Qualification Tests Research Articles

Design of Mini-Plate-1 Irradiation Test for Qualification of High-Density, Low-Enriched U-10Mo Monolithic Fuel

Design of Mini-Plate-1 Irradiation Test for Qualification of High-Density, Low-Enriched U-10Mo Monolithic Fuel

The Deployment Mechanism of the E.T.PACK deorbit system: Functional and qualification tests

The Horizon 2020 (H2020) Future Emerging Technologies (FET) OPEN Project E.T.PACK is dedicated to advancing Electrodynamic Tether (EDT) technology by developing a specialized Deorbit Device prototype for end-of-life satellite deorbiting. In collaboration with the E.T.PACK consortium, the University of Padova conducted test campaigns aimed at evaluating the Deployment Mechanism design. This paper offers an overview of these tests, with a specific emphasis on the outcomes derived from tape spool examinations and deployment tests conducted on specific tape lengths. Furthermore, the paper delineates the setup for upcoming end-to-end deployment tests, highlighting the integration of a tape collecting machine to minimize manual intervention. The three-coil spool successfully passed qualification tests under thermal-vacuum conditions, exhibiting no instances of cold-welding. Additionally, shaker tests validated the spool ability to withstand launch conditions without requiring additional containment flanges. Furthermore, the Deployment Mechanism demonstrated its proficiency in smoothly deploying tapes with varying characteristics within the desired velocity range. Moreover, the deployment process, following a specific profile, proceeded seamlessly without any complications. Consistent continuity was maintained throughout the deployment processes, with no instances of jams or disruptions observed. These testing outcomes represent a fundamental step in the preparation and testing of the Engineering Qualification Model of the Deployment Mechanism, instilling confidence that subsequent end-to-end deployment tests will progress smoothly. To this end, a specific upside-down configuration will be implemented, and a recollecting machine was designed and manufactured to facilitate tape gathering, ensuring a streamlined and efficient testing process. A description of the end-to-end deployment test setup, including the recollecting machine, is also provided in this paper.

Qualification Of Inspection Systems In Nuclear Power Plants. Looking For Excellence

Inspection reliability is an area of growing interest. In particular, in certain industrial sectors involving critical structures, such as nuclear power plants for energy generation, reliability of Non-Destructive Examinations (NDE) has received special attention since more than 40 years. Many initiatives and projects (PISC, EPRI NDE, ENIQ, etc.) developed and generated new findings and results. In addition, the inspection systems are regularly optimized for improving the NDE reliability as much as possible. In the early 1990s, the European Network for Inspection Qualification (ENIQ) continued the PISC NDE reliability research and, few years later, issued the European Methodology for Qualification of Non-Destructive Testing. The methodology considers the NDE system follows the modular model of reliability as well as complementary tasks to address human factors issues. Then, every country develops his own methodology based on the existing legal requirements and the ENIQ Methodology. This is the case of Spain, in which the CSN (the Nuclear Safety Body) requires the qualification of inspection systems before their application in the Nuclear Power Plants (NPP). This paper describes the main characteristics of the Spanish Methodology as well as examples to facilitate the understanding of the ideas behind the approach that currently applied in the Spanish NPPs since the mid-2000s.

Design analysis and experimental verification of insulation blankets for civil aircraft nacelle and pylon

Abstract The nacelle and pylon structures of civil aircraft, due to their proximity to the engine, are significantly affected by the high-temperature components of the engine. To reduce the impact of high temperatures on the nacelle and pylon structures and their internal systems, insulation blankets are typically arranged on the inner side of the nacelle fan cowl, the inner side of the core cowl, and the bottom area of the pylon to decrease the thermal transfer effect from the high-temperature components of the engine and the hot air inside the core compartment to the nacelle and pylon structure. This paper mainly describes the structural design method and requirements for the nacelle pylon insulation blanket, and through thermal analysis theoretical calculations, the temperature changes on the cold side of the insulation blanket at different hot sides are derived. The results are compared with the insulation test results of the insulation blanket test pieces, further verifying the insulating performance of the blanket. In addition, environmental qualification tests were conducted on the insulation blanket test pieces, and insulation tests were re-performed on the test pieces after environmental testing, demonstrating the reliability of the nacelle and pylon insulation blanket design.

Uso del framework de ISTQB para aplicaciones desarrolladas en una entidad bancaria: Caso de uso “Portabilidad de Nómina”

This paper refers to quality control through software testing, by managing the fundamental elements that involve the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), using the Extreme Programming (XP) methodology. The purpose of this paper is to implement a test plan strategy for the verification and validation of the processes that are being carried out for Payroll Portability in the Financial Institution, which allows the identification of artifacts and/or documents that support decision-making for senior management, obtaining as a product in the test control process both individually and as a development team.

Development aspects of cable cutter cartridge for helicopter application

This research work emphasizes on the development aspects of a cartridge cable cutter for helicopter application. This cartridge is used to rescue hoist system during emergency for helicopter application under adverse conditions. It is an electrically initiated cartridge in which two electrical squibs are used with specified current and voltage. As the cartridge is initiated, the squib gets incandescent and initiates an explosive train. A cartridge cable cutter is a propellant actuated device (PAD) that generates hot combustion gases having high temperature and pressure on burning of gun powder and propellant inside the cartridge case. The cable cutter cartridge under study is filled with energetic materials (EM) such as propellants and gun powder. It releases the energy very quickly which acts on the projectile i.e. the cutter in actual system. A projectile velocity measurement was carried out using Doppler RADAR (radio detection and ranging). To assess the projectile velocity is the unique design feature in armament field. It is responsible for the measurement of the projectile velocity at the muzzle end of velocity test rig (VTR). The minimum and maximum projectile velocities were experimentally measured in between 70 ms−1 and 150 ms−1. The projectile velocity measurement is an evaluation methodology as performance parameter of this cartridge. The cartridge under study has been developed meeting structural, functional and mechanical requirements. The cartridge has undergone various exhaustive qualification tests during development phase. The cartridge was thus designed, qualified and validated through rigorous development trials. The main objective of this article is to address development aspects of the cartridge cable cutter for helicopter application. In conclusion, after successful design, development and qualification trials, the cartridge was found to meet all the functional and operational requirements considering the end use.

Performance of Oak Ridge National Laboratory spallation neutron source proton power upgrade cavities and cryomodule production

The Proton Power Upgrade initiative at Oak Ridge National Lab’s Spallation Neutron Source aims to greatly boost the capability of proton beam power. This upgrade involves the integration of seven additional cryomodules, each housing four six-cell high-beta (β=0.81) superconducting radio frequency cavities. These cavities, manufactured and processed by Research Instruments in Germany, underwent meticulous treatment, including electropolishing as the bulk and final vital step. Upon delivery to Jefferson Lab, a total of 28 cavities for seven cryomodules, along with an additional four cavities for a spare cryomodule, underwent thorough vertical qualification tests, meeting the required specifications. Following cavity tanking and subsequent rf testing, the assembly of eight cryomodules was successfully executed, with all 32 cavities demonstrating compliance with acceptance criteria. The transportation of the cryomodule to SNS for high-power testing in the tunnel yielded exceptional results. Notably, the performance surpassed specifications, in terms of quality factor and accelerating gradient. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Development of hazard prediction test and interventions for two-wheeled electric vehicle riders in China

Objective This paper aimed to develop a hazard prediction test and enhance two-wheeled electric vehicle (TWEV) riders’ hazard perception and prediction capabilities via interventions by executing two distinct studies. Study 1 aimed to develop and validate a hazard prediction test. Study 2 evaluated the efficacy of two interventions, self-commentary and what happens next (WHN), integrating expert commentary. Method For Study 1, a video-based hazard prediction test was developed through video recording and clipping, with participants categorized into high and low prediction ability groups for experimentation. Data analysis employed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Study 2 categorized participants into four groups: self-commentary with licenses (SCL), self-commentary without licenses (SCNL), WHN with licenses (WHNL), and WHN without licenses (WHNNL), for conducting a one-week intervention experiment. Data collected from participants’ pre-intervention, post-intervention, and aftereffect tests were subjected to repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results Analysis of the ROC curve indicated the test can distinguish the riders with different hazard prediction levels. ANOVA results demonstrated that the measurement time had a significant positive effect on scores (p < 0.001). Both interventions significantly improved hazard prediction ability (p < 0.05), and the effect persisted one week after administration. The effect of the WHN intervention was significantly greater than the self-commentary method across all time points. Conclusion The hazard prediction test developed in this study could assess riders’ hazard prediction ability, with the identified interventions demonstrating effectiveness in enhancing this ability. These findings suggested potential application in future qualification tests for TWEV riders, contributing to enhanced traffic safety awareness among TWEV riders in China, thus advancing overall traffic safety.

Accelerated degradation of PET-based photovoltaic backsheets under UV and acetic acid exposure

Despite initially certified in qualification tests, photovoltaic (PV) backsheets and entire systems often experience catastrophic failures within a few years of field deployment. Understanding the factors contributing to these failures is challenging due to the complex service conditions and composition of PV systems. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effects of UV exposure (an external weathering factor) and acetic acid (HAc, an internal weathering factor) on the degradation of PV backsheets. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based backsheets, commonly used in PV systems, were selected as model samples. Key failure modes, including yellowing and cracking, were compared between PET backsheets aged with UV exposure alone and those exposed to both UV and HAc. The results revealed that the presence of HAc significantly accelerated the failure process of PET samples compared to those aged with UV and air alone. This additional acceleration was mainly attributed to the potential formation of hydroxyl radicals produced by HAc under UV exposure, which facilitates the chain scission reaction and the formation of chromophores. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also conducted to understand the accelerated aging effects induced by hydroxyl radicals. Additionally, combining UV/HAc exposure with mechanical stress resulted in even more accelerated degradation. These findings suggest that novel accelerated aging methods could be developed to better simulate field conditions, assess early failure risks, and enhance the design of robust and reliable PV products.

Improving monitoring of dissolved organic matter from the wastewater treatment plant to the receiving environment: A new high-frequency in situ fluorescence sensor capable of analyzing 29 pairs of Ex/Em wavelengths

A high-frequency, in situ fluorescence probe, called Fluocopée®, has been developed in order to better monitor variations in both the quality and quantity of dissolved organic matter within various aquatic environments (e.g. wastewater, receiving environments) thanks to a wide choice of 29 measured Excitation/Emission wavelength pairs. This advance pave the way to new measurement possibilities in comparison with existing probes, which are usually only able to measure 1–4 fluorophores. The qualification tests of the Fluocopée® probe indicate a high level of accuracy for the measurements of tyrosine, tryptophan and humic acids solutions. Good repeatability and reproducibility are also observed. For the first time, this tool has been deployed in an urban watershed (Bougival, Seine River, downstream of Paris) and in the settled effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (Seine aval, Achères, France). This new high-frequency in situ probe offers great application potential, including organic matter quality and quantity monitoring at drinking and wastewater treatment plants (treatment optimization) and in continental and marine waters (the fate of organic matter in biogeochemical cycles).

Intelligent Method for Mutation of Input Cases with Feedback

Relevance. Fuzzing is one of the effective ways to improve the software reliability and is included in the mandatory list of research carried out at the stage of qualification testing according to national standard GOST R 56939-2016. The use of standard mutators reduces the fuzzing process to brute force, which negatively affects the time of incorrect program behavior detection. In this regard, it is important to rationalize the selection of input data, which takes into account the data corpus specifics, as well as the context describing the software response under test and allowing to determine the mutations at the next iteration of testing. Purpose of the research is to increase the efficiency of fuzzing by intellectualizing the standard mutator using neural networks, which takes into account the syntactic and semantic features of the input corpus and uses program feedback.Methods. The methods of analysis and synthesis, theory of algorithms, discrete and computational mathematics, machine learning were used.Result. The advantages and disadvantages of the standard module for AFL fuzzer’s input corpus mutation are considered. The justification of neural network choice with LSTM-architecture as a mechanism that realizes the intelligent control of input corpora’s’ generation and transformation is given. The proposed mutation method is described, which implies the integration of decision making mechanism on the amount and format of necessary mutations to increase the code coverage into the standard mutator, as well as the subsequent refinement of input data by shell-code to check the operability of the fragment that caused abnormal software’s behavior. The scheme of the mutation module is presented, which includes a component of input corporas conversion for generation of program execution traces and a component aimed at concept confirmation and re-call of abnormal software behavior using the generated shell-code.Novelty. Unlike the known ones, the proposed method uses feedback, fixing the software reaction, when forming the data mutation strategy, which determines the scientific novelty of the obtained results.Significance. The proposed solution allows reducing the program testing time while maintaining the code coverage. The results obtained in the research are universal and, in the future, can be used in white, black and gray box fuzzing methods.

A dual resin application system for improved bamboo-wood bonding

In this work, a dual resin application system using commercial phenol formaldehyde (PF) resins with different molecular weight (MW) was investigated to improve bonding performance of bamboo and wood composite laminates. Water droplet contact angle was deemed to be unreliable for assessing resin wettability on bamboo due to its unique tissue structure compared with wood. Microscopic observation of the resin penetration showed high MW PF largely remained in the glueline and only entered the lumens of cut or damaged bamboo cells near the bondline. Low MW PF appeared in cell corners of bamboo parenchyma but not lumens. Applying low MW PF to the bamboo and high MW PF to the wood surface separately significantly improved bond shear strength with reduced difference between dry and wet conditions. The dry and wet bond strengths using the new method were enhanced by 36.5 % and 97.4 %, respectively, compared to high MW PF alone. The results suggest that low MW PF can permeate bamboo cell walls and fortify them against swelling and stress on the bamboo-resin interface in wet conditions. Further modifications are required to produce a stronger adhesive than the bamboo tissue to improve wet shear fiber failure rates and develop a viable structural bond qualification test for bamboo and bamboo-wood composites.

Reproducibility and Repeatability of US Shear-Wave and Transient Elastography in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Background US shear-wave elastography (SWE) and vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) enable assessment of liver stiffness, an indicator of fibrosis severity. However, limited reproducibility data restrict their use in clinical trials. Purpose To estimate SWE and VCTE measurement variability in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) within and across systems to support clinical trial diagnostic enrichment and clinical interpretation of longitudinal liver stiffness. Materials and Methods This prospective, observational, cross-sectional study (March 2021 to November 2021) enrolled adults with NAFLD, stratified according to the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index (≤1.3, >1.3 and <2.67, ≥2.67), at two sites to assess SWE with five US systems and VCTE with one system. Each participant underwent 12 elastography examinations over two separate days within 1 week, with each day's examinations conducted by a different operator. VCTE and SWE measurements were reported in units of meters per second. The primary end point was the different-day, different-operator reproducibility coefficient (RDCDDDO) pooled across systems for SWE and individually for VCTE. Secondary end points included system-specific RDCDDDO, same-day, same-operator repeatability coefficient (RCSDSO), and between-system same-day, same-operator reproducibility coefficient. The planned sample provided 80% power to detect a pooled RDCDDDO of less than 35%, the prespecified performance threshold. Results A total of 40 participants (mean age, 60 years ± 10 [SD]; 24 women) with low (n = 17), intermediate (n = 15), and high (n = 8) FIB-4 scores were enrolled. RDCDDDO was 30.7% (95% upper bound, 34.4%) for SWE and 35.6% (95% upper bound, 43.9%) for VCTE. SWE system-specific RDCDDDO varied from 24.2% to 34.3%. The RCSDSO was 21.0% for SWE (range, 13.9%-35.0%) and 19.6% for VCTE. The SWE between-system same-day, same-operator reproducibility coefficient was 52.7%. Conclusion SWE met the prespecified threshold, RDCDDDO less than 35%, with VCTE having a higher RDCDDDO. SWE variability was higher between different systems. These estimates advance liver US-based noninvasive test qualification by (a) defining expected variability, (b) establishing that serial examination variability is lower when performed with the same system, and (c) informing clinical trial design. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04828551 © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Exposome Signatures of Gastrointestinal Disorders Among Active Duty Service Members.

We evaluated the risk factors associated with gastrointestinal disorders (GD) among the soldiers of the Army and Marine Aviation community (AMAC) using an exposomic approach. Specifically, we aimed to determine the medical and operational factors associated with reported GD in the Military Health System. Longitudinal data were obtained from the Medical Assessment and Readiness System (MARS) housed at Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Liberty, NC, for a retrospective cohort study that included 79,249 active duty United States AMAC active duty service members (ADSMs) from October 2015 to December 2019. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between the incidence occurrence of GD and variables including rank, service time, deployment, Armed Forces Qualification Test score, education, tobacco use, alcohol use, age, gender, race, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and marital status. The incidence of GD included 22,813 person-years of observations with a rate of 2.2 per 100 person-years and a period prevalence of 3.2%. GD was independently associated with rank, service time, and deployment (all P < 0.05). The high-risk categories associated with GD in the AMAC included age, BMI, race (not ethnicity), marital status, and service time. Our data also show that deployment time, not geographical location, was associated with a higher risk of GD. Together, these analyses suggest that White ADSMs older than 33 years of age who have experienced marriage, longer service time, and deployments appear to have a higher risk of GDs. Our assessment shows the utility of using an exposomic approach to create a member-specific, big data-informed personalized clinical algorithm of health outcomes.

Math for Everybody: A Sonification Module for Computer Algebra Systems Aimed at Visually Impaired People

Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) currently lack an effective auditory representation, with most existing solutions relying on screen readers that provide limited functionality. This limitation prevents blind users from fully understanding and interpreting mathematical expressions, leading to confusion and self-doubt. This paper addresses the challenges blind individuals face when comprehending mathematical expressions within a CAS environment. We propose “Math for Everybody” (Math4e, version 1.0), a software module to reduce barriers for blind users in education. Math4e is a Sonification Module for CAS that generates a series of auditory tones, prosodic cues, and variations in audio parameters such as volume and speed. These resources are designed to eliminate ambiguity and facilitate the interpretation and understanding of mathematical expressions for blind users. To assess the effectiveness of Math4e, we conducted standardized tests employing the methodologies outlined in the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK), International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTBQ), and ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119. The evaluation encompassed two scenarios: one involving simulated blind users and another with real blind users associated with the “Asociación de Invidentes Milton Vedado” foundation in Ecuador. Through the SAM methodology and verbal surveys (given the condition of the evaluated user), results are obtained, such as 90.56% for pleasure, 90.78% for arousal, and 91.56% for dominance, which demonstrates significant acceptance of the systems by the users. The outcomes underscored the users’ commendable ability to identify mathematical expressions accurately.

Enhancing qualification via the use of diagnostics and prognostics techniques

AbstractQualification is a process that demonstrates whether a product meets or exceeds specified requirements. Testing and data analysis performed within a qualification procedure should verify that products satisfy those requirements, including reliability requirements. Most of the electronics industry qualifies products using procedures dictated within qualification standards. A review of common qualification standards reveals that those standards do not consider customer requirements or the product physics‐of‐failure in that intended application. As a result, qualification, as represented in the reviewed qualification standards, would not meet our definition of qualification for reliability assessment. This paper introduces the application of diagnostics and prognostics techniques to analyze real‐time data trends while conducting qualification tests. Diagnostics techniques identify anomalous behavior exhibited by the product, and prognostics techniques forecast how the product will behave during the remainder of the qualification test and how the product would have behaved if the test continued. As a result, combining diagnostics and prognostics techniques can enable the prediction of the remaining time‐to‐failure for the product undergoing qualification. Several ancillary benefits related to an improved testing strategy, parts selection and management, and support of a prognostics and health management system in operation also arise from applying prognostics and diagnostics techniques to qualification.

Response of the first POLAR-2 prototype to polarized beams

POLAR-2 is a dedicated gamma-ray polarimeter currently foreseen to be launched towards the China Space Station around 2027. The design of the detector is based on the legacy of its predecessor mission POLAR which was launched in 2016. POLAR-2 aims to measure the polarization of the Gamma-ray Burst prompt emission within the 30–800 keV energy range. Thanks to its high sensitivity to gamma-ray polarization, as well as its large effective area, POLAR-2 will provide the most precise measurements of this type to date. Such measurements are key to improve our understanding of the astrophysical processes responsible for Gamma-Ray Bursts. The detector consists of a segmented array of plastic scintillator bars, each one of which is read out by a Silicon PhotoMultiplier channel. The flight model of POLAR-2 will contain a total of 6400 scintillators. These are divided into 100 groups of 64 bars each, in so-called polarimeter modules. In recent years, the collaboration has designed and produced the first prototypes of these polarimeter modules and subjected these to space qualification tests. In addition, in April 2023, the first of these modules were calibrated using fully polarized gamma-ray beams at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in France. In this work, we will present the results of this calibration campaign and compare these to the simulated performance of the POLAR-2 modules. Potential improvements to the design are also discussed. Finally, the measurements are used, in combination with the verified simulation framework, to estimate the scientific performance of the full POLAR-2 detector and compare it to its predecessor.

4.5 K Paschen Qualification Testing of Terminal Joint and Voltage Tap Insulation Designs for ITER CS Module Test Facility

4.5 K Paschen Qualification Testing of Terminal Joint and Voltage Tap Insulation Designs for ITER CS Module Test Facility

Experimental Tests and Numerical Analysis of Aerodynamic Properties of the Composite-Made Jet-Propelled Aerial Target.

The design of an aircraft's internal structure, and therefore the appropriate choice of material type, is a direct function of the performed tasks and the magnitude and type of the acting loads. The design of a durable aircraft structure with appropriate stiffness and lightness requires knowledge of the loads that will be applied to the structure. Therefore, this paper presents the results of an aerodynamic experimental test and numerical analysis of a newly designed jet-propelled aerial target. The experimental tests were carried out in a low-speed wind tunnel for a wide range of angles of attack and sideslips. Moreover, they were performed for various configurations of the airplane model. In addition, the results of the experimental test were supplemented with the results of the numerical analysis performed using computational fluid dynamics methods. During numerical analysis, specialized software based on solving partial differential equations using the Finite Volumes Method was used. This article presents the methodology of the conducted research. The results of the aerodynamic analysis are presented in the form of diagrams showing the aerodynamic force and moment components as a function of the angle of attack and sideslip. In addition, qualitative results of the flow around the plane have been presented. The results obtained prove that the adopted methods are sufficient to solve these types of problem. The aerial system was positively verified during the qualification tests of the system at the Polish Air Force training range and finally received the type certificate.

Seismic Performance of Drop-In Anchors in Concrete under Shear and Tension

This paper presents an experimental study conducted on the behavior of drop-in anchors in uncracked concrete slabs. Both seismic (cyclic) load tests and static load tests to collapse are performed on drop-in anchors subjected to tension or shear forces. Three different anchor sizes are subjected to seismic qualification testing, followed by a static load test to collapse. The test results confirm the capability of the tested anchors to sustain simulated pulsating seismic tension and shear loading with frequency ranges between 0.1 and 2.0 Hz. It was observed that no tension failure occurred at the end of the cyclic load tests for all the tested anchors, and their residual inelastic maximum displacement at the end of the cyclic tension test was relatively small. Moreover, the experimental results show that the anchors’ ultimate capacities are higher than those specified by the anchor manufacturer. Finally, the anchors’ experimental pullout shear capacities are compared with the failure prediction equations in the literature and design codes. It is found that the theoretical models provide a conservative prediction of the concrete breakout of anchors in tension compared to the experimental ultimate loads. The coefficient for pry-out strength (kcp) equal to 2 or slightly smaller than 2 is likely to predict a better pry-out capacity with the experimental results compared to the application of the high conservative value of kcp equal to 1, as given in the code.