bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-slope Evaluation of Alpine Release Bindings
Authors: Ekeland A , Lund Ø
Published: December 2008

The release bindings of 376 alpine ski racers have been examined by onslope recordings of the lateral toe release torques. The skiers were randomly selected from the participants of seven alpine competitions arranged in Norway during the winters of 1982 and 1983. Several bindings displayed release torques that deviated significantly from the binding settings. The mean deviation was 6% (P < 0.001), but the dispersion was considerable (range: −71 to 125%). About 40% of the bindings released in accordance with the setting (±10%), and 7% released for values 50% beyond the setting. The deviation of binding release from binding setting increased with increasing binding age and with increased frequency of bindings with insufficient lug clearance at the toepiece (the binding front safe was mounted too low). The mean binding release/setting deviation varied with the binding models tested but was negligible for bindings self-release tested the same week. In conclusion, alpine bindings should be properly mounted and adjusted, be of a relatively recent age, and self-release tested every day before skiing to prevent an unintentional high release level.
The Use of an Anthropometric Dummy for Testing a New Ski Binding-Boot System
Authors: Bahniuk E , Strunc J
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this report is to document tests of the release characteristics of a new flexible ski boot and binding design. The analysis was done by comparing the new system (Nava) with a classical system (Geze). The analysis yields the following results. (1) In six of the eight trials the Nava binding released consistent with static ski shop settings. In two trials the Nava binding had an early release at the heel. (2) The Geze binding did not release in six of the seven tests. Note that injury producing forces were not attained in the Geze tests. (3) The tibia longitudinal (Z axis) moments measured on the Nava tests were greater than the moments observed with the Geze binding. It can be concluded the tibia moments that will occur during a fall will be different between the two ski binding boot concepts. The Nava system released the dummy before these moments were excessive, but the stiff boot, classical binding did not produce as a high a moment on the skier. (4) Further testing might be needed to account for Z-moment differences between the two designs.
Analysis of Skiing Injuries in Sapporo, Japan, During 1979 Through 1984
Authors: Sugawara M , Serita K , Takada Y , Watanabe M , Kondo H
Published: December 2008

In a study of ski injuries in Sapporo during 1979 through 1984, information regarding 1276 ski injuries was obtained. Children ages 6 to 12 accounted for 40% of all injuries observed. The most common injuries were fractures and sprains in the case of children, sprains in adolescents, lacerations in male adults, and sprains in female adults. The injuries were seen mostly after 1 or 2 h of skiing among intermediate skiers and when the skier fell forward. The slopes and soft snow condition were also significant injury factors. The most important factor was whether or not the bindings released on impact. Fractures and sprains occurred without the release of bindings, while lacerations occurred with the release of bindings. Tibia fractures occurred as a spiral fracture in children and tended to occur as oblique fractures at the distal one-third in adults. In knee sprains, Grade I injuries accounted for 70% and Grade II injuries accounted for about 30% in any age group.
Incidence, Morbidity, and Mortality of Torso Trauma from Skiing
Authors: Zink RA , Glaeser H
Published: December 2008

Approximately 375 000 people, living in Western Germany purchase special skiing insurance. More than 95% of the skiing accidents that happened in this population during the winters from 1980 and 1981 through 1983 and 1984 were registered and analyzed. This study includes accidents only if they occurred during Alpine skiing, if they were not caused by avalanches, and if the patients had to spend more than 24 h in the hospital for treatment or observation on behalf of torso trauma or polytrauma. One-hundred sixty-seven patients were finally selected by the following criteria: 71% were male, 29% female. The patient's age ranged from 9 to 72 years with an average of 32.2 years. Most of them were experienced skiers who skied for longer than 15 years and 3 to 4 weeks per winter.

Injuries of the genitourinary tract were found in 34% of the cases, which was surprisingly high, as compared to injuries of 15 to 18% in other trauma groups (traffic accidents, and so forth) where the patients were selected according to the same criteria. Fifty-two percent of all traumas were Grade AIS-3, 32% of Grade AIS-2, and 14% of Grade AIS-4 injuries, according to the “Abbreviated Injury Scale.” The average patient spent 19 days in the hospital, whereas 9% of them had to stay for more than one month.
An Alternative Method for Measuring Microindentations
Authors: Fee AR
Published: December 2008

An image analysis method was investigated to determine if successful measurements of Knoop and Vickers indentations could be realized. Hopefully, this semiautomated method would eliminate operators' fatigue and thus improve the repeatability and reproducibility associated with the conventional manual optical measurement method.

The specimens included a transverse of Vickers indentations of approximately 50 μm in Cdiagonal length. These indents were measured with both methods, and the results compare the conventional optical method with the image analysis findings.

Another technique of calibrating the image analyzer with a known size indentation rather than with a stage micrometer shows a closer agreement to conventional measurement results.

A second study of Knoop and Vickers indentations of varying sizes, from 25 to 98 μm, shows the different results between the two types of indentations and the subsequent discrepancies experienced.
Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility Studies of Rockwell Scale Hardness Testers
Authors: Cieplak JJ , Tobolski EL , Williams DM
Published: December 2008

It is difficult to interpret the results of gage repeatability and reproducibility (GRR) studies on Rockwell scale test instruments because (1) the test can never be performed in the same place more than once, (2) no material is completely uniform in hardness, and (3) the expected variation in hardness is itself hardness dependent.

Therefore, the concept of material variation (MV) must be added to the already recognized sources of variation called equipment variation (EV) and appraiser variation (AV).

Following specific procedures outlined in this paper will insure performance of the most realistic GRR study. Interpretation of the results using methods suggested in this paper will aid in understanding the information gathered in this study.
Automated Fatigue Crack Growth Monitoring: Comparison of Different Crack-Following Techniques
Authors: Ranganathan N , Guilbon G , Jendoubi K , Nadeau A , Petit J
Published: December 2008

A software has been developed to conduct constant amplitude fatigue crack growth tests on the lines of a standard test method proposed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM E 647).

In this paper, after a brief description of this software, the results of calibration tests conducted using compact tension specimens of the high-strength aluminum alloy 2024-T351 are presented and discussed.

The crack length was monitored by the compliance technique and the d-c potential drop technique for automated tests and by optical means for manual verification.

Analysis of the results shows that both crack-following techniques are suitable for automated crack growth monitoring. The maximum absolute error for the compliance technique is on the order of 2.5% and on the order of 1.3% for the potential drop technique.

Calibration functions relating the crack length to normalized compliance for measurements under the loading axis and to the potential drop have been determined for the studied specimen geometry.

Finally, the experimental results relating the crack growth rate to the amplitude of the stress intensity factor by the different techniques used are compared.
Development of an Instrumented Device to Measure Fixture-induced Bending in Pin-loaded Specimen Trains
Authors: Scavone DW
Published: December 2008

Mechanical testing of various types is conducted using pinned clevis fixtures to transmit test loads to a range of specimen configurations. To ensure reliable repeatable results, fixture-induced load distribution variations must be kept to a minimum. This paper describes a simple, inexpensive, instrumented device and data analysis technique for measuring fixture-induced bending (that is, transverse nonuniformity of load application) of compact type [C(T)] specimen fixtures. Finite-element analysis was performed to illustrate the importance of uniform load distribution. The instrumented device may be used for other sizes or configurations of pin-loaded trains after consideration of appropriate dimensional modifications to the instrumented device.
Injury Rates in Amateur, College, and Professional Hockey
Authors: Castaldi CR , Sparacio L , Wood AS , Bernard J
Published: December 2008

Although it is widely believed that the game of ice hockey is becoming rougher and that injury rates are correspondingly on the increase, a review of long-term studies tends to show the opposite. Injury rates in amateur and college hockey are presently on the decline, with the exception of spinal cord injuries, which are increasing at an alarming rate. Blinded eye injuries in the over 30 age group are also increasing. Trends in the rate of injury in professional hockey are inconclusive, based on available studies.
Service Experience Related to Unspecified Elements
Authors: Schnabel GJ
Published: December 2008

Over the past 50 years the anomalous behavior of steels has not always been consistent. Part of the inconsistency can be attributed to transient or other conditions that exceeded design conditions. Another part can be attributed to unspecified elements. Conversely, some steels have proven exceptionally capable to withstand their service conditions. Some of the more generic problems were serious enough to generate cooperative group actions to resolve them. Graphitization, weldability, low creep resistance, stress corrosion, caustic embrittlement, poor fracture toughness, shifting nil-ductility transition temperatures, and low upper shelf impact resistance have been some of the more notorious problems.

Until recently there was little attention given to the buildup of residuals (or unspecified elements) in steels where scrap steels were recycled into new product forms. Copper, chromium, cobalt, zinc, tin, nickel, and nitrogen have all influenced the behavior of steels. In some cases they could be beneficial. However, without a clear understanding of their synergistic behavior, it is difficult to predict their service behavior. If our industry potential is to remain strong in its world position, it will be necessary to develop more specific information on materials. We look forward to the successful implementation of the National Materials Properties Data Network (NMPD) to provide the data base from which the generation of new or more specific data will provide more confidence for the least cost.
The Role of Trace Elements in a Martensitic 12% Chromium Steel
Authors: Coulon PA
Published: December 2008

The comparison of mechanical properties between a “super-clean” heat of a 12% chromium steel and a heat with an identical chemical analysis, but “industrially” produced, does not yield any definite differences. At most it can be ascertained that the “super-clean” heat displays better ductility and impact strength while keeping a comparable strength to that of the other heats.

The comparisons of structures are more interesting and give better results since the study showed (1) that trace elements, especially antimony, (comparison between castings 7–8 and 91) seem to be responsible for the embrittlement of austenitic intergranular boundaries and (2) that no brittle intergranular fracture has been noticed, which distinguishes this superclean heat from the others. Besides, the following comments may be made on superclean heat: (1) the carbides that are visible under the optical microscope (0.5 to 1 m) are still heterogeneously distributed and (2) few carbides are detected in the platelike crystals of martensite.

The main characteristic of this clean heat is to provide a good impact energy and a low transition temperature. For the more in spite of the very clear and relatively abundant precipitations of carbides and carbonitrides in the grain boundaries, no intergranular rupture as shown up during the scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of the fracture surfaces. One can deduce from this, that the brittle intergranular ruptures observed in the case of heats 7–8 and similar heats are more as a result of the intergranular segregations of trace elements than that of carbides and carbonitrides derived from contents of carbon, nitrogen, neon, niobium, vanadium, and so forth, since all these steels undergo the same thermal treatments.

But it clearly appears that the relationship between the content and distribution of these various carbides and the mechanical properties measured (creep, impact strength) is of prime interest for future research. This paper does not claim to establish this close relationship. Moreover, it is not absolutely certain that this study would be interesting to the mechanics specialist. A materials specialist might well have an opposed opinion.
Pultrusion Process Modeling
Authors: Hackett RM , Prasad SN
Published: December 2008

A basic one-dimensional heat transfer model of the pultrusion process for thermo-setting resin composites was formulated. The model, employing a Galerkin finite-element approach, is the basic development. It can be expanded to a general characterization of the process and extended to characterize the pultrusion process for thermoplastic resin composites. The application of the basic model is demonstrated.
Delamination Growth Under Cyclic Loading at Elevated Temperature in Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Newaz GM , Lustiger A , Yung J-Y
Published: December 2008

The cyclic Mode I delamination growth characteristics of unidirectional carbon/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites at ambient and elevated temperatures was studied. At room temperature, crack growth rate was found to increase as a function of cycles, a common characteristic for such materials under load-controlled conditions. In contrast, at elevated temperature 93°C (200°F), early delamination growth was characterized by decreasing growth rate (stable growth). With continued cycling, there was a breakdown of the process zone (craze-plastic zone) leading to rapid crack propagation. Increased temperature and lower rates of deformation tend to enhance ductility in PEEK-based thermoplastic composites through fibril formation resulting from the breakup of crystalline lamellae. This ductility tends to stabilize the crack front, most likely through craze formation ahead of the crack tip, resulting in an anomalous decrease in growth rate with increasing cycles. This behavior is termed as slow crack growth (SCG). The process zone (craze-plastic zone) eventually gives way to crack growth after a critical crack-tip opening displacement is reached. The crack growth process is associated with less ductility, even at elevated temperature 93°C (200°F). When crack growth occurs without any attendant process zone ahead of the crack, as in the case of the specimens tested at room temperature, less ductility is evident. These fracture surfaces display evidence of interlamellar failure. As a result of ductility and the active role of the process zone at elevated temperature, neither the strain energy release rate, G, nor the stress intensity factor, K, were found to be appropriate parameters to characterize the earlier part of delamination growth at elevated temperature. Instead, the process zone (craze-plastic zone) growth at elevated temperature was shown to be best described by a relaxation controlled growth model.
Ignition of Nonmetallic Materials by Impact of High-Pressure Oxygen II: Evaluation of Repeatability of Pneumatic Impact Test
Authors: Schmidt N , Moffett GE , Pedley MD , Linley LJ
Published: December 2008

The gaseous oxygen pneumatic impact test is used to evaluate the suitability of nonmetallic materials for use in high-pressure oxygen systems. The test was evaluated by testing the reactivity of four materials over a range of impact pressures. The evaluation also investigated the effect of valve opening time and other test variables on the frequency of reaction. The variability of the data obtained for each test material was too large for the test method to be capable of distinguishing other than gross differences in the reactivity of materials. No relation was found between this variability and changes in valve opening time and other test variables. The materials studied were found to be unacceptable for use as reference standards. Because of the high variability of the test data, it is recommended that new methods be developed for evaluating the suitability of materials for use in high-pressure oxygen systems.
The Oxygen Sensitivity/Compatibility Ranking of Several Materials by Different Test Methods
Authors: Lockhart BJ , Hampton MD , Bryan CJ
Published: December 2008

Eleven materials were evaluated for oxygen compatibility using the following test methods: heat of combustion (ASTM D 2015), liquid oxygen impact (ASTM D 2512), pneumatic impact (ASTM G 74), gaseous mechanical impact (ASTM G 86), autogenous ignition temperature by pressurized differential scanning calorimeter, and the determination of the 50 percent reaction level in liquid oxygen using silicon carbide as a reaction enhancer. The eleven materials evaluated were: Teflon® TFE, Vespel® SP-21, Krytox® 240AC, Viton® PLV5010B, Fluorel® E2160, Kel F® 81, Fluorogold®, Fluorogreen® E-600, Rulon® A, Garlock® 8573, nylon 6/6.
Promoted Ignition of Oxygen Regulators
Authors: Newton BE , Langford RK , Meyer GR
Published: December 2008

The ignition containment capability of 12 oxygen regulators subjected to promoted ignition was investigated. Oxygen regulators were contaminated with hydrocarbon oil to levels ranging from 98 mg to 651 mg. The regulators were preset to 0.55 MPa (80 psi) and interfaced to a system which permitted a flow rate of 1966 cc/s (250 scfh). The regulator inlets were then pressurized to 15.2 MPa (2200 psi) with gaseous oxygen and the oil was ignited by an electrical ark located upstream of the test article inlet port. The hydrocarbon flame was allowed to propagate with the oxygen flow throughout the regulator internal cavities. The test articles were monitored by video to document their ability to contain the hydrocarbon promoted internal combustion. Reactions ranged from complete containment of the promoted ignition for one two-stage regulator to extensive burning and explosive energy release for several other single-stage and two-stage regulators. The results suggest the overwhelming need to prevent the introduction of hydrocarbon oil in regulators and other oxygen components.
Oxygen Fires, Materials Compatibility and System Contaminants
Authors: Barter SA , Hillen LW
Published: December 2008

Following the destruction of a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Orion Aircraft due to a fire which initiated in an aluminum component of the aircraft oxygen system [1], the authors have been requested to investigate a range of incidents in, and problems associated with, oxygen systems, of which several are described and discussed here.

While many of the incidents can be attributed to high levels of contamination or physical deficiencies or both. within the equipment, attention is given to the contribution made by the oxygen component designer, in mechanical design and materials selection.

Many of the tests for oxygen compatibility are carried out on single components. In practice, however, real oxygen systems become contaminated with frequent use or abuse or both. Therefore it is important for the designer to have information not only on material performance in oxygen, but also on the oxygen compatibility of the spectrum of potential contaminants and combinations of contaminants that come in contact with these construction materials.

Comments are made on valve designs which are considered particularly sensitive to system contaminants. It is suggested that design philosophy should address sensitivity to contamination and design codes should identify and if necessary bar “poor practice”, since the oxygen system user will not usually have ready access to the technical expertise needed to evaluate designs in the time frame required for critical decisions.

The severity of gaseous oxygen fires is intimately related to the period of oxygen flow. There is a need for an automatic shut-off device that would operate when abnormal flow conditions occur. One such device is described and its limitations discussed. It is concluded that a successful design would possibly be based on a mass flow characteristic.
Measurements of Oxygen-Enrichment in Foam Insulation for Liquid Nitrogen Pipelines
Authors: Hokkanen CV
Published: December 2008

Oxygen-enrichment in foam insulation for liquid-nitrogen transfer lines constitutes a potential fire hazard. Measurements of oxygen levels inside two types of foam insulated systems have been earried out. Samples of gas were taken from the innermost part of the foam by means of a syringe, and then transferred to an oxygen sensitive, chemical cell. Oxygen levels above 30 % were detected shortly after start of warming-up in one system. The oxygen percentage decreased at a rate that was dependent on how well the insulation was ventilated through seams etc. A long range effect of oxygen-enrichment can be expected in systems that have been running for some years. A substantial part of the foam will then be affected due to diffusion of oxygen-rich gas into the cells of the foam in combination with a large number of open cells as a result of the thermal cyclings.
Determining the Cantilever-Bend Fatigue Integrity of a Porous-Coated Tibial Component
Authors: Davidson JA , Cameron HU , Bushelow M
Published: December 2008

Two currently popular porous-coated tibial plates, made of cobalt-chromiummolybdenum alloy, were tested in cantilever-bend fatigue loading to determine the fatigue integrity of these plates under partially unsupported in vivo conditions. The test method was carefully established based on an in vitro strain gage analysis using an emblamed cadaver tibia. Fatigue test loads were selected, based on results of the cadaver study, to represent knee forces in excess of six times the body weight of a 91-kg (200-lb) person. Results showed both types of tibial plates to be capable of withstanding more than 10 million cycles under these extreme cantilever-bend fatigue load conditions.
Mechanical Evaluation of ASTM F75 Alloy in Various Metallurgical Conditions
Authors: Spires WP , Kelman DC , Pafford JA
Published: December 2008

This study evaluated the mechanical properties and microstructure, in various metallurgical conditions, of an alloy meeting the requirements of the ASTM Specification for Cast Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy for Surgical Implant Applications (F 75–82). Standard mechanical property analyses such as tensile and yield strength, percentage of elongation, and rotating-beam fatigue tests were performed. The materials were tested in the as-cast, as-cast plus solution-annealed, as-cast plus hot-isostatic-pressed (HIP) plus solution-annealed, and as-cast plus HIP plus sintered conditions. Chemical analyses of the test specimens were reviewed to determine the extent of the correlation between mechanical properties and certain elements within the alloy, as has been suggested by other authors.

No effect on ultimate tensile strength was observed with a reduction of carbon content from 0.30 to 0.24%, but a reduction of the yield strength and a corresponding increase in ductility were observed. The as-sintered surface appeared to reduce the fatigue properties of the test specimens. A direct correlation between the fatigue properties, static mechanical properties, and microstructure was not established.
Biocorrosion Studies of Ultralow-Temperature-Isotropic Carbon-Coated Porous Titanium
Authors: Buchanan RA , Rigney ED , Griffin CD
Published: December 2008

Static, in vitro electrochemical and gravimetric corrosion studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of 0.5-μm ultralow-temperature-isotropic (ULTI) carbon coatings in reducing the metal-ion release rates of porous titanium and solid Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The results indicated significant reductions for both materials, with the corrosion rate of carbon-coated porous titanium being reduced to that of solid uncoated Ti-6Al-4V. Analyses of the results indicate a minimum expected carbon-film lifetime of approximately 38 years.
Histomorphometric Analysis of Bone Ingrowth into Porous-Coated Dental Implants
Authors: Keller JC , Young FA
Published: December 2008

Histomorphometric analyses were used to determine quantitatively the patterns of bony ingrowth that resulted from the placement of porous-surfaced dental implants. Twenty-one implants were placed in the mandibles of rhesus monkeys for up to 74 months by utilizing a two-stage approach. Quantitative histopathological evaluations were made using ground section microscopy. Bone remodeling and ingrowth from adjacent cortical bone and medullary trabeculae resulted in stable implant roots. Quantitative histomorphometric analyses revealed that approximately 60% of the available internal pores of the implants were occupied by bone. No fibrous connective tissue ingrowth or encapsulation was observed in the implant crypts.
Development of Tricalcium Phosphate Ceramic Cements
Authors: Bajpai PK , Fuchs CM , McCullum DE
Published: December 2008

Slowly resorbable and relatively nonresorbable bone cements have been developed to repair various types of defects in bone. A relatively fast-resorbing, porous, biocompatible beta tricalcium phosphate (TCP) cement would be ideal for replacing bone lost as a result of nonresorptive processes. In this investigation the following materials were tested as setting agents for developing a resorbable TCP cement: bovine serum albumin, Carbopol, Hespan, monomers of low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids, orthophosphoric acid, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and water.

Initial experiments consisted of determining the amounts of setting agent or water or both required to gel the TCP powder. The gel time was monitored at 30-s intervals. The setting hardness was determined by mixing the optimal proportions of TCP and setting agent or water, or both, and monitoring the hardness at 15-min intervals at room temperature for 105 min. Mixtures of TCP and monomers of low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids yielded the most efficient cements. By varying the quantity of acid or combining different acids, or combining both methods, setting times from 30 s to 8 min were achieved for the TCP/polyfunctional acid cements. These cements have been used successfully to repair experimentally traumatized tibiae and femora in rabbits and rats, respectively.
On the Use of the R50
Authors: Engeman RM , Otis DL , Bromaghin JF , Dusenberry WE
Published: December 2008

R50 is a statistic used to describe the repellency of a substance in the manner that an LC50 is used to describe toxicity. Although the R50 is calculated using the same methods as for estimating an LC50, the data initially collected on individual animals are proportional, not binary. Transforming nonbinary data into binary data is subjective, can result in substantial losses of information, and, consequently, can result in a greater chance for erroneous inferences concerning the repellency of a substance. The subjective nature of R50 estimation arises because a test animal is defined as repelled if less than 50% of treated food items are consumed. The R50 is calculated as the concentration at which 50% of the population consumes less than 50% of the food times. It is more appropriate and of more direct interest to estimate the concentration of a substance at which an average of 50% of the food items are consumed rather than to estimate the R50.

Problematic aspects of R50 estimation are demonstrated in this paper, and alternative analyses are recommended for studying the repellency of a substance. Example data sets are used to compare inferences from estimation of an R50 versus use of inverse regression methods to estimate concentrations at which various proportions of food items are consumed.
Effective Plot Sizes for Testing Red-Winged Blackbird Repellents in a Large Flight Pen
Authors: Daneke DE , Avery ML
Published: December 2008

Three plot sizes (36, 78, and 108 m2) were evaluated for testing blackbird seed repellents within a 0.2-ha flight pen. Groups of 12 to 20 red-winged blackbirds were observed as they foraged on pairs of plots within each size category. One plot from each pair was sown with 134 kg/ha of rice seed treated with 1.25-g methiocarb/kg of seed. Plot selection, avoidance, discrimination, and latency to discrimination were determined for each plot size. With the 36-m2 plots, there were long delays in selecting untreated plots, treated plots were not avoided, the birds had difficulty discriminating between the plots, and results were inconsistent among replicates. The 78-m2 plots were adequate for most purposes, but the clearest and most consistent results were from the 108-m2 plots. These plots were readily found by the birds, were accurately discriminated, and had bird pressure similar to that observed in Louisiana rice fields.
A First Generation Mathematical Model for Calculating Area of Influence and Potential Number of Animals Exposed to Management Programs
Authors: Stoddart LC , Knowlton FF , Taylor RJ
Published: December 2008

Frequently, planning and authorization processes for a variety of management programs require estimates of size of the area or the potential number of animals that might be exposed to, or influenced by, the program(s) under consideration. A mathematical model, using animal density and average movement patterns as inputs, was developed and applied using coyote data from southern Texas. On the basis of this model, it appears that when the area encompassed by the management program is small relative to the average movements of the animals, animals in an area 10 to 50 times larger than the “application zone” may be affected. Even when the application zone is 40 times larger than the average home range, animals in an area 1.7 times larger than the management zone could be exposed. Ramifications and aspects for enhancing the reality of the model are discussed.
Activities of the Construction Materials Reference Laboratories Related to Laboratory Accreditation
Authors: Pielert JH
Published: December 2008

A conference was held at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly The National Bureau of Standards) in May 1986 to consider the status of existing evaluation and accreditation programs for construction materials testing laboratories and to determine the need for a coordinated national system. The conference attendees concluded that “there is a need for a coordinated national system for the accreditation of construction materials testing laboratories and its development should be initiated.” This paper will discuss activities since the conference, including the work of a planning committee formed to define the goals, scope, format, and procedures of such a system. There will be particular emphasis on activities of CCRL and AMRL, which make up the Construction Materials Reference Laboratories. They are research associate programs at NIST sponsored by ASTM and AASHTO, respectively, and provide laboratory assessment and proficiency sample services, but do not accredit laboratories. However, the AASHTO Executive and Policy Committee approved the AASHTO Accreditation Program utilizing AMRL technical programs for implementation in mid-1988. The Executive Group of the Joint ASTM C1 /C9 Subcommittee on the CCRL is changing CCRL programs for concrete and concrete aggregates to comply with new ASTM laboratory evaluation standards.
National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program
Authors: Kaarlela WT
Published: December 2008

The NADCAP program utilizes third party assessments and surveys of contractor suppliers. The paper describes how nongovernment standards are used in developing actual operating criteria and procedures. Laboratory accreditation criteria from ASTM technical committees are utilized in developing working criteria for nondestructive testing (NDT), sealants, and other process and product areas. This program is an excellent example of using voluntary standards for effective surveillance in commerce.
Evaluation of Accreditation Systems and Their Demands on the Independent Testing Laboratory
Authors: Stanger DH
Published: December 2008

for over a decade governments have been introducing laboratory accreditation schemes in support of their national quality campaigns. Review of national standards and measurement systems has taken place with international competitiveness in mind. The independent testing laboratory owner has been invited to join the voluntary club of accredited laboratories.

This paper describes the experiences of one independent laboratory organization with accredited laboratories in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Hong Kong and will also refer to the author's experiences as a member of national and international organizations involved in the development of systems for the assessment of testing and calibration services.
Accreditation of Medical Laboratories in Australia
Authors: Gilmour JA
Published: December 2008

Medical laboratories in Australia are required to be accredited by either the Commonwealth government or by one of the state governments. Arrangements vary from state to state but almost all rely on an on-site assessment conducted by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) in collaboration with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).

This paper describes the background to this system and outlines the complementary roles of the various organizations involved. Some information is also provided on criteria development, selection and training of assessors, and the assessment process as employed by NATA. The role of proficiency testing programs operated by bodies such as RCPA, Wellcome Laboratories, and the College of American Pathologists is also mentioned.

The system has been operational since 1983, and over 100 separate laboratories representing approximately 300 laboratory units have been accredited. This paper comments on the outcome of those assessments.
Radiation-Induced Creep of Aluminum and Copper
Authors: Ibragimov SS , Aitkhozhin ES , Pyatiletov YS
Published: December 2008

Results of experimental and theoretical investigations of in-reactor creep of metals are presented in this paper. Experiments have been made in the WWR-K reactor at a neutron flux density of 1.4 × 1016 n/m2 · s (2.5 × 1015 n/m2 · s, E > 0.1 MeV). Polycrystalline aluminum (99.99%) and copper (99.99%) have been investigated. Aluminum specimens have been examined at temperature levels of 333 to 473 K and stresses of 9.8 to 24.5 MPa, and copper specimens at 423 to 773 K and 20 to 69 MPa, respectively.

Experiments indicate the steady state creep rate depends on stress as ˙ε ∼ σn (n ≈ 3 for aluminum and n ≈ 5 for copper) and increases with increasing test temperature. Three regions with different slopes are observed on the temperature versus creep rate ˙ε(1/T) curve.

Theoretical calculations of the creep rate of irradiated metal as a function of the temperature have been carried out within the framework of the model based on the dislocation climb and glide. Calculation of the temperature dependence of the creep rate established that three temperature regions were recognized as in the case of experiments on copper.
The Ductile-to-Brittle Transition Behavior of Martensitic Steels Neutron Irradiated to 26 dpa
Authors: Hu W-L , Gelles DS
Published: December 2008

Charpy impact tests were conducted on specimens made of HT-9 and 9Cr-1Mo in various heat treatment conditions that were irradiated in EBR-II to 26 dpa at 390 to 500°C. The results are compared with previous results on specimens irradiated to 13 dpa. HT-9 base metal irradiated at low temperatures showed a small additional increase in ductile brittle transition temperature and a decrease in upper shelf energy from 13 to 26 dpa. No fluence effect was observed in 9Cr-1Mo base metal. The 9Cr-1Mo weldment showed degraded ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) but improved upper shelf energy (USE) response compared to base metal, contrary to previous findings on HT-9. Significant differences were observed in HT-9 base metal between mill annealed material and normalized and tempered material. The highest DBTT for HT-9 alloys was 50°C higher than for the worst case in 9Cr-1Mo alloys. Fractography and hardness measurements were also obtained. Significant differences in fracture appearance were observed in different product forms, although no dependence on fluence was observed. Failure was controlled by the preirradiation microstructure.
Effects of 14-MeV Neutron Irradiations on Mechanical Properties of Ferritic Steels
Authors: Kohyama A , Asano K , Igata N
Published: December 2008

Seven kinds of 9Cr-2Mo type ferritic steels were irradiated at 300, 473, and 673 K with 14-MeV neutrons from Rotating Target Neutron Source II (RTNS-II) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The maximum neutron fluence was 4 × 1022 n/m2. Post-irradiation mechanical property tests, microVickers hardness tests, microtension tests, and micro-bulge tests were performed. Microstructural evolutions under irradiation were examined by transmission electron microscopy.

Irradiation hardening and softening were observed at 300 K and at elevated temperatures, respectively. Radiation induced defect cluster formation was observed. The clusters were identified as mostly vacancy type complex defects from their fluence dependence. The irradiation hardening can be reasonably explained by the dispersion hardening from these complex defects. The correlation of mechanical properties among miniaturized sample tests, which are initially derived for unirradiated materials, have proved to be valid for the neutron irradiated specimens with fluences up to 4 × 1022 n/m2. Specimen size effects on tension test results were investigated.
Mechanical Properties and Fracture Behavior of 20% Cold-Worked 316 Stainless Steel Irradiated to Very High Neutron Exposures
Authors: Hamilton ML , Huang F-H , Yang WJS , Garner FA
Published: December 2008

Stainless steels irradiated in EBR-II at temperatures in the range 380 to 500°C tend to exhibit saturation of mechanical properties at relatively low fluence levels. At fluences on the order of 13 to 15 × 1022 n/cm2 (E > 0.1 MeV), however, there is a rapid increase in hardness just after the onset of void swelling. The hardness increase is not attributed just to the voids themselves but rather to an indirect effect of voids on nickel depletion in the alloy matrix. The strong dependence of stacking fault energy on nickel and chromium content and particularly on deformation temperature combine to promote extensive stress-induced formation of ε-martensite at room temperature. This leads to a very brittle failure mode characterized as quasi-cleavage. At higher deformation temperatures it leads to a failure mode designated as channel fracture.
The Effect of Neutron Irradiation on the Tensile Properties and Microstructure of Several Vanadium Alloys
Authors: Braski DN
Published: December 2008

Specimens of V-15Cr-5Ti, VANSTAR-7, and V-3Ti-1Si were encapsulated in molybdenum alloy tubes containing 7Li to prevent interstitial pickup and irradiated in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), using Materials Open Test Assembly (MOTA) experiments, to a damage level of 40 displacements per atom (dpa). The irradiation temperatures were 420, 520, and 600°C. For a better simulation of fusion reactor conditions, helium was preimplanted in some specimens using a modified version of the “tritium trick.” The V-15Cr-5Ti alloy was most susceptible to irradiation hardening and helium embrittlement, followed by VANSTAR-7, and V-3Ti-1Si. VANSTAR-7 exhibited a relatively high maximum void swelling of ∼6% at 520°C while V-15Cr-5Ti and V-3Ti-1Si had values of <0.3% at all three temperatures. The V-3Ti-1Si clearly outperformed the other two vanadium alloys in resisting the effects of neutron irradiation.
Tensile and Fracture Properties of EBR-II-Irradiated V-15Cr-5Ti Containing Helium
Authors: Grossbeck ML , Horak JA
Published: December 2008

The alloy V-15Cr-5Ti was cyclotron-implanted with 80 appm He and subsequently irradiated in the Experimental Breeder Reactor (EBR-II) to 30 displacements per atom (dpa). The same alloy was also irradiated in the 10, 20, and 30% cold-worked conditions. Irradiation temperatures ranged from 400 to 700°C. No significant effects of helium on mechanical properties were found in this temperature range although the neutron irradiation shifted the temperature of transition from cleavage to ductile fracture to about 625°C. Ten percent cold work was found to have a beneficial effect in reducing the tendency for cleavage fracture following irradiation, but high levels (20%) were observed to reduce ductility. Still higher levels (30%) improved ductility by inducing recovery during the elevated-temperature irradiation. Swelling was found to be negligible, but precipitates—titanium oxides or carbonitrides—contained substantial cavities.
Steel Impurity Element Effects on Postirradiation Properties Recovery by Annealing
Authors: Hawthorne JR
Published: December 2008

The influence of copper content and phosphorus content on notch ductility recovery by 399°C postirradiation heat treatment was explored for A 533-B and A 302-B pressure vessel steels. Charpy-V (Cv) specimens for the investigation were obtained from ten plates produced from four (4-way split) laboratory melts. The plates were 15.2 mm thick but were heat treated to reproduce the microstructure of 150-mm and thicker A 302-B plates at the quarter-thickness location.

The Cv specimens were irradiated in two assemblies at 288°C (550°F) to a fluence of ∼2.5 × 1019 n/cm2 in a light-water-cooled and moderated test reactor. Notch ductility properties in the as-irradiated and 399°C, 168 h postirradiation-annealed conditions were determined. In addition, separate sets of specimens were thermally conditioned at 288°C and at 288°C followed by 399°C to benchmark the effects of temperature in the absence of irradiation.

The results indicate that copper has a significant influence on the magnitude of residual embrittlement after annealing. In contrast, phosphorus contents in the range of 0.002 to 0.025% were found not to have an effect on residual embrittlement either in high or low copper steels. Essentially full recovery in 41-J transition temperature was observed for high phosphorus, low copper content steels. Effects of nickel alloying on recovery behavior were also investigated through data comparisons for A 302-B versus A 533-B plates.
The Effects of Radiation on Organic Matrix Waste Forms
Authors: Phillips DC , Johnson DI , Burnay SG , Hitchon JW
Published: December 2008

This report summarizes the results of a program carried out between July 1981 and March 1985 on behalf of the Commission of European Communities (CEC) and the Department of Environment (DoE). The effects of gamma and alpha irradiation have been studied on a range of bitumen and polymer matrix waste forms.

Under irradiation, bitumens swell because of the nucleation and growth of bubbles of radiolytic gas. Swelling depends on dose rate and specimen size, as well as total dose, but accelerated tests can be carried out by irradiating specimens of varied size under the same conditions of dose rate × specimen depth squared. Swelling commences at around 50 kGy and saturates at 300 kGy. The magnitude of swelling depends on the type of bitumen. For bitumenisates used in Europe the magnitude is ≤ 10%. The effects of alpha radiation are more severe than equivalent doses of gamma radiation but are unlikely to have a significant effect on physical properties in practice. Irradiation to 10 MGy and swelling have no significant effect on leach rates.

The behavior of polymer waste forms under gamma irradiation is more complicated. The most pronounced effects occur with waste forms containing wet wastes. Some of these can shrink by substantial amounts on irradiation caused primarily by water loss. Others exhibit small amounts of swelling or shrinkage and the exact behavior appears to depend on a combination of bubble growth, polymer cross linking, and water desorption. Data are presented on the effects of radiation on leaching and on radiolytic gas evolution.
Overview of Indoor Air Quality Sampling and Analysis
Authors: Levin H
Published: December 2008

During recent years, sampling and analysis of atmospheres for indoor air quality in non-industrial environments have increased substantially. Enhanced understanding of indoor air pollution has resulted. Increased recognition of the complexity of indoor environments has led to even more sampling and analysis. Many methods used for indoor air are similar to those employed in workplace and ambient air. However, sampling conditions are often difficult; a very large number of pollutants are usually present, although at low concentrations; some pollutants of concern are at extremely low concentrations; and complex mixtures can create interferences.

Instrumentation requirements differ from those of ambient or industrial applications. Passive monitors and other unobtrusive monitoring equipment have received much attention. Sampling and analysis for biological aerosols will probably increase during the next few years. Other environmental factors are often critical and must also be characterized or measured. Social science and health investigatory methods are often employed in conjunction with air monitoring. Further research and development are needed for standardization in several areas including the sampling and analysis of organic compounds at very low concentrations, the general acceptance of standardized monitoring protocols, and guidelines for the consistent reporting and interpretation of data.
Sampling of Microbiological Contaminants in Indoor Air
Authors: Fradkin A
Published: December 2008

Strategies for sampling airborne biogenic contaminants including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa should include specific considerations for each group and very often for different species within these groups. The determination of target pollutants and sampling strategy is based on preliminary investigation of the indoor environment by a walk-through inspection and clinical, epidemiological, and immunological features of health effects. The two general approaches are sampling for the detection of a particular pollutant and sampling for the detection of deviations from normal concentrations or specific composition of bioaerosols or both. The principal sampling techniques are based on sedimentation, filtration, impingement, precipitation, centrifugal separation, and impaction. Two samplers, namely, the six-stage Andersen and the all-glass impinger Model AGI-30 have been suggested as standards. General criteria for evaluation of sampling techniques are collection efficiency, sensitivity, reliability, ease of sterilization, maintenance and operation, and effect on viability. Particular considerations for indoor air are sampler noise, particle size discrimination, capacity, and air flow rate. Attention should also be given to sampling location, number of samples per interior, reference data, and methods to confirm the findings of air sampling.