Evaluation of cellular glasses for solar mirror panel applications

An analytic technique was developed to compare the structural and environmental performance of various materials considered for backing of second surface glass solar mirrors. Cellular glass was determined to be a prime candidate due to its low cost, high stiffness-to-weight ratio, thermal expansion match to mirror glass, evident minimal environmental impact and chemical and dimensional stability under conditions of use. The current state of the art and anticipated developments in cellular glass technology are discussed; material properties are correlated to design requirements. A mathematical model is presented which suggests a design approach which allows minimization of life cost; and, a mechanical and environmental testing program is outlined, designed to provide a material property basis for development of cellular glass hardware, together with methodology for collecting lifetime predictive data. Preliminary material property data from measurements are given. Microstructure of several cellular materials is shown, and sensitivity of cellular glass to freeze-thaw degradation and to slow crack growth is discussed. The effect of surface coating is addressed

An investigation of the strength of aluminum wire used in integrated circuits

Microloop pull test is developed to stress wire loops in situ until failure. The applied loads, the nature of the fracture, and its location are recorded. This test also stresses the wire bonds

The impact on cost, quality, and patient satisfaction when delivering care to acutely ill adults in an at-home care model versus an inpatient hospital setting.

The impact on cost, quality, and patient satisfaction when delivering care to acutely ill adults in an at-home care model versus an inpatient hospital setting. Hospital level care for certain acute conditions can be safely delivered in the patient’s home while lowering the cost per episode of care, maintaining or improving patient experience, and improving safety and patient/care giver education as well as care coordination, at the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) level

The Solar Cycle Field Reversal

A non-mathematical model of the solar cycle field reversal is presented. The basic process producing the reversal in this model is surface reconnection of higher latitude p-flux with lower latitude f-flux. This picture differs substantially from the reversal aspect of the solar cycle field geometry presented by Babcock (1961), but the discussion is carried out entirely within the context of the flux ropes he originally considered

COMMENTS ON THE LONG-TERM PROJECTIONS FOR U.S. AGRICULTURE

Farm Management,

SELECTED FACTORS AFFECTING SEAFOOD MARKETS IN THE UNITED STATES

The US seafood industry represents an economically important industry for the nation and an important component of the global seafood industry. The manner in which the industry has traditionally marketed the myriad of seafood products is changing. The major factors which will continue to affect the domestic seafood market include domestic resource management efforts, national and international environmental awareness, international trade policy, and a changing set of demands for seafood products and services.Agribusiness,

Active control and system identification of rotordynamic structure

Four current research projects are summarized: (1) active control of rotor system dynamics; (2) attenuation of rotor vibration using controlled pressure hydrostatic bearings; (3) a new seal test facility for measuring isotropic and anisotropic linear rotordynamic characteristics; and (4) the use of rotordynamic instability thresholds to accurately measure bearing rotordynamic characteristics