Publications

Articles in this issue include ``Molten salt corrosion testing,`` ``Pulsed ion beams for thermal surface treatment: Improved corrosion, wear, and hardness properties at low cost,`` ``Unmasking hidden armaments: Superconducting gravity sensor could find underground weapons, bunkers,`` ``Charbroiled burgers, heterocyclic amines, and cancer: Molecular modeling identifies dangerous mutagens,`` ``Revolutionary airbag offers increased safety options,`` ``EcoSys{sup TM}: an expert system for `Green Design` ``, ``Sandia, salt, and oil: Labs` diagnostics and analysis help maintain vital US oil reserve,`` and ``Automated fixture design speeds development for prototypes and production``.

Inside Sandia, published every other month, presents technological advances made at Sandia National Laboratories. The articles in IS will cover a wide range of technologies that have been developed at Sandia. Some of the areas that will receive a good deal of attention in these pages include information sciences, manufacturing and robotics, environmental science, energy research, transportation technology, and biomedical engineering. All of this work is done to further Sandia National Laboratories` missions in defense, energy, and environmental research, and technology transfer.

Sandia National Laboratories is one of the Department of Energy`s primary research and development laboratories. Our essential mission is to support the national interests of the US in defense, energy, and the environment. Managed by Martin Marietta Corporation for DOE, Sandia focuses its resources on problems of national interest that require the integration of science and technology for their solution. We all hope that this period of sweeping alterations in international affairs will result in a successful transition from the Cold War to a period of sustainable global security and prosperity. In the meantime, our nation`s interests are best served by continued commitment to Sandia`s traditional responsibilities. Nonetheless, as momentous developments are reshaping the world, Sandia is also changing from its beginning as a closed operation concentrating on classified defense programs, Sandia has become a more accessible resource that focuses on research and development partnerships with industry and universities as a way to ensure continued success in DOE`s evolving core mission area of nuclear weapons, energy, environment, and the basis sciences. Through these collaborative efforts, Sandia and its partners are also benefiting the economic competitiveness of our nation. Sandia places a special emphasis on working with small businesses as both technology transfer partners and suppliers of goods and services. We are also reaching out the the larger community surrounding Sandia, striving to provide technological solution and accurate information to meet community needs. We believe that the dialogue we are creating will benefit Sandia, the community, and the nation. Our goal is to render `` exceptional service in the national interest`` by returning maximum value on the investment in the labs. As you review this document, look for new ways in which Sandia can contribute to the solution of problems facing our nation.

Inside this issue is a farewell to Testing Technology message from technical advisor, Ruth David. Also included are articles on: Testing the I-40 bridge over the Rio Grande, simulated reactor meltdown studies, an inexpensive monitor for testing integrated circuits, testing of antihelicoptor mines, and quality assurance on aircraft inspection.

This Sandia publication seeks to facilitate technology exchange with industries, universities, and government agencies. It presents brief highlights of four projects. First is a project to simulate the use of airbags to soften the landing of a probe on Mars. Second is the use of a computer simulation system to facilitate the testing of designs for different experiments, both for experimental layout and results analysis. Third is the development of a system for in-house testing of batteries and capacitive energy storage systems, for deployment at the manufacturing sites, as opposed to final use areas. Finally is information on a noncontact measurement system which can be used to determine axes on objects of different shapes, with high precision.

Inside this issue various short articles on current testing technology research at Sandia National Laboratories. New techniques of imaging currents in integrated circuits are described. Geomaterials testing is improved with true axial loading under high pressure. Pyroshock simulation tests electronics for space and defense. Insulated cameras get pictures of extremely hot burning fuels. Solar cell testing is improved via spectral response and laser scanning. And missile launching accomplishments are presented.

This bulletin presents state of the art testing technology utilized at Sandia National Laboratory. A hand-held NiCad battery tester automatically checks batteries of individual cells. Modal analysis shows the way to better process control for integrated circuit lithography. An ultrasonic system pings reentry vehicles to measure in-flight ablation. A smaller VISAR shines in detonator tests. Higher image quality is achieved at neutron radiography facility with the use of a neutron collimator.

This bulletin from Sandia Laboratories presents current research on testing technology. Fiber optics systems at the Nevada Test Site is replacing coaxial cables. The hypervelocity launcher is being used to test orbital debris impacts with space station shielding. A digital recorder makes testing of high-speed water entries possible. Automobile engine design is aided by an instrumented head gasket that detects the combustion zone. And composite-to-metal strength and fatigue tests provide new data on joint failures in wind turbine joint tests.

This report highlights the following topics: Photon Correlation Spectroscopy--a new application in jet fuel analysis, Testing news in brief; Solar test facility supports space station research; Shock isolation technique developed for piezoresistive accelerometer; High-speed photography captures Distant Image measurements; and, Radiation effects test revised for CMOS electronics.