C1189 Lab News 01 31 97

12 Pages·14.4 MB·English

National Institute of
Justice na111es Sandia a
satellite facility
Labs to appraise law enforcement technologies
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is announcing this week that it
has named Sandia a satellite facility to support the Institute's multidisci•
plinary science and technology development program. NIJ is the research
and development branch of the US Department of Justice for state and
local law enforcement and corrections.
The official announcement was to be made Thursday afternoon by
Rep. Steve Schiff (R-N.M.) and David Boyd, Director of NIJ's Office of
Science and Technology, in a news conference at Sandia.
Demonstrations of a bomb-disabling device developed at Sandia and
of a Sandia-developed walk-through explosives detection portal were
planned. Both technologies represent the kinds of expertise Sandia will
bring to its work as a NIJ Satellite Facility. Sandia President C. Paul
BETTER AIRPORT SECURITY-Kevin Linker (5848) examines a Sandia walk-through portal
Robinson and Executive VP John Crawford were expected to be on hand.
that will be used in airports to detect minute traces of explosives on airline passengers.
Sandia facilities and technical expertise will be focused on three areas When an individual enters the portal, air is blown over his or her body and is drawn into a
for this new work: 1) testing and evaluating proposed and existing tech• preconcentrator, which concentrates about 800 liters of air into a 2-liter sample. The
nology and equipment for state and local law enforcement and correc• sample is then analyzed in an ion mobility spectrometer that can identify small quantities
tions; 2) researching and developing related activities to support law of organic compounds like explosives. The preconcentrator technology can be adapted to
enforcement "special teams" such as SWAT and bomb squads; and 3) support other detection needs such as chemical and biological agents, narcotics, and land
supporting NIJ's Rocky Mountain Regional Center in Denver in explosives mines. The work is funded by the Federal Aviation Administration and DOE's Office of
(Continued on page 5) Safeguards and Security. (Photo by Randy Montoya)
Media seek scientific
perspectives on TWA -
Flight BOO crash
questions
Vol. 49, No. 2 January 31, 1997
By John German
Could a meteor down a jetliner? Did a gas
bubble rise from the ocean floor, explode, and
take down TWA Flight 800 last July?
As the six-month-old tragedy near Long
Island, N.Y., remains unresolved, and as some of
the most obvious explanations for the accident go
unconfirmed, the local and national media have
turned to Sandia scientists in recent weeks for
their opinions about a pair of less-than-conven•
tional theories about the crash.
Two weeks ago, Albuquerque Tribune science
reporter Larry Spohn interviewed physicist and
impact specialist Mark Boslough (9232) about the
plausibility of a theory presented by TWA in
response to lawsuits filed by the families of some
of the 230 people killed in the accident: that a
meteor collided with
Legally, a
the 74 7 and caused
the explosion.
meteor impact
Legally, a meteor
impact would would consti-
constitute an "act of
tute an "act of
God" beyond TWA's
control and might
God" beyond
relieve the airline of
liability. TWA's control
Mark-whose
and might
explanations in
recent months of relieve the air•
seemingly incongru•
GOODBYE SANDIA-After 21 years at the Labs, Elsie Yeppa (right) of Printing and Duplicating Dept. 12617
ous meteor sightings line of liability.
turned over her Sandia badge jan. 23 to her friend and former co-worker, Debbie Leon of Personnel Security
over the western US
Dept. 7437. Elsie is one of 57 Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP) recipients to have left Sandia
(Lab News, Oct. 25, 1996) have earned him ink in
since jan. 16. So far, the VSIP requests of more than 287 employees have been approved, and Sandia's
newspapers across the country-told Spohn he
Human Resources team still has applications to sort through. Sandia's goal is to eliminate all 448 impacted
positions without layoffs; in all, 325 impacted and 21 7 nonimpacted employees submitted VSIP requests. doubts a meteor could have been responsible for
Separation dates for departing VSIPers extend through April17. Although Elsie said goodbye tearfully, the accident.
she's looking forward to her retirement. She says her plans may include making pottery at her home in jemez He said so many variables would have to be
Pueblo. Karen Gillings of Staffing Dept. 3535 says HR will have a better idea about the need to begin Phase 3 considered in such a computation -including
of Sandia's Workforce Realignment Plan, the "60-day period for placement of surplus employees," in coming the number of commercial flights per year, the
weeks. See the Feb. 14 Lab News for more information. (Photo by Randy Montoya) area those planes cover at any given time, and the
rarity of meteors surviving burn-up in the upper
atmosphere-that the odds of a meteor hitting a
jetliner would be something like one-in-a-billion.
4 Other scientists, including meteorologist Douglas
United Way thanks Sandians for 13 years of generous giving
ReVelle of Los Alamos National Laboratory, are
skeptical of the meteor theory as well.
6 Still, Mark acknowledged, the possibility of a
Labs gets three 1996 DOE Basic Energy Sciences awards
meteor collision does exist; hundreds of witnesses
reported seeing a streak or streaks of light near the
7 plane just before the explosion.
Collaborative work with US universities tops $57 million
Spohn's Jan. 16 article was syndicated by
(Continued on page 4)
Sandia Perspectives
7his&1hat
1997 booklet presents
up-to-date view of Labs
Our feminine side - Pat Rosario (2600) says her center recently
received a piece of junk mail hyping a frequent-traveler program, A new publication, Sandia Perspectives 1997,
addressed to Ms. Sandia Laboratories, with the greeting "Dear Ms. will be available soon, including on the Web. The
Laboratories." And Phyllis Owens (3526) got mail addressed to her at glossy, 28-page, 10xl1-inch booklet, illustrated
with striking photographs of Sandia work, is
Sandra Laks, with the greeting "Dear Phyllis and Sandra."
intended to serve stakeholders and potential cus•
* * *
tomers as an "annual report," outlining Sandia's
What's on Sandians' minds? -As space permits, we publish Feedback
mission, direction, and capabilities as a national
questions and answers in the Lab News, but keep in mind that everyone
security lab.
with access to Sandia's Internal Web can see all current and archived Intermingled throughout are "success stories"
Feedbacks at http://www-irn.sandia.gov/corpdata/feedback/fbindex.html or on projects such as Sandia's work with Goodyear
by going to the. Communications page and clicking on Feedback. You' 11 and on the Precision Fabrics airbag. Also included
find several interesting ones there now. Call Feedback coordinator Janet in a built-in folder in the back are six fact sheets
on robotics and intelligent machines, materials
Carpenter (12640) at 844-7841 if you need more info about the program.
research and development, advanced manufac•
* * *
turing, scientific computing, user facilities, and
Worth a special trip -Many Sandians don't go into Bldg. 802 often
doing business with Sandia.
through the Bldg. 800 entry (I do, of course, since I often go to the Additional fact sheets will be added in the
executive offices to offer free advice and counsel), but it's now worth future. For more information call Sandy Small•
a special trip. An interesting, attractive photo exhibit has been in wood (12680) at 844-4902. Look for the brochure
place in the hallway between the buildings for several months, showing on the Web about mid February at
http:// www.sandia.gov /SandiaPerspectives.
Sandia's historical highlights and technical capabilities. The project
The booklet was produced by a team from Busi~
was coordinated by Mike Lanigan (12680) and executed by Mike Clough and
ness Communications and Planning Dept. 12680,
Alice Baltz (both 12615), supported by several other folks in Creative
Creative Arts Dept.l2615, and Employee Commu•
Arts Dept. 12615 with input from contributors throughout the Labs.
nications and Media Relations Dept. 12640.
* * *
Better bumper sticker - I mentioned in the last issue that this
bumper sticker seems made for Albuquerque: "Forget World Peace.
Visualize Using Your Turn Signal." Lorraine Solanos (10231) suggests a
slight wording change. "Begin World Peace. Use Your Turn Signal." A
modest beginning, perhaps, but it would certainly make me feel better.
* * *
Overpriced in all sizes- While I'm talking about one pet peeve, I
may as well mention another one: the major theatre chain that requires
its concession-stand workers to ask this question after we order a soft
drink: "Do you know you can get a medium [or large] for only a quarter
more?" I really want to reply, "Of course I know it. That big sign
behind you lists the prices, and I learned to read years before you were
born!" But I realize the kids behind the counter are trying to make an
honest buck and can probably get canned if they don't follow
instructions, so I usually just say, "No thanks." If this outfit would
stop this annoying practice, I might even stop sneaking my sack of
microwave popcorn into the movies. Might.
-Larry Perrine (845-8511, MS 0129, [email protected])
You are invited to suggest topics for February Labs Accomplishments coming
employee dialogue sessions in Feb. 14 Lab News
It's that time of year again. If all goes as
Labs Director Paul Robinson invites Sandians mously if you prefer). planned, the next issue of the Lab News (Feb. 14)
to suggest topics they would like to hear discussed The main topics Paul will discuss will be will be our annual Labs Accomplishments issue.
at the next employee dialogue sessions Feb. 24, announced in the next Lab News. We are putting together a 12-page center section
26, and 27. The dialogue schedule: summarizing Sandia's top accomplishments in
Employees may submit suggested topics and • Monday, Feb. 24, 3-4 p.m., BDM Bldg. FY96. If you would like extra copies, please let us
questions via e-mail to Paul's assistant, Jane • Wednesday, Feb. 26, 8:30-9:30 and 10-11 a.m., know as soon as possible.
Elson, at [email protected], or to his secre• Technology Transfer Center (Bldg. 825)
tary, Deanne Schwartz, at [email protected]; • Thursday, Feb. 27, 8:30-9:30 and 10-11 a.m.,
suggested topics and questions can be sent via Bldg. 904 Auditorium at Sandia/California STATE OF THE SECTOR
regular mail to either one at MS 0101 (anony-
fjJ Feedback MA_R_T~
l 0 C ICH IE IE D
Sandia LabNews Q: Since Sandia is saving money by putting a sin• AI Narath
gle copy of things like the Harvard Health Letter President
online, how about buying a few more subscriptions Lockheed Martin
and putting them online too? I would like to see Har• Energy/Environment Sector
Sandia National Laboratories
vard Women's Health Watch made available.
An Equal Opportunity Employer A: We have recently learned that the Harvard Wednesday, Feb. 5
http:/ /www.sandia.gov Women's Health Watch is now available for the 8:30-9:30 a.m.
purchase of an online license for Sandia's Web.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-0165 We have requested pricing information from Har• Technology Transfer Center
Livermore, California 94550-0969
vard and then will evaluate whether the Benefits Bldg. 825
Tonopah, Nevada • Nevada Test Site • Amarillo, Texas
and Medical Services Center budget will allow us Sandia National Labs, Albuquerque
to acquire this publication.
Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory oper•
ated by Sandia Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lockheed -Larry Cievenger, M.D. (3300) Also teleconferenced live to
Martin Corp_. and a prime contractor to the US Dept. of Energy. Sandia/California
Q: When I use e-mail, I have the option of look• CRF Auditorium, 7:30-8:30 a.m. PST
Ken Frazier, Editor ..................................... 505/844-6210 ing up mailing addresses in my own personal address
Barry Schrader, California site contact ...... 510/294-2447 directory. It would be nice ifw e had a similar feature All Sandia employees are invited.
Lob News fax ............................................. 505/844-0645 on the Web for frequently contacted people.
A: The 3.0 version of the Netscape browser Come hear Sandia's former President
Published Fortnightly on Fridays by
supports personal address books. The feature is discuss his new Sector responsibilities, recent
-
Emplo><' Comm""kaUo"' DopL 12~0, MS 01~
found on the menu bar-Window/A ddress Sector activities, and their impact on Sandia.
book. You will note that it looks and acts a lot like Contact: Jerry Langheim, 843-4023
lOCKHEED MARTIN
bookmarks. - Paul Merillat (4 800)
SANDIA LAB NEWS • january 31, 1997 • Page 3
Co-op student completes a working prototype of
airborne radiometer for climate models
Engineering intern wraps up Sandia work on unique instrument
By Nancy Garcia broad range of activities, ranging from a week•
long computer class in the design software Pro
California Reporter
Engineer to a lot of hands-on fabrication. "I really
Doug Parker is leaving his six-month cooper• enjoyed coming out here," Doug says about the
ative work-study program at Sandia with the satis• hands-on experience. "It was nice to finish some•
faction of having completed a working prototype thing and see it come together. I learned a ton
for an outside customer. this summer."
The prototype he was preparing to ship out as Alongside his department co-worker Dan
his assignment finished in December mounts Trujillo, Doug and members of Sandia's machine
onto the wing of an unmanned aerial vehicle to shop built the prototype, riveting joints and
measure solar radiation. The customer, Scripps hammer-forming ribs with direction from San•
Institution of Oceanography, will use it to study dian Dave Neustel, a member of Dept. 2254 who
global warming. learned to work with sheet metal in his previous
The instruments are expected to be deployed job in Sandia's Sheet Metal Shop.
on a high-altitude unmanned aircraft, possibly "We got to build our own design," says
next fall, Doug says. Rafael. "Everybody got to see a product from start
The radiometer mount design was initially to finish, from conceptual design through testing
formulated by two other Sandians in his depart• a prototype. You don't get to do that very often."
ment-Hal Radloff and Rafael Davalos of
Data for climate models
Advanced Weapon Systems Engineering Dept.
2254. Their unique design allows the instruments Keeping the year-long effort within the rela•
to rotate without a motor, using aerodynamics. tively small budget was challenging, Rafael says.
A control surface provides lift to turn the Other challenges included designing for a rela•
_,
four-foot boom, which houses two radiometers, tively harsh environment. The high-altitude air•
one at each end. A brake fixes the position. An craft experiences temperatures as low as minus 65
aerodynamic analysis by Walt Wolfe (9116) degrees Fahrenheit, but the device actuators do
showed this design would function. not function below minus 40 F, so the team
added postage-stamp-sized, low-watt heating pads
One instrument set, two directions
beside the actuators. The radiometer is mounted
With this design, one set of instruments takes on a four-foot-long boom so the instrument can GETTING READY - Doug Parker prepares the
radiometer for a wind tunnel test. The instrument
measurements alternately in two directions, "see" clear sky without obstruction from the air•
mounts onto the wing of an unmanned aerial vehicle
toward the sun and toward the ground. Using a craft. Also, the instrument package had to keep
to measure solar radiation from the ground and sun.
single set of instruments permits accurate calcula• deflections due to aerodynamic loading below
tions of how much solar energy is radiated away one-tenth of a degree, so it was designed as a stiff
from Earth by eliminating any calibration errors. airfoil shape.
jeff Spooner of Control Subsystems Dept. Now Scripps scientists plan to rely on the Sandia
2338 devised the control system. The control sys• radiometers to obtain data for climate models. CaliforniaN ews
tem, boom, and drive assembly were tested in Shelly Pope, a Scripps atmospheric scientist and
autumn 1996 at Texas A&M University's wind co-principal investigator with Francisco Valero,
tunnel. Although he was nerve-wracked at first, will use the device for experiments similar to the ground and sun with a single rotating radiome•
"the tunnel test was very cool," Doug says. "They those conducted by the Atmospheric Radiation ter eliminates systematic error or bias inherent in a
worked pretty well." Carole Le Gall (2254) helped Modeling-Unmanned Aerospace Vehicle Program pair of fixed, calibrated instruments, she says. The
acquire data during the tests. that took place in fall1996 at DOE's Cloud and calibration uncertainty may be only 1 percent, but
Doug is entering his senior year of mechani• Radiation Testbed site in Oklahoma. Pope partici• eliminating the need to calibrate a fixed pair of
cal engineering studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic pated in the most recent experiments there along upward-and downward-facing radiometers by
Institute in Troy, N.Y. The Vermont native wasn't with scientists from Sandia and other organiza• using a single one to measure in both directions
familiar with Sandia when he was invited to tions. "takes a small but finite number (the 1 percent
intern here. He ended up being exposed to a Calculating the net flux of solar radiation from uncertainty) and brings it to zero," she says.
Fusion research manager honored by DOE
;;;...·
Ken Wilson is fifth Sandi an to receive 'Distinguished Associate' award
Ken Wilson, Manager of Surface Chemistry Approved and
Dept. 8716, has received a Department of Energy signed by Secretary of
Distinguished Associate award for his pioneering Energy Hazel
work in fusion research. O'Leary, the citation
Ken has been studying the interaction of was presented by
materials with magnetic fusion plasmas - hot, Anne Davies, Associ•
ionized gases-since arriving at Sandia in 1974 ate Director for
with a PhD in materials science from Cornell Fusion Energy, at a
University. He currently manages the Magnetic Dec. 11 ceremony in
Fusion Energy program at Sandia. He is also a US Germantown, Md. It
Home Team manager for the International Ther• reads: "For your pio•
-
monuclear Experimental Reactor, a proposed neering research on
next-generation fusion energy device. the interactions of
"The award is really a recognition of Sandia's energetic plasmas
program in plasma-material interaction," Ken with materials, appli•
says. "Sandia has become world-recognized as a cation of this
leader in this area of research." research to magnetic
Sandia has developed materials that resist fusion plasmas, and
plasma degradation. They have been used in leadership in design
fusion energy devices around the world. Sandia and R&D for critical
has also developed improved ways to remove in-vessel components
heat from reaction vessels in which hot plasmas and systems for the
are contained by magnetic fields. Magnetic International Ther• HONORED- Mike Dyer, Director of Materials and Engineering Sciences Center
fusion creates energy by fusing light nuclei into monuclear Experi• 8700, left, reads the citation on the DOE Distinguished Associate Award issued to
heavier atoms in a process similar to the reaction mental Reactor." Ken Wilson, right.
that powers the sun. The award is the
"In magnetic fusion," Ken says, "the plasma highest non-monetary award for employees of of material-plasma interaction," Ken remarked at
slowly leaks through the magnetic 'bottle' and DOE-owned, contractor-operated facilities. Ken an award celebration in Livermore earlier this
reacts with the walls of the vessel. This affects the is the fifth Sandian to receive a DOE Distin• month, "and found a career passion in this new
fusion reaction in the plasma and the lifetime of guished Associate award. research area." -
the walls of the vessel." "I had my first assignment in the new field - Nancy Garcia
SANDIA LAB NEWS • january 31, 1997 • Page 4
Sandia employees recognized by United
A letter to all Sandians
Way for 13 years of S1 -million-plus giving Dear Sandians,
I'm writing you this special message to
United Way of Central New Mexico honored ECP campaign last October. Seventy-five percent of express how proud I am of your extraordi•
Sandia employees with a special recognition Sandia employees currently participate in ECP. nary generosity to the needy and under•
award at its annual Adobe Awards dinner jan. 15 Sandia was recognized with three other privileged in our community through your
at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Albuquerque. awards at the dinner: contributions over the years to Sandia's
Sandia employees received the special recognition • Employee Campaign Award, awarded to the Employee Contribution Plan.
for having raised more than $1 million a year for top three campaigns based on per capita giving United Way of Central New Mexico has
13 consecutive years through the Employee (Sandians give an average of $211 per person) recognized your efforts by presenting you
Contribution Plan (ECP). • Leadership Giving Award, for highest per• with a special award at its Adobe Awards
Executive Vice President john Crawford centage increase in the number of leadership · dinner on jan. 15. The award is in recogni•
accepted the award on behalf of Sandia employees givers ($500+) in a company tion of Sandians contributing more than $1
who raised $1.5 million in pledges during the 1996 • Cincuenta y Mas Corporate Adobe Award, million a year for the past 13 years to United
for corporate gifts of $50,000 to Way through ECP. In the recent campaign,
$99,999 (Lockheed Martin Corpo• you pledged $1.5 million despite uncertain
ration donated $60,000 on behalf economic times and fewer employees.
of Sandia) I am pleased that you have chosen to
Former shuttle astronaut and make your contributions in a meaningful
current Sandia employee Sid way, spending money and devoting effort
Gutierrez (2527), with the help of a where it is really needed -helping the less
Roswell"visitor" (ECP program fortunate among us. A child's smile, not a
administrator juanita Sanchez marble statue, is your reward. We are glad
[12650] posing as an extraterrestrial to see that, year after year, that appears to
alien), unfurled the banner be enough.
announcing the final1996 United With warm regards,
Way of Central New Mexico total
of $7,660,000 in 1996 pledges. C. Paul Robinson
Sandia pledges made up 19 percent
of that total.
"Raising a record $7.66 million President of Lockheed Martin Advanced Environ•
for the local community is a testa• mental Systems, Inc. and former Sandia Executive
ment to the generosity of the tens Vice President. "This outpouring of support will
THANKS FOR THE GENEROSITY-Executive VP John Crawford accepts of thousands of individuals and help provide local health and human service
a crystal structure special award from Breva Boda, Chairwoman of the companies who gave to United organizations with the funds to assist thousands
United Way of Central New Mexico Board of Directors, during the Way in 1996," says 1996 United of people living in central New Mexico."
United Way's annual Adobe Awards dinner Jan. 15. Way campaign chair jim Tegnelia, -Janet Carpenter
from which he says gas bubbles may have before the plane exploded.
TWA Flight 800
emerged, as well as cold gas clouds known to rise "I don't endorse [Dick's] theory," he says.
through the atmosphere occasionally. "But we have a lot of work to do before we can
(Continued from page 1) His theory has been submitted to the Federal rule it out. I think it's the only idea so far that
Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Aviation explains how that much explosive could have
Scripps Howard News Service and picked up by Administration (FAA), TWA, and the Navy. As of gotten up there."
several newspapers across the country. Lab News press time Wednesday, Dick had been Reed, who works as a full-time explosives
interviewed by CNN, the tabloid-style TV show consultant out of his office in Albuquerque, is
Sandian poses earth venting theory
EXTRA, and a local radio station. providing part-time voluntary assistance to the
Another Sandia researcher, Dick Spalding Although Dick says he's convinced the gas FBI on the case. He hopes to re-interview many of
(5909), has answered numerous media inquiries bubble hypothesis explains the Flight 800 inci• the eyewitnesses, this time focusing on acoustical
since jan. 20 when a second Tribune article by dent, he admits the best he can hope for is for information.
Spohn, this one distributed by the Associated other scientists "to at least consider the idea with Like many scientists, however, Mark
Press, reported on Dick's controversial hypothesis open minds. I'm not afraid to talk about it." Boslough isn't convinced that the evidence exists
that an enormous plume of methane gas might "I feel a little like the Lone Ranger without a to support Earth eruptions, either as a geologic
have bubbled up from the ocean floor, mixed Tonto," he adds. phenomenon or as a cause of the Flight 800
with oxygen at the surface, risen to 13,000 feet, incident. Mark acknowledged in the Tribune that
Bangs and rumblings
and exploded near the plane. He says an electrical Dick is a "creative, inventive scientist who has
disturbance such as a lightning bolt, or the plane That was until a third Tribune article appeared very good ideas," but says he remains skeptical of
itself, might have ignited the gas. last Friday, jan. 24, in which retired San dian jack Dick's hypothesis and jack Reed's evidence.
Dick is among a handful of scientists around Reed weighed in. He points out that eyewitness estimates of
the world who believe the earth periodically Reed, whose former job as a nuclear weapons time intervals are notoriously poor. Witnesses he
vents such "gas burps," among them noted astro• effects researcher at the Nevada Test Site included interviewed after the Oct. 3 meteor sightings over
physicist Thomas Gold and Czech astronomer studying the acoustical behavior of high-energy New Mexico, Texas, and later California had
Zdenek Ceplecha, a collaborator of Dick's. Gold's explosions, believes Dick's hypothesis may be the guesses for the duration of the events that varied
1987 book, Power from the Earth, explores earth most conceivable explanation yet proposed. by a factor of 10.
venting as one source of natural greenhouse-gas Numerous eyewitnesses, most at least 10 He also acknowledges that a variety of unlikely
emissions.,S keptics of the theory, including most miles away from the plane at the time of the acci• circumstances would need to come together for a
geologists, contend there isn't much evidence dent, reported hearing atmospheric rumblings combustible cloud of methane gas to rise 13,000
that such a phenomenon exists. and a series of loud bangs during and seconds feet and ignite. "I wouldn't say that it's impossi•
Dick, who tracks atmospheric disturbances in after the explosion. Some residents of Long Island ble," he told the Lab News. "But such a model
satellite data as part of Sandia's nuclear detonation reported that their windows rattled. Reed says would require exceptional evidence before I would
- monitoring program, says he's been studying possi• these accounts of the magnitude and timing of believe it really took place.
ble earth gas eruption events for almost two years, the noises simply don't jibe with a bomb or fuel "In scientific terms, I don't believe the case
including unexplained surface and atmospheric system explosion. has been made for earth venting," he adds. "I
explosions in Newfoundland in 1978, Poland in At that distance, he says, it would take the don't think you can point to it yet as a plausible
1993, Spain in 1994, and Honduras in November. explosive equivalent of at least one ton of TNT, a cause for the TWA accident."
He says he has identified a class of atmospheric 50-foot-diameter sphere of propane gas, or the Investigators still have not ruled out the three
events that often look like meteors from the ground explosives contained in a surface-to-air missile most obvious explanations for the crash: that a
but that are later proven not to be meteoric. (SAM) to rattle windows on Long Island. mechanical failure caused a fuel system explosion,
Prior to last july's accident, Dick had put together "That's just too much noise," he says. "It's that a bomb was planted onboard the plane, or
a modus operandi for such phenomena. "I thought not consistent with something you could pack in that a surface-to-air missile struck the 747.
from the first eyewitness accounts of the crash that some baggage or in a phony cassette recorder." Mark says he believes the jet fuel that would
this matched the MO for a gas eruption," he says. He says launching a SAM requires "a lot of big have been aboard a 747 at the beginning of a
He believes science's very nature requires hardware" that likely wouldn't go unnoticed or transatlantic flight would contain more than
scientists to at least consider the possibility that unreported this long. enough energy to account for the magnitude of
gas venting occurs and that it could have been Moreover, it would take the shock wave from the explosion. The energy required to trigger the
responsible for the accident. The hundreds of such an explosion about a minute to travel that explosion may have been relatively small, he adds.
eyewitness accounts of these events shouldn't be distance, he says. Because some eyewitnesses say Divisions 9000 and 5000 are working with
ignored, he adds. they heard loud bangs only a few seconds after the FBI, FAA, and National Traffic Safety Board on
He says earth venting also may explain the they saw the fireball, Reed thinks individual pock• proposals to provide Sandia technical assistance
appearance of "pock marks" on the ocean floor, ets of methane could have been detonating in the Flight 800 investigation.
SANDIA LAB NEWS • January 31, 1997 • Page 5
Sandia steam plant shows 'grace under
Nonviolence begins with
pressure' during area cold spell families, says Martin
Luther King Day speaker
Sandia showed real grace under pressure during back up, restoring full service to customers through•
the recent, much-discussed cold snap in Albu• outthedty. Martin Luther King Jr.'s grand goals of a
querque. In fact, the "under-pressure" occurred in Sandia's steam plant, one of the largest such peaceful, just, and socially stable society were
local natural gas lines, where high demand in late facilities in the state, operates five boilers to keep brought down to vivid par•
December resulted in a pressure drop in the lines the Labs' buildings heated during the winter. The ticulars by District Court
that almost left some gas customers out in the cold. plant, almost SO years old, houses five dual-fired Judge Angela Jewell in a talk
To resolve the pressure problem, the Public boilers, capable of burning either oil or gas. Three to Sandians at the celebra•
Service Company of New Mexico requested some of the boilers are practically as old as the Labs; tion of the Rev. King's birth•
of its biggest customers to help out. Specifically, they date to 1949. Two larger boilers were day Jan. 20 at the Technol•
PNM asked Sandia to switch over its boiler plant installed in the late 1960s. ogy Transfer Center.
from natural gas to fuel oil to fire its steam plant According to Steam Plant Dept. 7843-1 team Judge Jewell, of the Sec•
boilers. Sandia obliged and pressure began to creep supervisor Chris Chavez, the plant rarely has to ond Judicial District Court,
use all, or even most, of its boilers to Domestic Violence Division, apologized for speak•
meet heating demands. ing about a very particular issue, domestic vio•
"Normally, we have a couple of lence. But she pointed out that nonviolence was
boilers in standby," Chris says. "The the hallmark and the moral high ground of all of
only time we ever had five boilers King's efforts to change society, and nonviolence
going was in 1971, when the tempera• must begin in the home.
ture dropped to 17 below zero [F). She emphasized that violence is a "learned
Right now [in mid-January, with day• behavior" and that too many people are learning
time temperatures in the 30s] we're it from their own family members. She provided a
burning one big boiler on oil and a vivid example: One day in her court, a man was
boiler on gas." before her on charges of battering his ex-wife; his
While Sandia was able to act as a son was also in the courtroom on charges of bat•
good corporate neighbor, helping PNM tering a girlfriend; and afterward out in the hall•
and gas customers throughout the city, way, the man's grandkids were being restrained
the move to oil turns out to have made by court officials for fighting with his ex-wife's --
good economic sense, as well. grandkids-three generations of learned domes•
Chris notes that the steam plant is tic violence in the same courthouse.
burning oil from Sandia's one-million• The good side to violence's being a learned
gallon storage site; the tank farm is behavior is that peaceful and nonviolent behavior
based at Wyoming and Hardin. can also be taught and learned, Jewell said. The
"We bought most of that oil more nonviolence that was the essence of Martin
than 10 years ago when it was a lot Luther King's actions serves us all well, she said,
cheaper than it is now," Chris says. and it begins at home. ....
The steam plant provides heat for Sandia President and Laboratory Director
all the buildings in Tech Area 1 and Paul Robtnson preceded Jewell and told Sandians
facilities as far south as Bldg. 897 and he was-proud of their extraordinary record of giv•
as far north as the Coronado Club. The ing in this year's Employee Contribution Plan
plant also serves Kirtland Air Force Base campaign (see article on page 4). He said he was
east (essentially everything east of honored to appear at a ceremony in memory of
Penfisylvania) and much-of the DOE Martin Luther King and King's efforts on behalf of
complex. All totd, Chris says, the brotherhood, justice, and equality. Paul also
facility provides steam for abo'ut four thankeq the Sandia Quality Leadership Council
million square feet of office and work for attending. Redd Eakin of Community Rela•
space. tions Program 12650 gave examples of specific
While the steam plant will con• Sandians' generosity in helping others in the com•
STEAMED UP- A Sandia steam plant worker makes early tinue to burn gas under some circum• munity (Lab News, Dec. 20). The speakers were
morning rounds. At PNM's request, the plant recently switched stances, Chris says, it will definitely preceded by a vocal solo by David Cain (2111).
some of its five boilers from natural gas to fuel oil to help restore burn fuel oil when the temperature The noontime event was hosted by Sandia's
pressure in city gas lines. (Photo by Randy Montoya) gets down below 15 degrees F. Black Leadership and Outreach Committee.
Satellite facility cal expertise to assist law enforcement around the agencies and schools nationwide.
country, and the National Institute of Justice will This activity led to NI]'s interest in having
be better able to assist state and local law enforce• Sandia available for quick-response testing of new
(Continued (rom page 1) ment in its efforts to fight crime in our communi• devices being marketed to its customer base.
ties." Schiff is Chair of the House Science Com•
Quick response to diverse claims
and drug detection. mittee's Subcommittee on Basic Research and a
The one-year, $500,000 agreement with NIJ member of the House Judiciary Committee, Sub• "With so many devices on the market these
will complement Sandia's work for DOE in committee on Crime. days that claim such a wide variety of successes,
research and development of security technolo• the law enforcement community realized a need
Explosives-detection technology
gies. Over the past 20 years, Sandia has developed to be able to quickly and efficiently test these
state-of-the-art physical security technologies for One of the first tasks Sandia will tackle is an technologies," says Debra Spencer (5861), pro•
DOE, the Department of Defense, and various analysis of currently available explosive-detection gram manager for the facility. "We are able to
other federal agencies. In particular, Sandia has technology and equipment. This will be done in offer our expertise to help them do just that."
been involved in research and development, partnership with the Rocky Mountain Regional Under the new agreement, NIJ will be able to
design, and implementation of detection, entry Center, located at Denver University. contact Sandia about reviewing a particular tech•
control, delay, and response technologies. Since 1992, Sandia has evaluated three major nology or new product and, within a few days or
Sandia also brings to the table its explosives criminal justice technologies for NIJ - sticky weeks, that technology or product will have been
detection and bomb disablement expertise. Engi• foam, aqueous foam, and a user-authorized safe tested and evaluated.
neers in Contraband Detection Technologies gun. Sandia currently has a visiting scientist• Dennis says being a Satellite Facility will help
Dept. 5848 are developing a walk-through explo• George Wagner of Department 5861-at NIJ in the Labs support the needs ofNIJ. "We'll be more
sives detection portal for the Federal Aviation _ Washington on a year-long assignment to pro• a part of their team now," he says. "We'll be able
Administration. In addition, Engineering Projects vide technical assistance and project manage• to develop a clearer understanding of their needs
& Explosives Applications Dept. 9333 has hosted ment support on law enforcement technology through this partnership.
two advanced training programs, Operation Albu• evaluation. "Our function will be to validate existing
querque 1 and 2, for select bomb squad personnel Dennis Miyoshi, Director of Security Systems technologies or new concepts, at the request of
from local, state, and federal law enforcement and Technology Center 5800, says the concept of NIJ, and provide assurance that a product will
agencies. Some of NI]'s funding for the Satellite a Satellite Facility to test technology for the crimi• work. I see this as a perfect role for a national lab•
Facility will be used to cosponsor Operation nal justice community grew in part from the oratory, acting on behalf of the government."
Albuquerque 3, to be held later this year. The examination Sandia did in late 1995 of the Although the Security Systems and Technol•
Albuquerque Police Department has cohosted Quadro Tracker, a hand-held device claimed by ogy Center will coordinate the NIJ projects,
the Operation Albuquerque events. its manufacturers to be able to detect "atomic Dennis predicts that much of the work will be
"This is great news, not only for Sandia, but emissions" from narcotics, explosives, and even done in other parts of the Labs. Examples of this
also for law enforcement," said Schiff, a supporter stray pets and lost golf balls. The device was sup• work include chemical analysis, explosives tech•
of using technology to increase public safety. posed to function akin to a divining rod and was nology, and tracking and tagging capabilities.
"The Labs will be better able to use its vast techni- being sold to unsuspecting law enforcement -Kathy Kuhlmann
SANDIA LAB NEWS • january 31, 1997 • Page 6
Labs' atomic-level research wins two, shares one
1996 DOE Basic Energy Sciences awards
By john German nanoclusters, tiny chunks of matter that range in
size from a few dozen to a few hundred atoms or
Lab News Staff
molecules.
Sandia's prize materials research program has Nanoclusters make good catalysts because
once again baked blue-ribbon entries in DOE's their atomic structures have lots of surface area
annual Basic Energy Sciences awards competition, for chemical reactions to occur, their imperfect
taking home honors in three of nine categories surfaces provide an abundance of "nonclassical"
for 1996 and extending its winning streak in the bonding sites, and their chemical and physical
competition to 14 years. properties can be tailored for a variety of applica•
The awards are conferred annually by DOE's tions by subtly altering the sizes and chemical
Office of Basic Energy constituencies of the atomic bundles.
Sciences/Division of Using its patented synthesis process by which
"Sandia has
Materials Science the clusters are grown inside molecular cages
(BES/MS). Each year, won 31 out of suspended in oil, Sandia team members produced
one award is given to nanoclusters from a variety of common metal
147 awards
a BES/MS-funded and semiconductor materials. By tuning the
research program or since the com• materials' sizes and atomic makeups, they were
project at a DOE able to create photocatalytic nanoclusters that
institution in each of petition began energize chemical reactions when subjected to
nine categories. sunlight, a breakthrough that may lead to
in 1981 and
Winning programs enhanced detoxification of organic wastes using
receive a cash award 14 outof45 solar energy. They also created inexpensive, envi•
in the form of capital ronment-friendly nanoclusters that significantly
equipment funding. awards in the enhance the production of liquid hydrocarbons
Traditionally, from coal powders.
last five years."
Sandia research has • Outstanding Scientific Accomplishment in
fared well in the Materials Chemistry: "Blends of Macromolecules
--
friendly competition among DOE labs, says with Nanophase Separation," John Curro (1870),
George Samara (1152), BES/MS program man• Kenneth Schweizer (University of Illinois, former
ager. "With only about five percent of the BES/MS ATOM TRACKER - Brian Swartzentruber (1114) Sandian), and George Wignall, David Londono,
budget," he says, "Sandia has won 31 out of 147 watches atoms move using the scanning tunneling Brian Annis, and Tony Habenschuss (all Oak
awards since the competition began in 1981 and microscope he modified to track individual atoms in Ridge National Laboratory) -Like oil and water,
14 out of 45 awards in the last five years." Two rapid motion. (Photo by Mark Poulsen) different types of polymers (as plastics are
years ago, Sandia won five awards-the most technically called) don't usually get along; when
ever by a single laboratory. as it hops about its business by programming the polymers are melted and mixed together, they
"These awards continue Sandia's tradition of needlelike sensor of a scanning tunneling micro• tend to separate into two or more different parts,
excellence in theBES Materials Science Program," scope (STM) to ride the atom's high point. (Lab or phases. That's why recycled plastics are sorted
he said in a congratulatory letter to the Sandia News, Sept. 29, 1995) before being melted down and cast into new
award winners. "It is especially satisfying to note Brian's electronic technique uses lateral feed• products; a product made from a mixture of poly•
that our awards were determined by the votes of back from a surface's atomic topography to sup• mers typically has poor mechanical properties
our competitors, the other DOE labs." plement the vertical feedback ordinarily provided owing to weak adhesion between the parts that
by a scanning tunneling microscope. That infor• don't mix.
The frontiers of materials science
mation helps the perched sensor lock onto and Polymers are made up of innumerable long•
This year's awards are for development of the track an individual atom as it jumps from surface chain molecules each consisting of thousands of
atom-tracking scanning tunneling microscopy location to location. Because the atom tracker repeating units, something like strands of
technique, production of nanoclusters for coal continually monitors an atom's position instead spaghetti in a bowl. The ability of these molecular
liquefaction and waste cleanup, and pioneering of scanning an entire surface region, the new strands to "pack," or fit together efficiently, in
new approaches for modeling polymer blends approach is more than a thousand times faster their molten state depends on their molecular
(shared with Oak Ridge National LaboratOry and than traditional STM imaging. shape, flexibility, degree of branching, and other
the University of Illinois). Awards and recipients The technique is helping scientists under• architectural features. In the past, polymer
follow. stand atoms' travels at different temperatures as chemists have sought to develop, largely on a
• Outstanding Scientific Accomplishment in Solid well as their ultimate incorporation into surfaces, trial-and-error basis, new alloys made from com•
State Physics: "Development of Atom-Tracking key to making smaller, faster electronic structures. patible polymers to obtain certain desirable
Scanning Tunneling Microscopy for Direct Mea• It may also allow them to watch corrosion and physical properties not present in either pure
surements of Surface Dynamics," Brian Swartzen• crystal growth one atom at a time. component. Such alloys have been useful in
truber (1114)-For several years, scientists have . • Significant Implications for Department of making improved products such as rubber tires
been able to observe atoms at rest on a crystalline Energy Related Technologies in Materials Chemistry: and telephone housings, as well as new materials
lattice. Now Brian Swartzentruber of Surface and "Nanoclusters for Energy Applications," Jess for use in weapon components.
Interface Science Dept. 1114 can watch an atom Wilcoxon, Paula Newcomer, David Bliss (all 1152), In 1992, Sandia and Oak Ridge set out to
Anthony Martino understand why some polymers mix well and
(6211), and George why others don't using a combined theoretical/
Samara - Producing experimental approach. Employing X-ray and
liquid fuels from coal neutron scattering techniques, the Oak Ridge
and reducing pollu• team characterized the structure, packing effi•
tants into harmless ciency, thermodynamics, and phase behavior of
chemical constituents, different polymer alloys and melts. This
two high-priority information helped the Sandia team Oohn Curro
DOE projects, have and Kenneth Schweizer, now a professor of mate•
been hindered by rials science at the University of Illinois) develop
lack of inexpensive, a theoretical approach to polymer compatibility,
environmentally called the Polymer Reference Interaction Site
benign catalysts Model (PRISM). A computer code based on the
(chemicals that make model is now being used to predict the compati•
reactions among bility of certain types of polymer blends before
other chemicals they are actually created in a laboratory. Sandia's
faster and more effi• theoretical model was the subject of a 1992 R&D
lient). A new Sandia 100 award and a cooperative research and devel•
process, called opment agreement with BIOSYM Technologies.
inverse micellar syn• Other DOE-funded institutions winning 1996
thesis (Lab News, BES awards include Oak Ridge (won two awards
Oct. 29, 1993), may plus the one shared with Sandia), Ames Laboratory
allow such catalysts (one award), Idaho National Engineering Labora•
to be produced inex• tory (one award), Lawrence Berkeley National Lab•
pensively and in oratory (one award), and the University of lllinois
POLYMER MODELING -John Curro (1870) was one member of a Sandia/Oak Ridge large quantities from (one award plus the award shared with Sandia).
National Laboratory team that has developed an improved understanding of a relatively new fam• The Sandia winners were honored in a
polymer compatibility using a combined theoretical/experimental approach. ily of materials called Dec. 12 ceremony.
SANDIA LAB NEWS • january 31, 1997 • Page 7
Sandia and the nation's universities: A coordinated
partnership effort is launched
Sandia finds it provides IS 7 million a year in university support
By Kathy Kuhlmann 8
Media and Employee Communications Dept. 12640
For the past year and a half, Mary Ann Zan• 7
ner, Manager of University Collaborations Office
4526, has been seeking an answer. Analyzing,
6
crunching, merging, and deciphering data accu•
mulated from several sources gave her one: $57 FY95 collaborative research
million. The question: How much financial sup•
Top 10 universities
port did Sandia provide to US universities in FY95?
"An accurate university investment amount
had never before been calculated," says Mary
3.42
Ann. "This research has historically been
arranged at the line level with no central data•
gathering point. I think we were all surprised•
pleasantly-at what this represents." (FY95 data
was the most current information available when
2
this project began.)
The timing for bringing together all this
information couldn't be better, says Mary Ann. 1
"University collaborations have been raised to a
strategic level this year in the new strategic plan.
The corporate goal calls for integrated research, 0
recruiting, and outreach with universities." Iowa Illinois U of NM Cornell Stanford U of Georgia New UNM
State Tech Wisconsin Tech California Tech Mexico
The University Collaborations Office was cre•
ated to strategically align research opportunities Universities State
within Sandia with work at universities. Bert
Westwood, retired Sandia VP of Research, was the pairing each Sandia VP with specific universities to collaborated with lOS universities on 523 differ•
initial champion of this project; VP of Laboratory serve as high-level points of contact with those ent projects. Not surprisingly, New Mexico and
Development Dan Hartley (4000) has now taken schools. These VPs will visit the universities - California universities topped the list of these
the baton. there are about 16 of them currently-a couple of projects. The top five universities were the Uni•
"Our goal," says times a year and will be kept up-to-date about our versity of New Mexico, New Mexico State, Geor•
11We're realiz•
Dan, "is to maximize interactions with the schools by the University gia Tech, University of California, and Stanford.
the work we currently ing that we Collaborations Office. The idea behind campus Laboratory Directed Research & Development
have with universities executives is to improve relationships, seek greater (LDRD) research contracts amounted to $2.5 mil•
can't go it
and capitalize on opportunities for strategic partnering, and develop lion for 84 collaborations with 30 universities.
future partnerships. alone any constituencies with these key universities." The total amount invested in work with New
We're realizing that To improve the way business with universi• Mexico universities was almost $12 million; Cali•
we can't go it alone longer. We need ties is done at Sandia, Mary Ann's office will serve fornia universities received $3.2 million.
any longer. We need as a resource for data regarding university interac• Mary Ann says that one of the first questions
to reach out
to reach out and tions and will aid in the coordination and facilita• asked after all this information was compiled was,
obtain basic science and obtain tion of these interactions. "One goal is to better "Are the contracts we have with these universities
through collaborating leverage money across the Labs for work at the taking advantage of the research strengths of the
with these sources of basic science same universities," explains Mary Ann. "A long• schools?" According to Mary Ann, "National sur•
expertise. term goal is to strategically align emerging vey data indicate that we are working with the top
through collab•
"We have identi• research niches at universities with Sandia's schools in the country in their areas of expertise.
fied four areas of uni• orating with research interests and bring lesser-known schools Our tradition of doing 'bottoms-up' business with
versity interactions to a higher level through collaborations with San• universities has shown us that Sandia directors and
these sources of
- minority pro• dia and use of our facilities." those on the line apparently know just where
grams, research, The $57 million from FY95 includes research those niches of expertise are and are going after
expertise."
regional universities, and nonresearch contracts with universities, them. The work we're doing with universities also
and recruiting," he minority education outreach activities, on-site stu• complements the Labs' research foundations."
adds. "The function of the University Collabora• dent programs, postdocs and faculty, and user Mary Ann reviewed (manually) university
tions Office is to integrate and coordinate all facility-related support. Twenty-five percent of the contracts, procurement and financial databases,
these facets. Teaming with these various depart• funding is from DOE Defense Programs budgets. user facility records, and LDRD expenditures
ments will be a major factor for success. For According to Mary Ann, the figure that really from FY95 to arrive at the numbers. With sup•
example, Sandia now has researchers and got folks to sit up and take notice was the $34 port from Chuck Meyers (4 523) and the LDRD
recruiters going to the same universities. Why not million Sandia spent that year on university office, a four-dimensional database with online
tap the researcher to help Sandia with recruiting research alone. input from procurement and finance is sched•
during campus visits?" · uled to be up and running early in the year to
523 projects at 105 universities
Another key component of the university simplify reference and tracking. Mary Ann credits
partnership initiative is the Campus Executive Sandia has long relied on obtaining both lead• Dick Baird (10204) with helping make this data•
Program, Dan says. "We're in the process of devel• ing-edge and basic science from universities base a reality. Julie McBride (10230) also worked
oping the program now, but it basically calls for through collaborative research contracts. FY95 with Mary Ann to condense myriad individual
data show that the research contracts into single umbrella contracts
34.4 majority of this work with universities, which decreased processing
($15.5 million) was time and costs.
in the area of engi-
Sandia leads the weapons labs
neering sciences,
FY95 expenditure - $57M which includes geo• Although FY96 data are still being evaluated,
University collaborations sciences and solar it looks like university research expenditures will
research in addition be more than $35 million for that year, compared
to simulations, mod• to $34 million for FY9S. Sandia leads the three
eling, and fluid national weapons laboratories in university
12.0 dynamics. The other expenditures.
top collaborations Vic Reis, DOE Assistant Secretary for Defense
were in engineered Programs, has introduced a DP university initia•
materials and tive within DOE. The goals include increasing the
processes, computer involvement of academia in carrying out DOE's
and information national security mission and striving to make DP
sciences, and micro• laboratories more attractive as collaborators and
Research Educational Other User electronics and more available to·u niversities. Sandia is actively
contracts outreach & university facilities photonics. involved in plans for a DP laboratory-university
minority programs During FY95, workshop to be held sometime in FY97 to firmly
programs Sandia researchers establish this DOE initiative.
SANDIA LAB NEWS • january 31, 1997 • Page 8
fli
cites Sandia's solar work Feedback
Popular Science
Q: I recently received a traffic violation for park•
ing south of the Technology Transfer Center (Bldg.
825). At that time, I noticed that approximately only
half of the cars parked in this location were ticketed.
Is it standard practice to ticket only some of the cars
that are in violation? Because my department resides
of(site, the parking area south of the TTC has been
used while attending meetings at the TTC. Would
it be possible to designate some parking spaces for
of(site residents or to redesignate the TTC parking lot
to accommodate employees attending meetings at
the TTC?
A: Thanks for your recent inquiry regarding
the issuance of parking tickets. Vehicles that are
in violation of parking regulations are not ran•
domly selected for ticketing. When we perform a
parking lot patrol, we try to ensure that we ticket
all vehicles that are not properly parked. In your
situation there may have been several reasons
why you and not the other vehicles in the same
area received a ticket. It may have been due to the
length of time you were parked or it might have
been that you had a Sandia decal and the other
vehicles did not. If you have a Sandia decal, you
are not considered a visitor even though you
might reside offsite. Regarding your question
about whether or not some of the slots in the TIC
SUN POWER-The December issue of Popular Science recognized the Solar Two power plant near parking area could be redesignated for offsite resi•
Barstow, Calif., as one of its "Best of What's New" environmental technologies. Solar Two's 1,926 dents, I will pass this feedback response to the
heliostats (one of them here reflecting an image of the plant's power tower) focus sunlight onto a receiver center representative on the Traffic Safety Com•
near the top of the tower. The receiver is filled with a molten salt mixture that collects and stores enough mittee for discussion. There may be a way to regu•
thermal energy to drive a steam turbine that produces electricity sufficient to power 10,000 homes (Lab late this type of parking with a special pass for use
News, june 21, 1996). The project is sponsored by a consortium of 10 organizations led by Southern Cali• by our offsite employees. Again, thanks for your
fornia Edision Company in partnership with DOE. Sandia engineers played a key role in developing the inquiry. This type of communication allows us to
Solar Two technology. Sandia led the technical advisory committee that oversaw all technical aspects of review our operation and help maintain an excel•
the project; transferred Sandia-developed molten-salt technology to the project; and supported the
lent level of customer service.
design, construction, and startup of the plant. (Photo by Randy Montoya)
- Frank Gallegos (7 400)
Student intern says Sandia experience 'invaluable' in
preparing her for real-world engineering
~esign
Meeko Oishi and engineering design team colleagues win trip to Bangkok
A Sandia summer student intern and her engi• one like all the rest on the market today. Manica Arthurine, for her part, says Meeko is "a great
neering design team at Princeton University have seems to like it." person" who as an intern has "always delivered
won an expense-paid trip to Bangkok-and the Meeko's father, Kaz, amplifies the description everything we've asked for and more."
student credits much of her effectiveness as a team offered by Meeko. His daughter's team's design, he Arthurine gives Meeko espedally high marks for
member to skills she learned at Sandia. says, incorporated not just two fans, but aerody• her contributions to Sandia's www-proxy server.
Meeko Oishi, a namically designed counter-rotating fans, concep• "During h~r first summer with us," Arthurine
junior in Princeton's tually similar to designs used in jet aircraft to min• says, "she worked on the www-proxy server that is
engineering program, imize noise and increase efficiency. instrumental in all of Sandia's business now. We
has spent the past Manica was impressed enough with the win• wouldn't be where we are now [with the server], I
three summers as a ning design to offer the entire team (four stu• think, if she hadn't started this project and made
student intern at San• dents, a teaching assistant, and the professor) a so much progress during the three months she
dia, working primar• 10-day trip to Thailand, where the company was here."
ily under the mentor• maintains manufacturing facilities. Meeko says Meeko, an Albuquerque Academy graduate
ship of Arthurine she is excited about and National Merit finalist in high school, may
Breckenridge in her upcoming trip. "I "This whole intern at Sandia for one more summer-she has
Computer Architec• haven't been out of applied for another internship at the Labs, and
project really
tures Dept. 9215. the country, except Arthurine says she is looking forward to mentor•
MEEKO OISHI
Meeko's father, Kaz once when I was ing Meeko again.
made me real•
Oishi, is a Senior Member of the Technical Staff in three, to juarez." In addition to her engineering studies, Meeko
Advanced Systems Development Dept. 2161. Meeko says her ize how ·much was a certified ski instructor and is a member of
In an e-mail note to Arthurine, Meeko says internship at Sandia Princeton's nationally ranked women's ski club
I'd learned
she and her Princeton classmates were asked to has played an instru• team. An accomplished pianist, she is the recipi•
develop a hairdryer model as an engineering class mental role in her while working ent of a Bennett Pastor Keyboard Award. She pro•
project. (The engineering professor is a consultant success at Princeton grams in C++ and html.
for Manica, Inc., an East Asian hairdryer manufac• -she's a near-4.0 for you." -Bill Murphy
turer.) The classes involved were organized into student this semester
seven teams of four or five students each. -and contributed Retiree deaths
Meeko says the teams' charge was to design a significantly to her engineering design team's suc•
new hairdryer-one that would be both quieter and cess in the hairdryer competition.
more powerful than units currently on the market. "My experience at Sandia has been invaluable juan Abeita (65) ....................... 0324 ............ Sept. 2
"One of my main tasks," Meeko says, "was to in helping with this [design] project," she says. "I Gordon Smith (87) .................. .761l.. ........ Nov. 10
build a model of the hairdryer on Pro/Engineering already knew Pro/E and could do lots of neat stuff Craig Hudson (78) .................... 1150 .: .......... Dec. 2
[an engineering CAD program for UNIX worksta• with it, while everyone else had to learn from Edward Bernard (81) ................ 3430 ............ Dec. 5
tions]. My group used the Pro/E files to manufac• scratch. Also, just being familiar with a UNIX Robert Culley (86) .................... 75 11 .......... Dec. 11
ture a working prototype." workstation was a major asset; I was really sur• Lester Sandlin (65) ................... 2664 .......... Dec. 12
Meeko says the CEO of Manica, one of his prised that most of my classmates didn't have the juan Sanchez (84) ..................... 4614 .......... Dec. 18
chief engineers, and the CEO of a California firm first idea of where to start [in using a UNIX box]." Earl Craven (88) ....................... 4543 .......... Dec. 21
served as judges; after reviewing the submissions, Meeko says she even had an advantage in Adelia Littleton (81) ................. 0132 .......... Dec. 26
they selected her team's design as the winning knowing how to present her work to the judges. "I Norman Renaud (77) ............... 8213 .......... Dec. 30
entry. knew what to do as far as making overheads, etc.,
"We had a design that was radically different for our presentation to the CEOs," she says. Organization numbers indicate retirees' posi•
from everyone else's in the class; the main differ• "This whole project really made me realize how tions at the time of retirement and may not cor•
ence was that our hairdryer had two fans, not just much I'd learned while working for you [Arthurine]." respond to present-day organizations.
SANDIA LAB NEWS • January 31, 1997 • Page 9
Chart your course with Sandia's CTD fleet
An armada of education and training services
-
courses available at Sandia and to pull together Leadership Development Dept. 3526, both man•
By janet Carpenter
the various organizations offering training. aged by Charline Seyfer; and Diversity and Devel•
Lab News Staff
opment Dept. 8526, managed by Carol Crown.
Something in common
These departments are the foundation of this
Training and education opportunities are Corporate Training and Development depart• "virtual training company."
spread all over Sandia's "sea" of organizations and ments provide a common look and feel for courses
Defining corporate training
departments. Although they are in separate orga• sponsored by Sandia. They help organizations
nizations, they've now joined forces to form a focus performance improvement efforts, plan and "Corporate Training and Development is
fleet of education and training courses needed by develop courses, administer degree-related pro• responsible for the broader aspects of education
employees and departments in Sandia's dynamic grams, and set up registration procedures. and training at Sandia," says Charline. "We have
environment. Most courses at Sandia, including financial, partnerships with other organizations that pro•
"We started this project in October 1995," procurement, technical, science, engineering, pro• vide the subject-matter experts. We capitalize on
says Charline Seyfer, Man• fessional communications, interpersonal skills, the strengths of both the individual organizations
ager of Programs Opera• information systems, leadership, management, and CTD to provide training and subject expertise
tions Office Dept. 3525. project management, Web technologies, informa• to the line organizations."
"There are teams all over tion systems, quality, etc., use the Corporate Train• Centers 10400 and 10500 provide the team
the Labs-weapons, lead• ing and Development registration process. members for the Sandia Business School's Finan•
ership development, finan• A one-stop Web page with links to various cial Branch. "There are organizational bound•
cial, Web training, procure• organizations offering training will soon be avail• aries," says SBS project leader Carol Christensen.
ment, etc. -and we able. A new registration system, TEDS (fraining "We are connected to Corporate Training and
wanted to partner with Education and Development System), has been Development by a common process but we are a
them early on and help them with their training developed, with most registration going through separate project."
products." the Corporate Training and Development registrar. Sandia's Training Services page on the Inter•
When employees need training, they often Corporate Training and Development nal Web offers training information about a full
don't know who provides it or where to obtain includes Technical and Compliance Training complement of training services and products,
specialized training. The goal of the project was to Dept. 3524, managed by Belinda Holley; Pro• along with the course index, CTD registration
make it easier for employees to locate the many grams Operations Office 3525 and Business and form, and "What's New" in corporate training.
New ES&H courses add fun, humor to training
If you have bemoaned sitting in an audito• the Facts." approximately 15 minutes. This option is also
rium with scores of other employees for three "StarTech" features science fiction and available through Sandia voicemail at 844-3 724
hours to receive credit for the annually adminis• humor. It's an adventure story starring you as a (844-ESAH).
tered, all-employee, corporate-required ES&H captain in the StarTech Federation. You are ES&HIOO training is available both on the Inter•
courses, you might be interested in a new, shorter assigned to address ES&H concerns aboard the nal and External networks. The IRN address is
way to take this required training: Web, video, Sandia Space Lab. The cast of characters include http:// www-irn.sandia.gov/cgi-bin/esh.cgi. The EON
and voicemail training modules are now incorpo• Ambassador Robinson, mad scientist Dr. Arro• address is http://www.sandia.gov/cgi-bin/esh.cgi.
rating fun and humor into the mandatory mater• gonzo and his chief assistant Wretchley (dis• ESHIOO primary project team members
ial. solved into a blue puddle by Dr. Arrogonzo), included Elsa Glassman (3524), David Abrahams
"In the past, it has been administratively eas• Ensign Checkmate, Clickons (cows in sunglasses), (8804), Allison Davis (4541), Peter Feng (7933),
ier for an organization to gather all its employees Lt. Techmate, and site fire marshal Blob Dillon. David Furgal (7526), Nathan Golden (7001), Jodi
in an auditorium at the same time for all manda• "Just the Facts" is straightforward material pre• McAllaster (3524), Elizabeth Scott-Patterson
tory courses than to figure out who individually sented on a yellow notebook paper background. (5001), Barry Schwartz (7500), Brian Thomson
needs what and when," says Elsa Glassman Both versions contain multiple-choice ques• (7514), William Vonderheide (7523), and Paul
(3524), Integrated All-Employee ES&H training tions. You receive immediate feedback about Yourick (7524). Support team members included
project leader. "However, this delivery system was whether you answered questions correctly or Judy Davenport (2411), Bob Fisher (1800),
ineffective, time-consuming, and costly." incorrectly. To receive course credit, you need to Richard Graham (9781), Judy Hubbard (12614),
answer every question. Both versions cover the Carla Lamb (7846), James Lloyd (12614), AI
Easy access to critical ES&H information
same material and take approximately 30 minutes Lujan (12614), Bill Norton (5807), Sharon Ortiz
To address this problem, a team consisting of to complete. (3535), Anh Nguyen (3525), Kelly Peters (7511),
an instructional designer/project leader from Cor• "More than 1,000 students have taken the Patty Padilla (3524), Laura Ring (12323), Don
porate Training and Development, a subject-mat• course online," says Rich Graham (9781), Web Robbins (9782), Mark Semonisck (7524), Dan
ter expert from each major topic, and representa• team project leader. "People have found it conve• Sessions (4817), Gary Shepherd (4911), Kim
tives from those who deliver and manage the nient, easy, and quick." Sheppod (8814), David Sparks (12614), Betty
training came together in July 1995 to integrate If you feel you know the material, "Testout: Straba (4911), Alvina Tenorio (3525), Elaine
all-employee ES&H training at Sandia. Team goals The Challenge!" asks 20 questions and requires Valdez (4911), Dirk Vanwestrienen (4911), and
were to significantly reduce ES&H training deliv• that you answer 80 percent of them correctly and Jeff White (4817).
ery time and cost, to increase its efficiency and complete the testout in one sitting lasting -Janet Carpenter
effectiveness, and to provide more convenient
access to the most critical ES&H information all
employees must have.
UTakeNote
The project included course development,
video production, Web, voicemail, and new-hire
training teams. Information from five required KNME-TV, ChannelS, will celebrate Black of the 21st century, Feb. 25, 9 p.m.; and "Colores:
courses - "ES&H Rights," "Fire Extinguisher History Month with the following special pro• Blackdom," local KNME production of the virtu•
Awareness," "General Employee Radiological gramming in February: "An Evening with Lena ally untold story of Black pioneers Frank and Ella
Training," "Lockout/Tagout Awareness," and Horne," Feb. 1, 7 p.m.; "Great Performances: Boyer's dream to create a "colony" for Black peo•
"General Employee Emergency Response Aware• Robert Altman's Jazz '34," Feb. 1, 8 p.m.; "Shatter• ple in the prairie of southeastern New Mexico,
ness Training" ("Emergency Preparedness Gen• ing the Silences," a look at the success and distress Feb. 26, 8 p.m. (repeated March 1, 6:30p.m.).
eral Awareness Training" in California)-were of seven minority scholars in the humanities and ***
combined into one course called "Environment social sciences at universities across the US, Feb. 4, Retiring and not seen in Lab News pictures:
Safety and Health Awareness Training" 8 p.m.; "Reality of a Dreamer, River North Dance Sandra Hudson (5907), 29 years; Elisa Monnet
(ESHIOO). Mandatory ES&H training is now Company," documentary featuring Chicago's jazz (7618), 20 years; Frank Raymond (9331), 30
available multiple ways-on Sandia's Web, on dance troupe, Feb. 5, 8:30p.m.; "Great Perfor• years; Gladys Rowe (5951), 30 years; Grace
video accompanied by a student guide for new mances: The Story of Gospel Music," Feb. 8, 7 Sheldon (7000), 17 years; Keith Treece (1277), 45
hires, and testout opportunities on the Web or p.m., "Rainbow Recognition: In the Life Cele• years; Irene Valdez (10224), 20 years; and Bernie
through voicemail. brates Cultural Diversity," Feb. 8; 9:30p.m.; Vallejos (2101), 35 years.
"Gandy Dancers," musical traditions and verbal
Cows in sunglasses
recollections of eight retired railroad track labor•
a
Perhaps, in some distant future, our descen• ers whose occupational folk music was once
dants will work on a space station. For now, how• heard along the railroad tracks that crisscross the congratulations
ever, we can get a taste of science fiction adven• South, Feb. 18, 9:30p.m.; "W.E.B. DuBois: A
ture (strange as it is) while reading and answering Biography in Four Voices," four contemporary
questions about Environment, Safety, and Health scholars present the life of the great scholar and To Pam and Brad (14302) Elkin, a daughter,
(ES&H) on Sandia's Web. political activist, Feb. 22, 7 p.m.; "Black America: Abigail Rochelle, Dec. 6.
On the Web, you can choose between two Facing the Millennium," three prominent ana• To Cindy (12670) and Louis (9364) Restrepo,
forms of the course material, "StarTech" or "Just lysts critique the state of Black America on the eve a daughter, Rebecca Emily, Jan. 12.
SANDIA LAB NEWS • January 31, 1997 • Page 10
Mileposts
January 1997
Stan Roeske ChannyWong Steven Wright Bernice Mills
35 9352 15 9114 20 9363 20 8713
.~. ..:.. .: .:·
Pro Padilla Ken Black David Like Edward Scussel Greg Evans Ralph Goekler
30 7600 15 8417 15 2663 25 5722 15 8345 25 5703
•.
Lalit Chhabildas Carole Price Dan Moniz
20 9575 15 8815 20 8240
~ ~
Paul Gallegos Ray MacAllister james Henderson Richard Granfield George Skinner
30 15102 15 14713 20 12335 20 6512 35 12610
Sandia Web Watch:
fBFeedback
Facilities open to private sector listed on External Web
Q: I have noticed that many of the new badges we
got last summer seem to be fading and crazing badly,
Private US companies, universities, negotiated by the partner and Sandia facility some to the point where they are barely recognizable.
and other labs that may be interested in owner, a final agreement is typically in place Was it a bad batch of film? Are any steps going to be
working at Sandia on joint R&D projects within a few weeks. taken to remedy this?
of mutual interest can find out what fadl• The User Facilities page shows 25 separate A: Thank your for your concern regarding the
ities are open to them, what equipment is facilities, some at Sandia/New Mexico and some at DOE standard badge fading and crazing problems.
available, and who to contact for more Sandia/California. Facility descriptions provide The technology Sandia uses to produce the stan•
information by checking Sandia's External Web site. details on areas for potential partnerships. A small dard badge is new and, as with most technologies,
Interested researchers and groups can access sampling includes the Combustion Research Facil• there are a few "bugs" to resolve. The process by
Sandia's "User Facilities" Web page directly at ity, Electronics Quality/Reliability Center, Explo• which color, image, and lettering are printed is a
http:/I giss. ttsandia.gov/ Facilities/facili ties_listhtm sive Components Facility, Manufacturing Tech• direct print-to-plastic method using heat-activated
or by going first to Sandia's External Web home nologies Center, National Solar Thermal Test dye sublimation. Although the printing is embed•
page at http:// sandia.gov, clicking on the Research Fadlity, and the Primary Standards Laboratory. ded in the plastic, the surface of the badge is open
& Technology icon, and then clicking on the User Anyone needing general information about to contact and with day-to-day use can be dam•
Facilities link near the bottom of the page. Sandia's User Facilities can contact Gary Jones aged. After beginning our 1996 badge reissue last
Many of Sandia's unique research facilities (4232) by e-mail ([email protected]) or by phone March, it was noticed that the badges were more
have been opened for use by the Labs' industrial at 505-843-4206. susceptible to scratching and fading than we
and academic partners in recent years. The User ("Sandia Web Watch" is a Lab News series fea• wanted. Daily wear would eventually cause the
Fadlity designation helps streamline the partner• turing news and developments about Sandia's top surface to fade and distort the image. The
ing process. Once a statement of work has been Web sites.) -Larry Perrine automated badge readers were primarily responsi•
ble for the scratching. Working with the supplier,
we corrected the problem by obtaining a higher
Around the corporation grade color ribbon. The new ribbon produces a
tougher badge that is more wear-resistant and
M4 gets new president; restructuring options studied decreases fading and crazing to an acceptable
level. Badges issued using the new process are
Retired Navy admiral Millard Firebaugh, who joined M4 Environmental six months ago as technical
holding images a great deal better. In addition, the
director, has been named president of the limited partnership formed in 1994 by Lockheed Martin and
new process has proven more resistant to the
Molten Metal Technology to use extraction technologies developed by Molten Metal for recycling haz•
scratching problems. We encourage anyone with a
ardous and radioactive wastes. Officials at both parent companies said the leadership change is part of a
distorted badge to visit the Badge Office and have
plan to restructure the organization by April 1 to reduce redundancies and increase operational efficien•
their badge replaced using the improved process.
cies. jerry Langheim, vice president of communications for Lockheed Martin's Energy & Environment Sec•
tor, said the key concern is redundancies but that "all options are open for review." - Frank Gallegos (7 400)