. The evaluation of the risks posed by these waste sites generally requires the development of an extensive data base utilizing information derived from the chemical analysis of large numbers of environmental samples. Rapid field analytical procedures through which soil samples can be initially screened for the presence of significant levels of categories of pollutants is discussed. The screening procedures used were applied to soil samples collected at an abandoned refinery site. These screening procedures were selected to approximate the presence of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, phenols, and seven metals commonly associated with asphalt and petroleum refinery operations. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these soil screening procedures, their application in a case study and the usefulness of resultant data in risk assessment.
Identification and Evaluation of Chemicals of Concern in a Baseline Risk Assessment
Authors: Streeter RA , Molholt B , Jampo C
Published: March 2009

Under current USEPA protocol for the conduct of Superfund risk assessments, the baseline risk assessment is required to include all chemicals which are of potential concern at a site. The identification of these chemicals is based primarily on their toxicity and on the concentrations in which they are detected. Other factors which may be considered in the selection process include: frequency of detection; presence of a chemical above a specified standard; presence of a chemical above its normal background concentration; presence of the chemical in more than one medium; environmental mobility and persistence of a chemical; and identification of chemicals which are specifically site related vs. those which are present as a result of natural causes or other anthropogenic activity. Also among the considerations in the selection process is the evaluation of tentatively identified compounds (TICs) and degradation products of chemicals known to be present at a site. This paper uses a baseline risk assessment recently performed for a Superfund site to illustrate the selection process.
Biological and Chemical Test Methods for Evaluating the Need for and Efficacy Of Remediation Of Soils: A Preliminary Strategy
Authors: Menzie CA , Morgan D , Unites DF , Burmaster DE
Published: March 2009

This paper describes the first step in the development of a strategy that uses various test methods (e.g., extraction procedures, bioassays) to provide information that can be used to evaluate directly the risks associated with contaminants in soils or to supplement risk assessments. The objective of the strategy is to provide a means of reducing the uncertainty associated with risk assessments by providing site-specific biological and chemical test data where assumptions concerning the bioavailability or toxicity of mixtures are currently being made. A preliminary “strawman” strategy is presented in which tests are organized into tiers of increasing test complexity and cost. A number of the test methods are in common use as part of various regulatory programs while others are still in the developmental or research stage.
Contribution of Childhood Ingestion of Contaminated Soil to Lifetime Carcinogenic Risk: Guidance for Inclusion in Risk Assessment.
Authors: Hixson EJ , Jennings RE , Smith SA
Published: March 2009

Risk assessment guidance usually addresses carcinogenic effects for adults but not for children, because carcinogenic effects are presumed to require a lifetime to occur. However, because children may ingest significantly larger quantities of soil than adults, exposure to carcinogenic chemicals in soil may present higher risk to children than to adults. Using standard exposure assumptions, tables were constructed for screening soil concentrations to evaluate the level of carcinogenic risk resulting from ingestion of soil by children. Allowable concentrations of chemicals in soil were determined for selected chemicals for both children and adults. The results indicated that soil concentrations that are protective for adults for the soil ingestion pathway may not be sufficiently protective for children; concentrations protective for children may be lower than those for adults by a factor of 3 to 7.
Inhalation of Volatile Chemicals from Residential Use of Contaminated Water
Authors: Smith SA , Joseph R , Beck JR
Published: March 2009

Air emissions may occur as a result of volatilization of chemicals during indoor use of contaminated water. Based on air-water partition coefficients and ventilation equations, it can be predicted that indoor use of water contaminated with volatile compounds will pose as great or greater health risk to residents as drinking the same water. Indoor air sampling data support the potential significance of inhalation exposure to contaminants in the water supply. Despite this potential, available guidance on how to quantify exposure to chemicals which volatilize from the water during home use is sketchy. For the baseline risk assessment of a site involving contaminated groundwater, the authors devised a methodology to quantify inhalation exposure while showering, operating a dishwasher, and operating a washing machine. This methodology is presented, using contaminant concentrations in the water at the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for illustrative purposes. Resulting exposure and health risk estimates for inhaling contaminants in the home are compared with estimated risks from drinking the water.
The Effects of “Hot Spots” and Upper Confidence Limits in Estimating Exposure Concentrations in Soils
Authors: Crouch EAC , Pilkington MBG , Zemba SG
Published: March 2009

Remedial investigations often are biased toward sampling “hot spots”, or the areas of a site that are suspected to be most contaminated. This bias may be needed to characterize the contamination on site, but it can distort exposure estimates. We explored the problem of “hot spot” sampling by constructing a hypothetical site with a single contaminant source randomly located within the site domain. We prescribed two different spatial distributions for the source, which were integrated to provide exact measures of the average concentration over the site. Actual averages were compared to “empirical” averages constructed by sampling the contamination field on an evenly spaced grid and calculating the arithmetic mean of the samples. Empirical estimates either underestimate or overestimate the true site average concentration. We investigated the pattern of errors introduced by finite sampling schemes, and found the interaction between the relative extent of the source and the sampling density was particularly important. The smallest errors introduced by gridded sampling occurred when the domain was extensively sampled and the source was spread over a large portion of the site. One of two results occurred at the other extreme, in which a relatively small source was placed in a sparsely sampled network: either the source was not detected and the average concentration greatly underestimated, or the source coincided with a sampling point and the site-average concentration was greatly overestimated. On average, empirical sampling on evenly spaced grids overestimated the actual site average concentration. Even larger overestimates occurred when the upper 95th percentile confidence limit of the empirical means were compared to the actual average concentrations. Depending on the contaminant distribution and sampling density, overestimates ranged from (on average) 7% to more than 200%. An investigation of purposive sampling of “hot spots” was conducted by placing additional samples in the proximity of the maximum concentration detected on the regular grid. The additional samples tend to increase the empirical averages, and consequently increase the degree of overestimation of the true site average concentrations. The results emphasize the critical importance of the pattern of contamination and the conservative bias of purposive sampling plans.
Utilization of Uptake Biokinetic (UBK) Lead Model to Assess Risk in Contaminated Sites
Authors: Choudhury H , Peirano WB , Marcus A , Elias R , Griffin S , DeRosa CT
Published: March 2009

Approaches usually available for the assessment of exposures that occur via water, land and/or air are limited by their ability to integrate multiroute scenarios. Additionally, there are indications that these exposures can differentially affect specific subgroups, each having unique sensitivities to chemical insults. Lead is one of the major toxic contaminants of concern found at approximately 47% of the Superfund National Priority List (NPL) Sites. Low level exposure to lead has been shown to produce adverse effects on heme metabolism, serum vitamin D levels, mental and physical development of infants and children, and blood pressure in adults. Experimental and epidemiologic studies have indicated that blood lead levels in the range of 10–15 μg/dl, or possibly lower, are likely to produce subclinical toxicity. Since a threshold has not been established it is prudent to assume that, for regulatory purposes, a threshold for lead toxicity does not exist. As an alternate to the traditional reference dose approach, the U.S. EPA has developed the Uptake/Biokinetic Lead Model that provides a means for evaluating the relative contribution of various media to establishing blood lead levels. The model is flexible and versatile and predicts mean blood lead levels and population distributions associated with multimedia exposure in children. This allows for the identification of site- and situation-specific abatement strategies based on projected blood lead levels in vulnerable human populations. This paper will present examples of NPL site exposure scenarios for lead and how the UBK lead model may be used for characterization of potential health risks as a result of these exposure scenarios.
Estimating Risk at a Superfund Site Contaminated with Radiological and Chemical Wastes
Authors: Temeshy A , Liedle JM , Sims LM , Efird CR
Published: March 2009

This paper describes the methods and results for estimating carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic effects at a Superfund site that is radiologically and chemically contaminated. Risk to receptors from disposal of waste in soil and resulting contamination of groundwater, air, surface water, and sediment is quantified. Specific risk assessment components which are addressed are the exposure assessment, toxicity assessment, and the resulting risk characterization. In the exposure assessment, potential exposure pathways are identified using waste disposal inventory information for soil and modeled information for other media. Models are used to calculate future radionuclide concentrations in groundwater, soil, surface water and air. Chemical exposure concentrations are quantified using site characterization data. Models are used to determine concentrations of chemicals in surface water and in air. Toxicity parameters used to quantify the dose-response relationship associated with the carcinogenic contaminants are slope factors and with noncarcinogenic contaminants are reference doses. In the risk characterization step, results from the exposure assessment and toxicity assessment are summarized and integrated into quantitative risk estimates for carcinogens and hazard indices for noncarcinogens. Calculated risks for carcinogenic contaminants are compared with EPA's target risk range. At WAG 6, the risk from radionuclides and chemicals for an on-WAG homesteader exceeds EPA's target risk range. Hazard indices are compared to unity for noncarcinogenic contaminants. At WAG 6, the total pathway hazard index for the on-WAG homesteader exceeds unity.
Risk Evaluation of Lead in Soil and Groundwater at the H. Brown Superfund Site in Walker, Michigan
Authors: Meadows SD , Turnblom SM , Hahne TW , Prendiville TJ
Published: March 2009

A remedial investigation was conducted at a lead battery recycling facility in Walker, Michigan. The soil and groundwater are contaminated with high concentrations of lead. A baseline risk assessment was complicated by the lack of toxicity values for lead. The risk assessment compared on-site concentrations and worker blood levels of lead with concentrations and blood levels shown to result in adverse health effects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Lead Uptake/Biokinetic Model was also used to calculate potential blood lead levels in children on-site and in nearby neighborhoods. On-site exposures for workers, future residents, and workers adjacent to the site were concluded to be unacceptably high. For children in nearby neighborhoods the exposures do not appear to be significant.
Wear Testing of Nonmetallic Materials for Bearing Applications
Authors: Au JJ , Yung JY
Published: March 2009

In recent years, the nonmetallic content of military and commercial aircraft has been steadily increasing; this trend is expected to continue for the next decade. In this study, nonmetallic materials have been evaluated for journal bearing and rolling bearing applications. Specifically, advanced polymer composites with different fillers are considered as self-lubricating journal-bearing materials. Both polymer composites and metal matrix composites have been evaluated as fretting-resistant bearing liner materials. Finally, the rolling contact fatigue resistance of ceramic hybrid bearings has been determined. Wear test methods for journal bearings under high-speed sliding, for bearing liners under reciprocating contact, and for ball bearings under rolling contact are described. Friction and wear data are presented. Two polymer composites, a filled polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and a filled polyphenolenesulfide (PPS) were found to be suitable for high pressure velocity (PV) journal bearings operating under intermittent lubrication starvation. An aluminum matrix composite (6061-T6 with 20 vol% SiC) and three polymer composites have been found to wear as well as, or better than, hardened steel as a bearing liner material. Ceramic hybrid bearings are shown to have a higher rolling contact fatigue resistance than all-metallic bearings.
Results from a U.K. Interlaboratory Project on Dry Sliding Wear of Alumina
Authors: Gee MG
Published: March 2009

Eleven U.K. laboratories performed dry pin-on-disk wear tests on a 95% alumina ceramic under a load of 40 N and at a sliding speed of 0.1 ms-1. Specimens were supplied with polished and ground finishes; the ground finish gave higher wear and lower friction than the polished specimens. Subsidiary experiments showed a large effect of humidity on wear with high wear rates at low humidity levels. The measure of wear with the best repeatability was scar size measurements at 5%, and the worst was mass loss measurements at 42% (expressed as ratios of 95% confidence intervals to the mean values). The reproducibility of friction measurements was 14%.
Wear Diagram for Sliding of Silicon Nitrides
Authors: Lim D-S , Park S-K , Moon H
Published: March 2009

Knowledge of the friction and wear behavior of ceramics is essential for their successful tribological applications in advanced mechanical systems. Understanding of this important behavior is very limited because of the complexity of the wear processes. In this study, wear diagrams, which are three-dimensional representations of the dependence of the wear on the applied pressure and the sliding velocity, were constructed from sliding test data with silicon nitride specimens. Two kinds of silicon nitride were selected to study the microstructural effect on the wear behavior.

A multi-wear tester with pin-on-disk test geometry was used. The applied pressure and the sliding velocity ranged from 1 to 100 MPa and 0.01 to 0.30 m/s, respectively.

The results show the existence of two distinct regions for the mild and the severe wear in wear diagrams of both materials, but with different proportions of the two regions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the worn area shows clearly that different wear mechanisms dominate in the mild and severe wear regions. A possible wear transition model from mild to severe wear is discussed based on SEM observations of surface damage and the wear diagrams.
Soil Survey Laboratory Methods for Characterizing Physical and Chemical Properties and Mineralogy of Soils
Authors: Kimble JM , Knox EG , Holzhey CS
Published: March 2009

This paper outlines the analytical methods currently used by the Soil Survey Laboratory of the National Soil Survey Center and other laboratories of the National Cooperative Soil Survey. Most of the methods were developed and tested over a period of years. Modifications of original methods have been made to facilitate automation and improve reliability.

Physical measurements of soil samples routinely include particle size, bulk density, and water retention at 10, 33, 200, and 1500 kPa. Particle size distribution is determined by pipette and sieving. Bulk density determinations are made on equilibriated, plastic-coated clods at 10 or 33 kPa and oven dryness. Water retention measurements at 10 and 33 kPa are made on plastic-coated clods. The 200 and 1500 kPa measurements are made on prewetted, ⟨2 mm crushed samples.

The chemical determinations include organic carbon, total nitrogen, extractable iron, aluminum, manganese, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and acidity, water-soluble cations and anions, carbonates, gypsum, cation exchange capacity, and various pH measurements. Organic carbon is by acid dichromate digestion and ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) titration. Total nitrogen is by Kjeldahl digestion. Extractable iron, aluminum, and manganese are measured in citrate dithonite and potassium chloride. Iron and aluminum are also measured in sodium, pyrophosphate, and iron, aluminum, silicon, and manganese in acid ammonium oxalate. Extractable bases are measured in a pH 7 ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) filtrate, and cation exchange capacity is measured on the soil residue from this procedure. Water-soluble cations and anions are measured in a saturation extract. Carbonates are measured by carbon dioxide (CO2) evolution. Gypsum is determined gravimetrically following its precipitation with acetone in a water extract. Exchangeable acidity is measured by barium chloride triethanolamine at pH 8.2.

The mineralogical analyses include optical analysis of a sand or a silt fraction and X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetric analysis of the clay fraction. The petrographic microscope is used to identify and count grains mounted on glass slides. X-ray diffraction analysis is made on clay films on glass slides with and without heat treatments and saturation with potassium, magnesium, and magnesium and glycerol. Differential scanning calorimetric analyses are made on samples equilibriated at 50% relative humidity.