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CHEMISTRY
Title: Forensic
Analysis Of Glass Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Student: Meghan Finn, Virginia Tech
Program: ERULF
Mentor:
Douglas Duckworth, Chemical and Analytical Sciences, ORNL
Abstract:
Glass fragments are a common form of evidence in crimes such as
burglary,vandalism, and hit and run accidents. Fragments can be
recovered from a suspect’s clothing and compared to the fragments
from the crime scene. Historically refractive index (RI), an optical
property, has been used to compare glass samples. Due to improvements
in the glass manufacturing process and quality control measures,
temporal variation in the refractive index has decreased, reducing the
discriminatory power of RI. While the RI will continue as a mainstay
in forensic glass analysis, the lack of discriminatory power has
caused forensic scientists to investigate the use of trace elemental
analysis. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES)
has been used successfully, and more recently inductively coupled
plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been investigated as a
multielement technique that has lower detection limits than ICP-AES
for many elements. A method has been developed using the ICP-MS to
measure the concentration of 25Mg, 26Mg, 47Ti, 55Mn, 71Ga, 85Rb, 86Sr,
88Sr, 90Zr, 91Zr, 121Sb, 137Ba, 140Ce, 147Sm, 178Hf, and Pb, some of
the most variant elements in glass. This method’s variance has been
measured within a single laboratory; however, before this method can
be validated, the variance between laboratories must be determined.
For this purpose, ORNL is participating in a round robin with the four
other laboratories. Having this information should increase the
judicial merit of glass evidence due to the fact that an accurate
strength of association between unknown and known glass samples can be
made with confidence.
Title: Proton
Imprinting Via Sol-Gel Captivated pH Indicators
Student: Michael Weaver, Pellissippi Community College
Program:
CCI
Mentor:
Sheng Dai, Chemical Technology Division, ORNL
Abstract:
The various properties of sol-gel chemistry present many opportunities
for nanoscale isolation and investigation. The encapsulation permitted
by sol-gel chemistry has generated an interest in molecular
imprinting. A fundamental experiment was conducted involving proton
embedding in the sol-gel matrix. Several indicators, whose color
varied with pH, were protonated (or deprotonated) in situ during
sol-gel synthesis with acid (or base) catalysts. After the gel dried,
with the indicator encapsulated, the gel was subjected to an analysis
of visible light absorption as pH varied. An equation was derived from
Beer’s law and the Henderson-Hasselbach equation; this equation
allowed straightforward determination of the equilibrium constant
values for the proton gain or loss in the subject, embedded
indicators. This analysis provided a direct comparison between
established indicator equilibrium constant values in solution versus
experimental sol-gel embedded indicator equilibrium constant values.
Results indicate the sol-gel matrix confers protection to ionic
species when free from extended aqueous storage, and subsequent
chemical modification of the gel’s surface with functional groups
resulted in larger protection of the indicator. This experiment
demonstrated the sol-gel’s efficacy in surrounding and shielding
charged ionic species on the molecular level.
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COMPUTER
SCIENCE
Title: A
Program for Analysis of Similarity Tables Generated by ARB for Use in
Microbial Genomic Analysis
Student: Roshitha Dunstan,
Washington University
Program:
ERULF
Mentor:
Jizhong Zhou, Environmental Sciences Division, ORNL
Abstract:
In today’s world of high-speed sequencing, analysis of genomic
information can take longer than the initial sequencing. It is due to
this fact that researchers have been relying on computers for
high-speed data analysis. In some cases, they have written their own
programs to accomplish this task (i.e. Phrap). In microbial genomics,
it is sometimes necessary to compare the similarity of the genomic
sequence of different clones or organisms. While programs such as ARB
will do such analysis, the resulting data can be enormous. ARB will
create a similarity matrix showing the percentage match (of bases)
between the organisms. The creation of groups of organisms that are 95
percent alike, for example, can be extremely tedious. In a ?group?,
each member must match every other organism in the group by at least
the filter value (i.e. 95 percent). In matrices with few members
(20-40) this is not a very large problem. However, when there are
400-500 different members, this analysis can take hours or days. In
order to solve this problem, a program was developed using the C++
programming language on a Unix platform. Instead of taking hours to
analyze a data set, analysis can be done in minutes. Due to the nature
of the coding, it is very easily portable to other platforms and has
already been compiled and tested in a DOS environment.
Title: An Autonomous Robotic Scheme for Visual Tracking and Pursuit
Student: Hunter Brown, North Carolina State University
Program: ERULF
Mentor: Lynne Parker, Computer Science and Mathematics Division,
ORNL
Abstract:
In autonomous mobile robotic formation, it is often essential for
robots to know the position of other robots. This project involves
studying a team of mobile robots, called Emperor robots, to enable
them to achieve "follow-the-leader" formations. Solutions to
this problem use data from various sources including GPS, laser range
finders, sonar and visual tracking. In this research, machine vision
is being studied to provide position information. This paper describes
a set of algorithms that have been developed that enable robot team
members to analyze images to locate the robot within its field of
vision, and to estimate its distance. These algorithms work by first
acquiring an image via the pan-tilt-zoom vision system with an image
frame grabber through the manufacturer-included Mobility software
interface and then applying several algorithms on it. The image is
then color segmented, averaged, run through an object detection and
assignment scheme, and then a position and distance estimation
algorithm.
The output of these algorithms is the centroid of the robot (if one
exists within the image) and an estimated distance, which is then used
in locomotion routines. Results are presented that illustrate the
effectiveness of our algorithms on the Emperor robots. These results
include real-time processing of an average 14 frames per second, high
precision, accurate position information, and distance estimation. The
findings show that the algorithms, in place with the current control
scheme, provide an excellent solution for indoor and outdoor machine
vision tracking and pursuit capabilities
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ENGINEERING
Title: Characterization
and Analysis of a Typical T8 Luminaire for the Development of a
Flexible Computer Based Control System
Student: Bryan Hilson, Central Piedmont Community College
Program:
CCI
Mentor:
Jeff Muhs, Engineering Technology Division, ORNL
Abstract:
Energy efficiency is a common concern in today's economy. The Hybrid
Lighting Project combines energy conscience technologies like solar
collection and remote source lighting. A hybrid luminaire blends both
natural visible light with artificial fluorescent light. This requires
a control system to maintain a constant total illumination by
increasing and decreasing fluorescent light to inversely match the
decrease and increase in natural light. Proper design of a hybrid
luminaire control system required the characterization and analysis of
a general purpose Lithonia Model 2GT8 luminaire, four Sylvania 4100k
Octron fluorescent lamps, and two controllable rapid-start electronic
ballasts from Advanced Transformer Company. A system-level evaluation
of two potential hybrid luminaires was used to establish a base of
knowledge for the development of an effective control system. A
photosensor that utilizes transient signal analysis to distinguish
between the fluorescent and natural light was used to develop the
transfer equation that is the heart of the control system. A prototype
hybrid luminaire was developed complete with fixture, fluorescent
lamps, dimmable ballasts, photosensors, and software driven control
system. With this prototype the control system can be further
developed and future more efficient hybrid luminaires can be
developed.
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ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCE
Title: Reducing Boron
Toxicity by Microbial Sequestration
Student: Tracy Hazen, University of California, Davis
Program:
ERULF
Mentor:
Tommy Phelps, Environmental Sciences Division, ORNL
Abstract:
While electricity is a clean source of energy, methods of
electricity-production, such as the use of coal-fired power plants,
often result in significant environmental damage. Coal-fired
electrical power plants produce air pollution, while contaminating
ground water and soils by build-up of Boron, which enters surrounding
areas through leachate. Increasingly high levels of Boron in soils
eventually overcome Boron tolerance levels in plants and trees
resulting in toxicity. Formation of insoluble Boron precipitates,
mediated by mineral-precipitating bacteria, may sequester Boron into
more stable forms less available or toxic to vegetation. Results have
provided evidence of microbially-facilitated sequestration of Boron
into insoluble mineral precipitates. Analyses of water samples taken
from ponds with high Boron concentrations showed algae present
contained 3-5 times more Boron. Boron sequestration may also be
facilitated by the incorporation of Boron within algal cells.
Experiments examining Boron sequestration by algae are in progress. In
bacterial experiments with added ferric citrate, the reduction of iron
by the bacteria resulted in an iron-carbonate precipitate containing
Boron. An apparent color change showing the reduction of amorphous
iron, as well as the precipitation of Boron with iron, were more
favorable at higher pH. Analysis of precipitates by x-ray diffraction,
scanning electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass
spectroscopy revealed mineralogical composition and
biologically-mediated accumulation of Boron precipitates in test tube
experiments.
Title: Global Change and
Forest Physiology Impacts of Elevated Atmospheric CO2 on
Photosynthesis in the Low Light Environment of the Forest Understory
Student: Rebekah Hutton, University of Tennessee
Program:
ERULF
Mentor:
Carla Gunderson, Environmental Sciences Division, ORNL
Abstract:
The effects of increased atmospheric CO2 in the forest understory have
been studied very little in comparison to the effects in high light
environments. It is, however, important to look at the effects because
plants in the understory depend on their ability to carry out
photosynthesis both when there is very limited light and when there is
direct sunlight. Elevated CO2 might have a bigger impact on
photosynthesis at low light because it could cause plants to make
better use of limited light availability. This hypothesis was tested
in five forest plots, three under ambient conditions, and two with
elevated CO2 provided by a free-air CO2 enrichment facility. The
impact of elevated CO2 exposure was measured in seedlings of Acer
negundo (boxelder) and Lindera benzoin (spicebush). Measurements of
photosynthesis and stomatal conductance at multiple light levels were
taken from six different trees of each species in each plot. In
elevated CO2, light saturated photosynthesis was 22.5% and 41% higher
than it was in ambient CO2 seedlings in A. negundo and L. benzoin,
respectively. Increases in low light were similar to those at light
saturation, ranging from 27.5% to 39%. High CO2 still reduced stomatal
conductance in low light by approximately 9.9% to 11%. However, most
of these differences were not statistically significant. Thus, impacts
of increasing atmospheric CO2 may be minimal for the forest understory.
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FUSION
ENERGY SCIENCE
Title: Electron
Cyclotron Emission Diagnostics of the VASIMR Plasma Rocket Concept
Student: Ryan Munden, Stetson University
Program:
ERULF
Mentor:
D.A. Rasmussen, Fusion Energy Division, ORNL
Abstract:
Advances in space exploration and sciences have led to great benefits
for humankind. To continually enjoy those benefits and advances, it
becomes necessary to improve the basic tool of space exploration, the
rocket. Current chemical burn rockets are very useful for near-earth
tasks and for breaking free of the Earth's gravitational field. The
next step in space propulsion is a continuous burn, variable impulse
rocket, which may be acheived through the VASIMR plasma rocket. The
plasma rocket enables variable throttling of the propellant to
maximize fuel efficiency. The plasma, an ionized gas, is created and
accelerated by radio frequency (RF) fields launched with a helicon
antenna. It attains much higher exhaust velocities enabling very rapid
transit through space. By measuring the intensity and frequency of
electron cyclotron emission in the plasma, a correlation to the
electron temperature can be found. Preliminary tests with a helicon
plasma source at Johnson Space Center showed promise that emission was
in accordance with the predicted values based on the applied magnetic
fields in the system. Continued tests on the Mini-RFTF helicon plasma
system at ORNL have so far been inconclusive. Further testing with
improved amplification and receivers is planned so that this
diagnostic technique can be fruitfully applied to the VASIMR system.
Determination of the electron temperature is important in developing
models of the experiment.
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INSTRUMENTATION SCIENCE
Title: Design
of Software for Motor Control Center for Water Pumps Used in Cooling
Water Loops
Student: Thomas Justice, Tennessee Technological University
Program: ERULF
Mentor:
John Haines, Spallation Neutron Source, ORNL
Abstract:
The neutron-scattering research that will be conducted at the
Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) when completed is expected to benefit
all areas of scientific research. Neutron scattering will take place
in the mercury target when an intense proton beam bombards the target.
Because the spallation process produces heat, various systems must be
cooled down using cooling water loops. The target has five cooling
water loops, four in the target building and one in the ring injection
dump. This paper describes the control system, which is designed to
operate the two pumps and four block valves in each cooling water
loop. The control system provides the target operator with the ability
to start the system through automatic procedures or manual procedures,
as well as giving the operator valuable diagnostic information at the
touch of a graphic interface button. The motor is controlled using a
programmable logic controller (PLC) and the Experimental Physics and
Industrial Control System (EPICS), which provides the graphical user
interface. EPICS is the development tool used to access all the
process variables. In conjunction with an input/output controller
(IOC), EPICS communicates between the PLC and the user interface. The
PLC allows EPICS to communicate with the motor starter over DeviceNet,
which is standardized communication software and hardware.
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LIFE SCIENCES
Title:
Development
of an Automated DNA Characterization Procedure for Use in DNA
Microarray Preparation
Student: Rebecca Parsley, Pellissippi Community College
Program: CCI
Mentor:
Mitchel Doktycz, Life Sciences Division, ORNL
Abstract:
Detection and quantification of small amounts of DNA, such as PCR
products, are extremely important in a wide variety of biological
applications. A problem frequently encountered while attempting a gene
expression analysis or the quantitation of a PCR amplification yield
is the unreliable automation of experiments. The inaccurate data
occurs because there are often variances in the amounts and/or
concentrations of the samples. Therefore, an automated quantitation of
probes for use in DNA microarrays was attempted using a Packard
MultiPROBE II EX (MPII) robotic liquid handling system and a Perkin
Elmer HT Soft 7000 Plus Bio Assay Reader. A standard curve that was
comprised of known concentrations of DNA was first obtained through
hand pipetting. This standard curve was then prepared using automated
procedures on the MPII with a known amount of a fluorescent
intercalating dye called picogreen. Precise readings of the liquid’s
fluorescence yielded a standard curve. Refinement of the procedure
produced a reliable standard curve that allows for the determination
of PCR products? concentrations by correlating the fluorescent
readings with those of the standards. This achievement was significant
in that the automated quantitation of the PCR amplification yields
will allow for the rapid characterization of the large numbers of PCR
products needed to prepare high density DNA arrays.
Title: Determination of
Microsatellite Marker Polymorphisms on Chromosome Chr) 15 Between
C57BL/6J (B6) and 129X1/SvJ Strains of Inbred Mice
Student: Matthew Millus, Southwestern Community College
Program:
CCI
Mentor:
Yun You, Life Sciences Division, ORNL
Abstract:
Microsatellites, known as simple-sequence repeats (SSRs) or simple
sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs), are short, repetitive DNA
sequences. They consist of 2 or 4 base pairs repeated 10 to 100 times
that are flanked by unique sequences. They have been found throughout
the genome of different inbred mouse strains. The most common SSRs
found in the mouse genome are comprised of a CA dimer repeated in
tandem. They are highly polymorphic in the number of repeating units
among different inbred mouse strains, and are useful for genotyping
and chromosome mapping. SSR length data exists for many different
strains of inbred mice, only scattered data was available for the 129
strains at present. Polymorphisms on Chr 15 from 26.4cM to 55.7cM (centiMogan)
were analyzed between B6 and 129X1/SvJ strain of inbred mice utilizing
Chr 15 SSR markers. A hybrid F1 (C57BL/6J X 129X1/SvJ)embryonic stem
(ES) cell line was used to confirm results and to identify any
preferential PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification of B6 or
129X1/SvJ DNA. The results of the PCRs were visualized by ethidium
bromide following agarose gel electrophoresis. 49 markers were tested,
15 demonstrated polymorphisms between B6 and 129X1/SvJ strains, 2
failed to produce results and the remaining 32 do not indicate
polymorphisms on agarose gel. Data will be subsequently used to map
deletions on the distal half of mouse Chromosome 15. A DNA targeting
vector for the calcium channel beta subunit 3 (Cacnb3, xx cM on Chr
15) was developed to create deletion complexes centered at the Cacnb3
locus on the distal portion of Chr 15. Polymorphic markers tested
above will be used to determine the size of deletions.
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MATERIALS
SCIENCE
Title: The Effect of Cr
Content and H2O Vapor on High Temperature Oxidation of Fe-Cr Model
Alloys
Student: Jessica Schenning,
University of South Florida
Program: ERULF
Mentor: Bruce Pint, Metals
and Ceramics Division, ORNL
Abstract:
The oxidation behavior of most stainless steels is a function of their
chromium (Cr) content. In order to improve gas turbine engine
efficiency these alloys are being used at higher operating
temperatures and in more aggressive oxidizing environments. The
oxidation performance of model Fe-Cr alloys was examined to determine
the effect of water vapor (found in exhaust gas) on the minimum Cr
content necessary to form a protective, Cr-rich external oxide scale.
Samples of Fe with 10%-20% by wt. of Cr were exposed to temperatures
from 700*C to 900*C and were oxidized in both dry air and air + 10%
H2O. The experiments were conducted in 100h cycles, up to 500h, as
well as in one hour cycles, up to 100h. It was found that H2O greatly
accelerates oxidation attack. Higher Cr levels were required to form
the protective surface in air + H2O than in dry air.
Title: X-Ray Diffraction on
Paper Mill Tubes
Student: Karina Ulloa, University of Texas, Brownsville
Program: ERULF
Mentor:
James Keiser, Materials and Ceramics Division, ORNL
Abstract:
The work presented in this paper is a subset of a much larger project.
It is a collaboration between ORNL, IPST, PAPRICAN, and Pulp and Paper
industry. Industry investigates cracking in composite tubes used in
Kraft recovery boilers. The focus of the larger project is to
understand why cracking occurs in stainless steel clad carbon steel
tubes. The focus of this paper is to investigate the residual stresses
in the stainless steel clad layer and how commonly used tube cleaning
processes affect residual stresses. Specifically x-ray diffraction
will be used to measure residual stresses in stainless steel cladding
for each of the following conditions: as removed from the boiler;
after being cleaned with a wire wheel; and after being cleaned using a
flapper wheel. This data will be analyzed to help determine why
cracking occurs and how to prevent cracking in future tubes.
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PHYSICS
Title: Designing
a LabVIEW Program to Determine the Electrical Properties of New
Superconducting Materials.
Student: Jennifer Tobin, Albion College
Program: ERULF
Mentor: David Christen, Solid State Division, ORNL
Abstract:
Superconductivity has the ability to revolutionize the distribution of
energy in the form of electrical power. The negligible resistance in
superconductive materials makes them much more efficient than existent
materials as carriers of electricity. Presently materials found to be
superconductive do so at low temperatures (near or below the boiling
temperature of liquid nitrogen, 77K). A cryocooler is a mechanical
device with the ability to reach and maintain these low temperatures
using compressed helium gas. In a cryocooler, superconductivity was
measured through a four terminal reading on the sample (current,
voltage, voltage, current). LabVIEW (a graphical programming language)
was used to develop a program to control the temperature, evaluate the
amount of current applied to and forced through the superconductive
film sample and measure the voltage across the sample. These values
were stored in LabVIEW, were transformed into resistance readings and
stored in data files. The program was customized to provide a
sufficient density of recorded and plotted values during the abrupt
resistance decrease that occurs at the superconducting transition
temperature, Tc, below which the resistance is zero. Data were taken
for a thin film sample of irradiated Hg1212/LaAlO3 that yielded a Tc
of 113.142 K when cooling and a Tc of 114.015 when warming due to
thermal hysteresis. When compared to data of the sample before
radiation, it was found that resistance had increased in the
irradiated sample at comparable temperatures. The Tc was lowered after
radiation from 117.55 to 113.142.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES/EDUCATION
Title: Development
of Educational Materials for fueleconomy.gov.
Student: Rebecca Brockwell, Florida State University
Program: PST
Mentor:
David Greene, Energy Division, ORNL
Abstract:
The Internet is becoming a more popular resource for educators. One of
the biggest challenges for those using the Internet in the classroom
is the lack of easily accessible curriculum that utilizes the current
data available on the web. Science Educators are being encouraged by
the National Science Education Standards to encourage students to
consider science as a part of the larger society and as a means to
consider societal problems. As a result of this new thrust, more
schools are adding environmental studies as a part of the science
curriculum. A website, fueleconomy.gov has been developed by DOE to
provide up to date information for consumers about vehicle energy use
and greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. The site allows consumers
to research the fuel economy of cars from model year 1985 to present.
An educational module including a lab activity was developed for the
website to encourage students to consider the impact personal vehicle
choices have on the production of greenhouse gasses. The students
calculate the greenhouse gasses produced by their own vehicle. They
then move outside the classroom to examine vehicle exhaust. By
collecting exhaust in a plastic bag and using the collected gases to
extinguish a candle, students are able to visualize the vast
quantities of oxygen depleted gasses vehicles produce. Students are
encouraged to consider the impact of personal and group choices on the
environment. The Web pages will be monitored to determine the
popularity of the new materials.
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TRANSPORTATION
Title:
Performance Based Brake
Testing: A Quantitative Analysis of Break Wear in the Trucking
Industry
Student:
Amanda Blagg, Pensacola
Christian College
Program:
SULI
Mentor: Gary Capps,
Engineering Science and Technology Division, ORNL
Abstract:
To date, little is known about brake performance of commercial motor
vehicles within the United States. However, since faulty brakes are a
primary cause of collisions in the trucking industry and since brakes
present a significant cost to trucking companies, brake life and wear
are of great interest to the transportation community. This project
seeks to investigate brake performance quantitatively, in contrast
with the current method of visual inspection. A Performance Based
Brake Tester (PBBT) has been installed at the Greene County Weigh
Station in Tennessee for the purpose of assessing brake force and
brake wear over the life of new brakes used in various industries. It
uses in-ground roller dynamometers to objectively evaluate braking
force of each wheel end. Since brake force is proportional to vehicle
weight, artificial axle loading (AAL) will provide constant loads for
data analysis. In this experiment, AAL will increase each axle load to
80% Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) through a hydraulically operated
hook. In order to determine wear over brake life, aftermarket brake
drums and shoes will be supplied to four industry partners who
maintain fleets of class-8 vehicles. Tankers, dry-box vans, dump
trucks, and motor coaches will be tested in order to provide data in
each category. Each vehicle will be tested on a PBBT over the brake
life, which may range from 8 to 18 months, at regular intervals, which
will vary from weekly to monthly dependent on the type of truck. The
PBBT will collect real-world data such as vehicle weight, brake force,
AAL, brake-line air pressure, and eccentricity of brake drums; while
the researcher will record registration numbers and vehicle mileage
and oversee the test. The researcher will also measure thickness of
brake pads with a caliper and the ovality of brake drums with a
digital indicator before and after the testing period to determine
performance as a function of wear. I wrote the test plan for the
experiment, incorporating information about the partners, the test
procedure for the PBBT, and equipment used to make initial
measurements of eccentricity. The results from this experiment will
provide a previously unavailable performance curve for brakes across
several industries, and will lay groundwork for future studies in
which the PBBT may be utilized as a diagnostic tool for faulty brakes.
Title: Wireless Roadside Inspection Proof
of Concept Test
Student: Mary Beth Lascurain, Pensacola Christian College
Program: SULI
Mentor: Gary Capps, Engineering Science and Technology
Division, ORNL
Abstract:
Safety inspections are performed on commercial vehicles to promote
safety on the roadways; however, over half of all these inspections
detect safety violations. The use of a wireless inspection method
could dramatically increase the number of safety inspections to at
least the number of weight inspections by checking driver licensing,
medical card, carrier, and weight information without requiring the
driver to stop. Routine inspections could then supplement wireless
inspections by investigating further trucks with questionable wireless
inspection data and trucks randomly selected for hands-on inspection.
The implementation of such a system in the infrastructure must be
preceded by a proof of concept test to determine the feasibility,
effectiveness, and limitations of the wireless inspection method.
Information required for a wireless inspection will be provided by a
system from PeopleNet, a private-industry manufacturer of electronic
on-board recorders used to keep hours-of-service records for
commercial vehicle drivers. “Back-office” information including driver
information, vehicle inspection records, and other pertinent data is
added to information from the on-board unit and packaged into a Safety
Data Message Set (SDMS). Another data acquisition system (DAS) will
collect similar data using the eDAQ-lite data acquisition unit for
information from the vehicle data bus (including axle weights from an
Air-Weigh unit), as well as the VBOX III for GPS-related data. Driver
and carrier data will be kept on file in a computer where driver
status changes will be entered. Together, the files from these systems
will be used to check the accuracy of the SDMS generated by the
PeopleNet system. The SDMS generated by the PeopleNet system will be
sent wirelessly via TechnoCom Multi-band Configurable Network Units (MCNUs).
The inspection data will be displayed on a computer located at the
roadside or in an enforcement vehicle. The SDMS received from the
commercial vehicle will be supplemented with data on file in the
support computers and displayed using a graphical user interface.
Transmission and display of an eight-day driving record for the driver
will also be transmitted to permit verification of adherence to hours
of service regulations. Wireless transmission will be tested at
varying antenna heights, truck-to-antenna orientations, and relative
speeds between the transmitter and receiver. Results and their
implications will be presented.
Title: VDT’s Application to Hazmat
Transportation
Student: Bryce Hudey, University of South Florida, Tampa,
Florida
Program: SULI
Mentor: H. E. (Bill) Knee, Engineering Science and Technology
Division, ORNL
Abstract:
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a goal of
minimizing the threat of domestic terrorism in the United States.
Efforts associated with this goal involve the consideration of
Hazardous Material (Hazmat) shipments and their potential use in
terrorist activities. Their volatile cargos can prove extremely lethal
if vehicle control is forfeited to a malicious individual. The
technological ability to prevent and/or minimize the operation of a
truck by an unauthorized individual is termed Vehicle Disabling
Technology (VDT). Recently, in a House of Representatives Conference
Report, testing and evaluation of VDTs to assess their contribution to
safety and security of Hazmat carriers was endorsed. It was suggested
that testing and evaluation of VDTs be conducted by the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in order to generate “best
practices” for the use of such technologies in the Hazmat transport
industry. Because the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was
establishing a Roadside Testing Laboratory (RTL) for FMCSA, ORNL was
requested to support FMCSA in this endeavor. Initial efforts involved
the identification of fourteen vendors in North America that provide
one or more VDT functional requirements: vehicle disablement if the
vehicle senses an unauthorized driver, vehicle disablement in the
event of a loss of signal, remote vehicle disablement by the driver,
the dispatcher, or law enforcement. VDTs identified spanned relatively
simple lockout devices which prevented a truck from being started or
would not disengage the brakes, to technologies which would provide
safe remote shutdown of a vehicle even when traveling at highway
speeds. Information about the VDTs was gathered via a questionnaire,
and telephone conversations. Visits with the vendors are planned in
addition to gathering data from customers of the VDT vendors. A review
of “best practices” documents led to the development of a “best
practices” outline which will be utilized as a basis for discussions
with VDT vendors and vendor customers. Vendor-based demonstrations of
the technologies mounted on vendor-owned vehicle platforms will also
be provided. Additional data will be gathered through visits to vendor
owned laboratories, and independent laboratory testing at ORNL. The
data gathered from demonstrations, tests and questionnaires, in
addition to feedback provided by Hazmat safety and security
stakeholders will provide the foundation for the primary result of
this study, a “best practices” document.
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