A Review of gaps and limitations in test methods for first responder protective clothing and equipment : a final report presented to National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

This report presents the results of a review aimed at identifying test methods for protective clothing for first responders, as well as identifying areas in which further research is required. It is intended to identify gaps and limitations in evaluation technology and to provide information on test methods research that can guide the development of new first responder protective ensembles.This project reviewed test methods specified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) comprehensive standards for structural firefighters, HAZMAT response, Emergency Medical Service (EMS), technical rescue operations, response to chemical/ biological terrorism incidents and standards for selection care and maintenance of firefighting protective ensembles. Key test methods and requirements for evaluating protective clothing and equipment in the performance categories of flame and heat protection, chemical protection, biological protection, physical hazard protection, and for testing and evaluating heat stress are referenced. In addition, this project surveyed documented research on test methods for firefighter and other emergency responders.Executive summary -- I. Test methods and criterion for emergency responder protective clothing & equipment -- II. Thermal protective performance -- III. Chemical and biological protection -- IV. Heat stress and comfort -- V. In-use durability and service life -- VI. Models for predicting the performance of protective clothing -- VII. Summary of research needs for developing test methods and performance criteria -- Acknowledgement -- Appendix A: Summary of key test methods and requirements for evaluating firefighter protective clothing and equipment -- Appendix B: References.200

Effects of Chocolate Milk Prior to Exercise

Many researchers have studied the effects of chocolate milk on the body after exercise and how it helps aid in the recovery and repair of muscle; but little research has been done on whether chocolate milk is beneficial prior to exercise. For this reason, I will select ten individuals and have them undergo a VO2 max (maximal oxygen consumption) walking test with each person consuming Gatorade, chocolate milk, and water before each separate test. Each test will be conducted with the same diet and amount of sleep the night before to ensure that no outside factors influence the results except for the effects of the substance used. The VO2 max testing equipment will be used to collect data and the data will be analyzed using ANOVA statistical methods. This research will serve to give more insight into the uses of chocolate milk and whether it’s not only beneficial for after exercising, but also before. By also using Gatorade and water, it could be found that chocolate milk is more effective than either of these typical drinks when used before exercising

Advanced Testing Chain Supporting the Validation of Smart Grid Systems and Technologies

New testing and development procedures and methods are needed to address topics like power system stability, operation and control in the context of grid integration of rapidly developing smart grid technologies. In this context, individual testing of units and components has to be reconsidered and appropriate testing procedures and methods need to be described and implemented. This paper addresses these needs by proposing a holistic and enhanced testing methodology that integrates simulation/software- and hardware-based testing infrastructure. This approach presents the advantage of a testing environment, which is very close to f i eld testing, includes the grid dynamic behavior feedback and is risks-free for the power system, for the equipment under test and for the personnel executing the tests. Furthermore, this paper gives an overview of successful implementation of the proposed testing approach within different testing infrastructure available at the premises of different research institutes in Europe.Comment: 2018 IEEE Workshop on Complexity in Engineering (COMPENG

Toxic Cyanobacteria Aerosols: Tests of Filters for Cells

Aerosolization of toxic cyanobacteria released from the surface of lakes is a new area of study that could uncover a previously unknown route of exposure to toxic cyanobacteria. Since toxic cyanobacteria may be responsible for adverse human health effects, methods and equipment need to be tested and established for monitoring these airborne bacteria. The primary focus of this study was to create controlled laboratory experiments that simulate natural lake aerosol production. I set out to test for the best type of filter to collect and analyze the aerosolized cells as small as 0.2-2.0 µm, known as picoplankton. To collect these aerosols, air was vacuumed from just above a sample of lake water passing through either glass fiber filters (GFF) or 0.22 µm MF-Millipore™ membrane filters (0.22 Millipore™). Filter collections were analyzed through epiflourescence microscopy for determining cell counts. Data analysis revealed that 0.22 Millipore™ filters were the best option for cell enumeration providing better epiflourescence optical quality and higher cell counts

Reactive PLIF method for characterisation of micromixing in continuous high-throughput chemical reactors

This work aimed to test and optimise reactive Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) methods for the visualisation of the micromixing regions in chemical reactors using standard PLIF and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) equipment with the laser source 512 nm. Two methods were tested: (i) an acid–base reaction with fluorescein as the reaction-sensitive tracer and (ii) Fenton’s reaction, with Rhodamine B as the reaction tracer. Both test-reactions were studied in stopped-flow equipment to define suitable operational conditions, namely the chemical composition of the inflow streams, the concentration of reagents and fluorophore, and suitable excitation light wavelength. The visualisation of the micromixing regions was tested in a continuous flow reactor with a T-jet geometry. A laser light sheet emitted from an Nd:YAG laser illuminated the axial section of the demonstration reactor. The mixing dynamics and the reaction course were visualised with the acid–base reactive PLIF images. Fenton’s reactive PLIF method showed the overall distribution of mixing and reaction regions. The main contribution of this work is benchmarking two methods with costs that enable the visualisation of micromixing regions in continuous high-throughput reactors.publishe

Development of replicated optics for AXAF-1 XDA testing

Advanced optical systems for applications such as grazing incidence Wolter I x-ray mirror assemblies require extraordinary mirror surfaces in terms of fine finish and surface figure. The impeccable mirror surface is on the inside of the rotational mirror form. One practical method of producing devices with these requirements is to first fabricate an exterior surface for the optical device then replicate that surface to have the inverse component with lightweight characteristics. The replicated optic is not better than the master or mandrel from which it is made. This task identifies methods and materials for forming these extremely low roughness optical components. The objectives of this contract were to (1) prepare replication samples of electroless nickel coated aluminum, and determine process requirements for plating XDA test optic; (2) prepare and assemble plating equipment required to process a demonstration optic; (3) characterize mandrels, replicas and test samples for residual stress, surface contamination and surface roughness and figure using equipment at MSFC and; (4) provide technical expertise in establishing the processes, procedures, supplies and equipment needed to process the XDA test optics

Shop Rotordynamic Testing - Options, Objectives, Benefits and Practices

TutorialUnderstanding the lateral rotordynamic behavior is critical in determining the reliability/operability of rotating equipment. Whether examining a centrifugal pump or compressor, steam or gas turbine, motor or generator, rotating machinery share the same need to accurately predict and measure dynamic behavior. Industrial specifications determining fit for purpose rely on the accuracy of rotordynamic predictions where direct measurement is impractical or otherwise impossible in an industrial setting. Testing to confirm rotordynamic prediction and behavior provides both the purchaser and vendor the confidence that the design will meet project expectations. Rotordynamic shop testing has several options available to the project during acceptance tests at the vendor’s shop. These options include mechanical run, string and full load/Type 1 testing as well as verification testing to validate unbalance response and stability predictions. Such testing has numerous advantages; the most important being the avoidance of production disruptions involved with testing at the job site. Each test option has associated costs as well as limitations as to what lateral vibration characteristics are revealed. Understanding these factors is vital to efficiently mitigate the risks associated with the purchased equipment. Applying best practices and an understanding of the industrial (API) test requirements are needed to derive the maximum benefit of each test option. The best practices not only involve the test procedure but also the associated analytical methods used to post process the measurement information. Whether performing a simple mechanical run test or more complex stability verification during ASME Type I testing, ensuring that a logical, repeatable and proven methodology is followed produces reliable evidence to confirm the rotordynamic model and lateral vibration performance. The rationale behind the API test requirements provides an understanding of why that test is being performed and its correct application to the dynamic behavior. Test options can be separated into two categories; tests that reveal portions of the dynamic behavior of the equipment to specific operating conditions and those used to verify the analytical predictions of that behavior. API mechanical, string and Type I (or full load) tests reveal the rotordynamic behavior of the equipment to a given set of conditions. These are used specifically to determine acceptability of the design. Unbalance and stability verification testing is used to confirm (or provide confidence in) the rotordynamic model. Confidence in the model permits extrapolation of the design (vendor) and operation (purchaser) beyond the machine’s asbuilt and specific shop test conditions

STABILOMETRY OF THE FLAMINGO BALANCE TEST

INTRODUCTION - The Flamingo balance test achieves the requirements of simplicity, low cost and it is capable for mass investigations. In this test the subject is standing on his preferred foot, bends his free leg backwards and grips the back of the foot with hand on the same side, standing like a flamingo. The aim of this work was to characterise the Flamingo test using electronic stabilometry equipment, recording stabilograms, time functions in frontal and sagittal directions, as well as Fourier spec-tra, while solving this test. SUBJECTS AND METHODS - Ten physical education major university students I aged 21-23 years I took part in the investigation. We used "Adam-type" stabilometer for the measurements and a rotating chair for vestibular stimulation of the subject. The measurements started with testing in Romberg position, with opened and closed eyes. After these tests the subjects were rotated 10 times I n = 40 r.p.m. I and the investigations have been continued with Romberg and Flamingo tests. RESULTS - Figures demonstrate the stabilogram of the Flamingo test with time functions and Fourier spectra, with quasi-losing of the balance IN of Subject: 101. Excerpts of results, using the characterising radius of stabilogram: Romberg tests before rotating: R = 6.5 mm /opened eyes/, R = 10.1 mm /closed eyes/ . after rotating: R = 12 mm /closed eyes/, R = 6.5 mm /opened eyes/. Flamingo test R = 11.2 mm /opened eyes/We found significant correlation between the Romberg test data /after rotating1 and the Flamingo test: r = 0.811. CONCLUSION In summary, the results suggest the improving effect of the vestibular training on the balance of sport students and the applicability of the Flamingo test, completed with electronic stabilometry methods

Reconstruction of Ares I-X Integrated Vehicle Rollout Loads

The measurements taken during the Ares I-X test flight provided a unique opportunity to assess the accuracy of the models and methods used to analyze the loads and accelerations present in the planned Ares I vehicle. During the rollout of the integrated vehicle from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to the launch pad, the vehicle and its supporting structure are subjected to wind loads and the vibrations produced by the crawler-transporter (CT) that is carrying it. While the loads induced on the vehicle during this period are generally low relative to those experienced in flight, the rollout is a period of operation of primary interest to those designing both the ground support equipment and the interfaces between the launch vehicle and its supporting structure. In this paper, the methods used for reconstructing the loads during the rollout phase are described. The results generated are compared to measured values, leading to insight into the accuracy of the Ares I assessment techniques

Embedded electronic system for evaluation of photovoltaic modules based on a current-voltage curve tracer

The rapid growth of the market for the use of renewable energy has increased the use of solar energy which has a significant role in power generation. This requires the insertion of equipment capable of providing precise measurements of the photovoltaic modules, either to verify the operation of the installation or to find specific problems. In this scenario, the current versus voltage curve tracer is used to describe the electrical behavior of the photovoltaic system through all the operating possibilities, but it has an excessive cost for small installations. This paper presents the development of a current-voltage curve tracer, capable of performing current, voltage and power measurements, contributing to the creation of equipment to test photovoltaic installations. The methods to obtain the I-V curves are presented and the characteristics of the embedded electronic system, which is based on an electronic load, are defined. As results, the simulations carried out for the variable load control, acquisition circuits and the implemented system are shown. In addition, the operation of the human-machine interface and the comparison with a commercial equipment are shown for reference.Campus Lima Su