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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Integrated Data Collection Analysis (IDCA) Program - SSST Testing Methods

The Integrated Data Collection Analysis (IDCA) program is conducting a proficiency study for Small- Scale Safety and Thermal (SSST) testing of homemade explosives (HMEs). Described here are the methods used for impact, friction, electrostatic discharge, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis during the IDCA program. These methods changed throughout the Proficiency Test and the reasons for these changes are documented in this report. The most significant modifications in standard testing methods are: 1) including one specified sandpaper in impact testing among all the participants, 2) diversifying liquid test methods for selected participants, and 3) including sealed sample holders for thermal testing by at least one participant. This effort, funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is putting the issues of safe handling of these materials in perspective with standard military explosives. The study is adding SSST testing results for a broad suite of different HMEs to the literature. Ultimately the study will suggest new guidelines and methods and possibly establish the SSST testing accuracies needed to develop safe handling practices for HMEs. Each participating testing laboratory uses identical test materials and preparation methods wherever possible. The testing performers involved are Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Indian Head Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, (NSWC IHD), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RXQL). These tests are conducted as a proficiency study in order to establish some consistency in test protocols, procedures, and experiments and to compare results when these testing variables cannot be made consistent.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Integrated Data Collection Analysis (IDCA) Program - Statistical Analysis of RDX Standard Data Sets

The Integrated Data Collection Analysis (IDCA) program is conducting a Proficiency Test for Small- Scale Safety and Thermal (SSST) testing of homemade explosives (HMEs). Described here are statistical analyses of the results for impact, friction, electrostatic discharge, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis of the RDX Type II Class 5 standard. The material was tested as a well-characterized standard several times during the proficiency study to assess differences among participants and the range of results that may arise for well-behaved explosive materials. The analyses show that there are detectable differences among the results from IDCA participants. While these differences are statistically significant, most of them can be disregarded for comparison purposes to assess potential variability when laboratories attempt to measure identical samples using methods assumed to be nominally the same. The results presented in this report include the average sensitivity results for the IDCA participants and the ranges of values obtained. The ranges represent variation about the mean values of the tests of between 26% and 42%. The magnitude of this variation is attributed to differences in operator, method, and environment as well as the use of different instruments that are also of varying age. The results appear to be a good representation of the broader safety testing community based on the range of methods, instruments, and environments included in the IDCA Proficiency Test.

round-robin test↗
DOE OSTI2015

Code Comparison Study Fosters Confidence in the Numerical Simulation of Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Numerical simulation has become a standard analytical tool for scientists and engineers to evaluate the potential and performance of enhanced geothermal systems. A variety of numerical simulators developed by industry, universities, and national laboratories are currently available and being applied to better understand enhanced geothermal systems at the field scale. To yield credible predictions and be of value to site operators, numerical simulators must be able to accurately represent the complex coupled processes induced by producing geothermal systems, such as fracture aperture changes due to thermal stimulation, fracture shear displacement with fluid injection, rate of thermal depletion of reservoir rocks, and permeability alteration with mineral precipitation or dissolution. A suite of numerical simulators was exercised on a series of test problems that considered coupled thermal, hydraulic, geomechanical, and geochemical (THMC) processes. Problems were selected and designed to isolate selected coupled processes, to be executed on workstation class computers, and have simple but illustrative metrics for result comparisons. This paper summarizes the initial suite of seven benchmark problems, describes the code comparison activities, provides example results for problems and documents the capabilities of currently available numerical simulation codes to represent coupled processes that occur during the production of geothermal resources. Code comparisons described in this paper use the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard ISO-13538 for proficiency testing of numerical simulators. This approach was adopted for a recent code comparison study within the radiation transfer-modeling field of atmospheric sciences, which was focused on canopy reflectance models. This standard specifies statistical methods for analyzing laboratory data from proficiency testing schemes to demonstrate that the measurement results do not exhibit evidence of an unacceptable level of bias.

benchmark problems↗
DOE OSTI2018

An Extended Study on the Uncertainty Quantification of a Photodiode's Spectral Responsivity

An extended study was done on the analysis procedure for spectral responsivity of a silicon detector from the range of 200 nm to 1100 nm for the Optical Component Calibration laboratory at Livermore Operations in Livermore California. As a result, the uncertainty of the procedure was quantified to account for variables that contribute to uncertainty; such as the reproducibility and repeatability of the working standards, quantifying Type A and B uncertainties, validating laboratory equipment and associated software, and looking at environmental variables. The findings lead to a revised analysis reporting procedure that reports uncertainties depending on three spectral ranges, 300 nm to 400 nm, 400 nm to 700 nm, and 700 nm to 1100 nm. A proficiency test was done to compare the difference between both methods and a noticeable difference was found. The results showed that the previous reporting method over estimated uncertainty as much as 3.5% for the 300 nm to 400 nm range, 4% in the >400 nm to 700 nm range, and 2% in the >700 nm to 1100 nm range. The findings lead to the use of the revised procedure when producing calibration certificates, better quantified measurement uncertainties, and will be used for the process of updating the scope of accreditation from the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2019

Experiments regarding methylphosphonic acid in proficiency test Sample 445

Samples 445/07 and 444/07 (blank) were extracted, in triplicate, by three different extraction methods – column elution, gentle rocking, and agitation with a vortex mixer. The recoveries for MPA differed depending on the extraction method used. In Sample 445/07, MPA was measured at ~2 μg/g (~20% recovery) when extracted by column elution and at ~1 μg/g when gentle rocking or vortex mixing was used. In addition, the soil matrix was observed to cause some ionization suppression effects when LC/MS analysis was used. The results of our experiments support the findings of the Sample Preparation Laboratory and suggest that MPA should remain a scoring chemical for the 44th OPCW PT.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

TH-C-17A-01: Imaging Sensor Comparison for Real-Time Cherenkov Signal Detection From Tissue for Treatment Verification

Purpose: To identify the optimum imaging sensor for a clinical system that would provide real-time imaging of the surface beam profile on patients as novel visual information to radiation therapy technologists, and more rapidly collect clinical data for large-scale studies of Cherenkov applications in radiotherapy. Methods: Four camera types, CMOS, CCD, ICCD and EMICCD, were tested to determine proficiency in the detection of Cherenkov signal in the clinical radiotherapy setting, and subsequent maximum supportable frame rate. Where possible, time-gating between the trigger signal from the LINAC and the intensifiers was implemented to detect signal with room lighting conditions comparable to patient treatment scenarios. A solid water phantom was imaged by the EM-ICCD and ICCD to evaluate the minimum number of accumulations-on-chip required for adequate Cherenkov detection, defined as >200% electron counts per pixel over background signal. Additionally, an ICCD and EM-ICCD were used clinically to image patients undergoing whole-breast radiation therapy, to understand the impact of the resolution limitation of the EM-ICCD. Results: The intensifier-coupled cameras performed best at imaging Cherenkov signal, even with room lights on, which is essential for patient comfort. The tested EM-ICCD was able to support single-shot imaging and frame rates of 30 fps, however, the current maximum resolution of 512 × 512 pixels was restricting. The ICCD used in current clinical trials was limited to 4.7 fps at a 1024 × 1024 resolution. An intensifier with higher quantum efficiency at the entrance photocathode in the red wavelengths (30% QE vs current 7%) promises 16 fps at the same resolution at lower cost than the EM-ICCD. Conclusion: The ICCD with the better red wavelength QE intensifier was determined to be the best suited commercial-off-the-shelf camera to detect real-time Cherenkov signal and provide the best potential for real-time display of radiation dose on the skin during treatment. Funding is from grants from the NIH numbers R01CA109558 and R21EB017559.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Hanford WTP LAW Melter Startup and Tuning Feed Material Development - 17065

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Hanford Site in southeast Washington state is home to 56 million gallons of chemical and radioactive waste stored in underground tanks, the result of more than four decades of plutonium production. To address this challenge, the U.S. Department of Energy contracted Bechtel National, Inc., to design and build the world's largest radioactive waste treatment plant. The Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) will use vitrification to immobilize most of Hanford's waste. Vitrification involves blending the waste with glass-forming materials, and heating it to high temperature to form molten glass, then pouring it into stainless steel containers. In this glass form, its radioactivity will decay over hundreds to thousands of years. In advance of full operation of WTP, a sequential process of commissioning will be undertaken to ensure the plant operates safely and within design requirements. The first phase of WTP operations will focus on the Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Vitrification Facility and its supporting facilities and systems. Commissioning of the LAW Facility will employ a progressive approach to address the complexity of system operation and introduction of hazards. This approach starts with introduction of low hazard and simple testing configurations, and incrementally increasing the complexity and hazardous makeup of testing feed materials, culminating in fully integrated treatment of radioactive tank waste during hot commissioning. Testing with simulants that are chemically similar to radioactive tank waste introduces significant chemical hazards into treatment systems in the form of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and anhydrous ammonia. A method of testing to allow tuning and demonstration of equipment and to develop operator proficiency prior to introducing these chemical hazards was deemed necessary. To that end, the development and testing of a new 'tuning feed' material is in progress. The tuning feed is important because its use will enable the first-time integration of all LAW Facility process systems. The tuning feed must include key physical and chemical characteristics that correspond to the commissioning simulant and low activity tank waste, without the inherently hazardous materials or toxic off-gas constituents that result from tank waste treatment. Tuning feed is being developed to provide representative melter feed rheology, glass chemistry, cold cap formation, and off-gas generation rate in order to predict system response to actual tank waste to the extent practical. The tuning feed must also be compatible with process equipment and other process streams that will be encountered during the cold commissioning testing program. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2024

Use of carbonyldiimidazole as a derivatization agent for the detection of pinacolyl alcohol, a forensic marker for Soman, by EI-GC–MS and LC-HRMS in official OPCW proficiency test matrices

Pinacolyl alcohol (PA), a key forensic marker for the nerve agent Soman (GD), is a particularly difficult analyte to detect by various analytical methods. In this work, we have explored the reaction between PA and 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) to yield pinacolyl 1H-imidazole-1-carboxylate (PIC), a product that can be conveniently detected by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Regarding its GC–MS profile, this new carbamate derivative of PA possesses favorable chromatographic features such as a sharp peak and a longer retention time (RT = 16.62 min) relative to PA (broad peak and short retention time, RT = 4.1 min). Additionally, the derivative can also be detected by LC-HRMS, providing an avenue for the analysis of this chemical using this technique where PA is virtually undetectable unless present in large concentrations. From a forensic science standpoint, detection of this low molecular weight alcohol signals the past or latent presence of the nerve agent Soman (GD) in a given matrix (i.e., environmental or biological). The efficiency of the protocol was tested separately in the analysis and detection of PA by EI-GC–MS and LC-HRMS when present at a 10 μg/mL in a soil matrix featured in the 44th PT and in a glycerol-rich liquid matrix featured in the 48th Official Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Proficiency Test when present at a 5 μg/mL concentration. In both scenarios, PA was successfully transformed into PIC, establishing the protocol as an additional tool for the analysis of this unnatural and unique nerve agent marker by GC–MS and LC-HRMS.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2006

Proficiency Testing for Evaluating Aerospace Materials Test Anomalies

ASTM G 86 and ASTM G 74 are commonly used to evaluate materials susceptibility to ignition in liquid and gaseous oxygen systems. However, the methods have been known for their lack of repeatability. The inherent problems identified with the test logic would either not allow precise identification or the magnitude of problems related to running the tests, such as lack of consistency of systems performance, lack of adherence to procedures, etc. Excessive variability leads to increasing instances of accepting the null hypothesis erroneously, and so to the false logical deduction that problems are nonexistent when they really do exist. This paper attempts to develop and recommend an approach that could lead to increased accuracy in problem diagnostics by using the 50% reactivity point, which has been shown to be more repeatable. The initial tests conducted indicate that PTFE and Viton A (for pneumatic impact) and Buna S (for mechanical impact) would be good choices for additional testing and consideration for inter-laboratory evaluations. The approach presented could also be used to evaluate variable effects with increased confidence and tolerance optimization.

Hirsch, D.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Application of trichloroacetimidate-mediated benzylation to the detection of pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid in standardised proficiency test matrices

Here, a procedure for the qualitative analysis of pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid (PMPA), a degradation product from the nerve agent Soman (GD), is presented. The protocol involves the derivatization of PMPA with benzyl trichloroacetimidate resulting in its benzylation under neutral conditions, a desirable attribute in the presence of other base-sensitive analytes. The method was found to perform well in the detection of this Schedule 2 chemical, spiked at low concentrations, in three different test matrices, two soils and one liquid, featured in different Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) proficiency tests.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2017

Analytical method for nitroaromatic explosives in radiologically contaminated soil for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation

Here, unique hazards are presented in the analysis of radiologically contaminated samples. Strenuous safety and security precautions must be in place to protect the analyst, laboratory, and instrumentation used to perform analyses. A validated method has been optimized for the analysis of select nitroaromatic explosives and degradative products using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry via sonication extraction of radiologically contaminated soils, for samples requiring ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory conformance. Target analytes included 2-nitrotoluene, 4-nitrotoluene, 2,6-dinitrotoluene, and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, as well as the degradative product 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene. Analytes were extracted from soil in methylene chloride by sonication. Administrative and engineering controls, as well as instrument automation and quality control measures, were utilized to minimize potential human exposure to radiation at all times and at all stages of analysis, from receiving through disposition. Though thermal instability increased uncertainties of these selected compounds, a mean lower quantitative limit of 2.37 µg/mL and mean accuracy of 2.3% relative error and 3.1% relative standard deviation were achieved. Quadratic regression was found to be optimal for calibration of all analytes, with compounds of lower hydrophobicity displaying greater parabolic curve. Blind proficiency testing (PT) of spiked soil samples demonstrated a mean relative error of 9.8%. Matrix spiked analyses of PT samples demonstrated that 99% recovery of target analytes was achieved. To the knowledge of the authors, this represents the first safe, accurate, and reproducible quantitative method for nitroaromatic explosives in soil for specific use on radiologically contaminated samples within the constraints of a nuclear analytical lab.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

AM Powder Flowability Capabilities at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Additive Manufacturing (AM) powder flowability is critical to metal 3D printing, because the more fluid the powder is, the better powder spreads. The NASA MSFC’s Contamination Control Team (CCT) studies density, flow, particle size distribution, and morphology for programs such as Moon-to-Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology (MMPACT), ASTM Proficiency Testing for AM and Powder Metallurgy, and MSFC’s AM team. Examining and measuring powder characteristics is essential for improving flowability of AM powder and ensuring lot-to-lot consistency, which will help to prevent defects in manufactured parts. The CCT uses several methods to characterize AM powder. Optical particle size distribution and morphology analyses determine particle parameters including size, circularity, convexity, and dimensions. The Carney and Hall Flowmeter Funnel measures time it takes powder to flow through a funnel to compare relative flowability (free-flowing and non-free-flowing). In addition to this, the device utilizes a density cup which determines apparent density. Lastly, the Revolution Powder Analyzer measures dynamic powder flowability and behavior over time via digital imaging. Using the CCT’s lab, the team has produced ASTM Powder Proficiency Testing results with flow rates, apparent density, particle size distribution, and tap density on titanium-based and nickel-based powder and compared data with other companies/labs. Morphology data was also collected for various regolith simulant powder for the MMPACT program. Lastly, the CCT used morphology data to examine the flowability of Inconel 718 powder for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) printers at MSFC. The CCT’s essential work in studying and enabling AM powder characterization has helped and will continue to help study new and refined powders in the AM industry.

Additive Manufacturing↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

AM Powder Flowability Capabilities at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Additive Manufacturing (AM) powder flowability is critical to metal 3D printing, because the more fluid the powder is, the better powder spreads. AM Powder Flowability Capabilities at NASA MSFC studies density, flow, particle size distribution, and morphology for programs such as Moon-to-Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology (MMPACT), ASTM Proficiency Testing for AM and Powder Metallurgy, and MSFC’s AM team. Examining and measuring powder characteristics is essential for improving flowability of AM powder and ensuring lot-to-lot consistency, which will help to prevent defects in manufactured parts. The Contamination Control Team (CCT) uses several methods to characterize AM powder. Optical particle size distribution and morphology analyses determine particle parameters including size, circularity, convexity, and dimensions. The Carney and Hall Flowmeter Funnel measures time it takes powder to flow through a funnel to compare relative flowability (free-flowing and non-free-flowing). In addition to this, the device utilizes a density cup which determines apparent density. Lastly, the Revolution Powder Analyzer measures dynamic powder flowability and behavior over time via digital imaging. Using the CCT’s lab, the team has produced ASTM Powder Proficiency Testing results with flow rates, apparent density, particle size distribution, and tap density on titanium-based and nickel-based powder and compared data with other companies/labs. Morphology data was also collected for various regolith simulant powder for the MMPACT program. Lastly, the CCT used morphology data to examine the flowability of Inconel 718 powder for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) printers at MSFC. The CCT’s essential work in studying and enabling AM powder characterization has helped and will continue to help study new and refined powders in the AM industry.

Additive Manufacturing↗
DOE OSTI2022

NWAL Validation Report for U Assay by Potentiometric Titration (Modified Davies and Gray Technique) and U and PU Assay by Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry

SRNL Sensing & Metrology, previously Analytical Laboratory, is a member of the IAEA Network of Analytical Laboratories for Nuclear Material Measurement that is qualified to provide Uranium and Plutonium isotopic analysis of nuclear materials by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry. As part of the membership, SRNL participated in the 2019 Nuclear Material Round Robin to maintain the qualification to provide isotopic analysis. SRNL also participated with the additional intent to qualify Uranium Assay by Potentiometric Titration (Davies and Gray method) and Uranium and Plutonium Isotope Dilution by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry as part of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Network of Analytical Laboratories. The proficiency test exercise was conducted by the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services, Department of Safeguards.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

Benzyl trichloroacetimidates as derivatizing agents for phosphonic acids related to nerve agents by EI-GC-MS during OPCW proficiency test scenarios

Abstract The use of benzyl trichloroacetimidates for the benzylation of phosphonic acid nerve agent markers under neutral, basic, and slightly acidic conditions is presented. The benzyl-derived phosphonic acids were detected and analyzed by Electron Ionization Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (EI-GC–MS). The phosphonic acids used in this work included ethyl-, cyclohexyl- and pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid, first pass hydrolysis products from the nerve agents ethyl N -2-diisopropylaminoethyl methylphosphonothiolate (VX), cyclosarin (GF) and soman (GD) respectively. Optimization of reaction parameters for the benzylation included reaction time and solvent, temperature and the effect of the absence or presence of catalytic acid. The optimized conditions for the derivatization of the phosphonic acids specifically for their benzylation, included neutral as well as catalytic acid (< 5 mol%) and benzyl 2,2,2-trichloroacetimidate in excess coupled to heating the mixture to 60 °C in acetonitrile for 4 h. While the neutral conditions for the method proved to be efficient for the preparation of the p -methoxybenzyl esters of the phosphonic acids, the acid-catalyzed process appeared to provide much lower yields of the products relative to its benzyl counterpart. The method’s efficiency was tested in the successful derivatization and identification of pinacolyl methylphosphonic acid (PMPA) as its benzyl ester when present at a concentration of ~ 5 μg/g in a soil matrix featured in the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) 44th proficiency test (PT). Additionally, the protocol was used in the detection and identification of PMPA when spiked at ~ 10 μg/mL concentration in a fatty acid-rich liquid matrix featured during the 38 th OPCW-PT. The benzyl derivative of PMPA was partially corroborated with the instrument's internal NIST spectral library and the OPCW central analytical database (OCAD v.21_2019) but unambiguously identified through comparison with a synthesized authentic standard. The method’s MDL (LOD) values for the benzyl and the p -methoxybenzyl pinacolyl methylphosphonic acids were determined to be 35 and 63 ng/mL respectively, while the method’s Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) was determined to be 104 and 189 ng/mL respectively in the OPCW-PT soil matrix evaluated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

The 1st International Round-Robin on Bi-Facial Modules

This presentation discusses validation of methods and ensuring the validity of results when testing bifacial PV modules, both of which are requirements in ISO/IEC 17025:2017; electrical parameters to be reported per IEC TS 60904-1-2; and statistical design proficiency testing per ISO 17043.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2011

Acquisition of Skill Proficiency Over Multiple Sessions of a Novel Rover Simulation

Following long-duration exploration transits, adaptive changes in sensorimotor function may impair the crew's ability to safely perform manual control tasks such as operating pressurized rovers. Postflight performance will also be influenced by the level of preflight skill proficiency they have attained. The purpose of this study was to characterize the acquisition of skills in a motion-based rover simulation over multiple sessions, and to investigate the effects of varying the simulation scenarios. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects were tested in 5 sessions, with 1-3 days between sessions. Each session consisted of a serial presentation of 8 discrete tasks to be completed as quickly and accurately as possible. Each task consisted of 1) perspective-taking, using a map that defined a docking target, 2) navigation toward the target around a Martian outpost, and 3) docking a side hatch of the rover to a visually guided target. The simulator utilized a Stewart-type motion base (CKAS, Australia), single-seat cabin with triple scene projection covering 150 deg horizontal by 50 deg vertical, and joystick controller. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (tasks identical in the first 4 sessions) or a varied-practice group. The dependent variables for each task included accuracy toward the target and time to completion. RESULTS: The greatest improvements in time to completion occurred during the docking phase. The varied-practice group showed more improvement in perspective-taking accuracy. Perspective-taking accuracy was also affected by the relative orientation of the rover to the docking target. Skill acquisition was correlated with self-ratings of previous gaming experience. DISCUSSION: Varying task selection and difficulty will optimize the preflight acquisition of skills when performing novel operational tasks. Simulation of operational manual control will provide functionally relevant evidence regarding the impact of sensorimotor adaptation on early surface operations and what countermeasures are needed. Learning Objective: The use of a motion-based simulation to investigate decrements in the proficiency to operate pressurized rovers during early surface operations of space exploration missions, along with the acquisition of skill proficiency needed during the preflight phase of the mission.

Dean, S. L.↗
DOE OSTI2013

Integrated Data Collection Analysis (IDCA) Program - AN and Bullseye Smokeless Powder

The Integrated Data Collection Analysis (IDCA) program is conducting a proficiency study for Small- Scale Safety and Thermal (SSST) testing of homemade explosives (HMEs). Described here are the results for impact, friction, electrostatic discharge, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis of ammonium nitrate (AN) mixed with Bullseye® smokeless powder (Gunpowder). The participants found the AN/Gunpowder to: 1) have a range of sensitivity to impact, comparable to or less than RDX, 2) be fairly insensitive to friction as measured by BAM and ABL, 3) have a range for ESD, from insensitive to more sensitive than PETN, and 4) have thermal sensitivity about the same as PETN and Gunpowder. This effort, funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is putting the issues of safe handling of these materials in perspective with standard military explosives. The study is adding SSST testing results for a broad suite of different HMEs to the literature. Ultimately the study has the potential to suggest new guidelines and methods and possibly establish the SSST testing accuracies needed when developing safe handling practices for HMEs. Each participating testing laboratory uses identical test materials and preparation methods. Note, however, the test procedures differ among the laboratories. The testing performers involved are Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Indian Head Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, (NSWC IHD), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RXQL). These tests are conducted as a proficiency study in order to establish some consistency in test protocols, procedures, and experiments and to compare results when these testing variables cannot be made consistent. Keywords: Small-scale safety testing, proficiency test, impact-, friction-, spark discharge-, thermal testing, round-robin test, safety testing protocols, HME, RDX, potassium perchlorate, potassium chlorate, sodium chlorate, sugar, dodecane, PETN, carbon, ammonium nitrate, Gunpowder, Bullseye® smokeless powder.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗