Sandia LabNews

Material helps extinguish solar panel fires before they ignite

Sandia researchers have spent 10 years working with Guardian Sensors Inc. to understand hazardous arc faults that can spark fires in solar panels. That work has led to the development of electrical in-line connectors that automatically predict and prevent arc faults before they can ignite electrical fires.

Flight tests to show B61-12 compatibility with new USAF fighter jet

A mock B61-12’s strike in the dusty Nevada desert successfully completed the first in a series of flight tests with the U.S. Air Force’s newest fighter jet, demonstrating the bomb’s first release from an internal bomb bay at greater than the speed of sound.

Sandia secures six regional technology transfer awards

Sandia has won six prestigious regional Federal Laboratory Consortium awards this year for responding with innovative solutions during the pandemic, developing solar cell and hydrogen research technology and creatively working with companies.

Sandia hosts Education With Industry officer

With the resiliency and determination that earned her the U.S. Air Force call sign “Fenix,” Capt. Justine Wolff is using her position as an Education With Industry student at Sandia to better herself and the Air Force.

Remembering Paul Cooper

Paul Cooper, one of the world’s foremost explosives experts, passed away recently at the age of 83. Paul retired from Sandia in 2012, but his explosives research, seminal textbook and mentorship of future scientists lives on at the Labs and in other organizations internationally.

Women @ Energy features Sandra Begay

Sandia systems engineer Sandra Begay has been recognized for her accomplishments by DOE’s Women @ Energy: STEM Rising website, which honors women in STEM fields throughout the DOE complex.

Honoring those who served

Hundreds attended Sandia’s Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 12. The virtual ceremony honored the achievements and sacrifices of Sandia’s veterans, active military personnel, guardsmen, reservists and their families.

Renewed base support agreement sharpens Sandia’s emergency management focus

As part of some changes to Sandia’s emergency management program this year, a new agreement has been signed with Kirtland Air Force Base. The agreement shifts key emergency response capabilities, like incident command, hazardous materials, technical rescue and others, to Kirtland Fire Emergency Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Overcoming COVID fatigue

Sandians are proving to be adaptable and flexible as they pivot in response to near-daily changes caused by the pandemic. After more than eight months of changes, there is a new name for what we’re experiencing — COVID fatigue. How we choose to react will affect our personal health, our mission at Sandia and the timing of the virus’s eventual defeat.

Records fall in 2020 Do-It-Yourself DOE Mile

Ten labs across the DOE complex joined in the fourth annual DOE Mile, using a virtual DIY format this year. More than 870 runners and walkers, including spouses and dependents, participated in the event.