Chris Deemer, Zack Metzger (left and right in foreground, both ET), and Dick Koehl (in back, ET) position a space shuttle’s leading edge wing panel on a turntable in preparation for data collection with a high-resolution CAT scanner. Metzger holds a block made of the same insulating foam used to cover the shuttle’s liquid oxygen tank. Photo by Wes Agresta.

April 11, 2005 -- Some of this week's stories:

Argonne helps prepare shuttle for return flight

By David A. Barry

When the space shuttle Discovery rockets into orbit late this spring, Argonne engineers will have done their part to ensure a safe return to flight. A team led by Bill Ellingson and including Dick Koehl, Chris Deemer, Zack Metzger, Michael Wyrick and George Forster (all ET) used a locally designed and built high-resolution CAT scanner to characterize the damage caused when chunks of insulating foam impact space shuttle wing surfaces in test situations.

The insulating foam is similar to that which fell off the space shuttle Columbia's liquid oxygen tank and punched a hole in the left wing during the 2003 launch. This damage proved fatal during Columbia's reentry into the earth's atmosphere.

The leading edge of each shuttle wing is covered by 22 uniquely shaped panels, each made of reinforced carbon-carbon composite. As part of NASA's effort to fully study the effects of foam impacts, a special cannon at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio shoots foam blocks at the wing surface. NASA engineers need reliable data on the depth and shape, or morphology, of any cracks in the impacted wing panels. These data are largely provided by the high-resolution CAT scanner at Argonne.

A CAT scanner uses X-rays to view inside an object; the digital data collected by the X-ray detector must be processed by computer into an image that humans can use. Depending on the kind of information needed and the type of detector used in a scan, Ellingson and coworkers are able to produce two- or three-dimensional images of internal features as small as 80 and 150 micrometers, respectively. Eighty micrometers is roughly the width of a single sheet of copy paper.

"If you think in terms of a basketball, if you wanted to know what is inside the ball and where it is in relationship to everything else, you would want a 3-D image," Ellingson said. "If you don't have an X-ray image, the only way to get internal information is to cut the panel apart."

As Discovery lifts away from the launch pad, NASA will be looking for pieces of foam dislodging from the orange-colored liquid oxygen tank. Although there is no way to completely eliminate falling foam during the launch, NASA has worked since the Columbia tragedy to minimize the possibility that any foam pieces of significant size will break away from the tank.

However, should a large piece of foam break free during the launch, NASA engineers and astronauts will need to understand the extent of any possible damage so they can make repairs while in orbit. "In that situation you would like to go to a data set such as we're helping to form," Ellingson said. NASA is developing various on-orbit damage assessment and repair methods for the wing segments.

Ellingson and his coworkers specialize in the nondestructive testing of high-tech materials like ceramic engine components. The testing of shuttle components has been a special opportunity to assist in the shuttle program's Return to Flight efforts, Ellingson said. "The shuttle represents a lot about our society. It's a vision of this country. When they see the space shuttle, most people think of the United States in a positive way."

ASTNS poster session to highlight programs

All Argonne staff are invited to a poster session highlighting Applied Science and Technology and National Security programs (ASTNS) from 3 - 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, in the Advanced Photon Source Gallery in Building 402.

ASTNS Associate Laboratory Director Alan Foley will present opening remarks.

Scientists can review more than 200 programs in ASTNS and speak to investigators about potential collaboration. ASTNS includes Decision and Information Sciences, Electrochemical Technologies, Energy Systems, Energy Technology, Infrastructure Assurance, Nuclear Engineering, Environmental Assessment Division, Environmental Research, the Transportation Technology Center, the Fossil Energy Program and Chemical Engineering.

For more information, call Larry Hill (DIS) at ext. 2-5888.

Finding counterfeit bolts wins QASR safety award

By David A. Barry

Matt Lagessie (ES) has received an Argonne Quality and Safety Recognition (QASR) Award for his consistent awareness and reporting of unsafe situations, especially those arising from the use of counterfeit bolts in heavy equipment.

Since January 2000 Lagessie, a senior technician who works on experimental locomotive engines, has identified more than 120 counterfeit bolts used to hold together heavy equipment like engines and dynamometers. The counterfeit bolts are marked as being a certain grade, he explained, but in reality "they are a lower strength than what's needed to do the job." Lagessie replaced the counterfeit bolts and brought them to the attention of his division's Quality Assurance representative.

Lagessie said his concern about safety and counterfeit materials is driven by an incident that occurred while he was serving in the U.S. Navy: A counterfeit bolt broke loose from a catapult — a powerful device used to launch aircraft from carriers _ and struck a crewmember, killing him instantly.

Lagessie is also cited for discovering a crack in the viewing window of a test pressure vessel at Argonne in August 2004. After he reported the crack to an ESH coordinator, the window was replaced before the pressure vessel was put to use. He also lends his nuts-and-bolts expertise to committees that review the safety of proposed experiments.

Apart from his work at Argonne, Lagessie operates Madd Matt's Auto, a racing shop in Darien that builds and prepares cars for competition. He is working to educate racers to look for counterfeit bolts in their cars. "The way those cars are built, if there is a bolt somewhere, you can bet it's there for a serious purpose," he said.

Lagessie received the QASR Award at the March 22 Management Council Meeting for his attention to safety and reliable reporting of safety issues. He received a certificate of recognition and lunch tickets for two at his choice of the Argonne Guest House or the Building 213 Cafeteria. His name will also be added to the QASR Award Winners' plaque.

The QASR Award recognizes employees' contribution to safety and quality at the laboratory. To nominate an employee, contact Audra Karalius at akaralius@anl.gov.

'Fast Track to Fusion' is topic of colloquium

Sir Chris Llewellyn Smith will discuss "The Fast Track to Fusion Power" at a director's special colloquium Friday, April 29, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Building 362 Auditorium.

Smith is the director of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Culham Division, and the head of the Euratom/UKAEA Fusion Association.

UKAEA's Culham Division is responsible for the United Kingdom's thermonuclear fusion programme, and for operation of the Joint European Torus on behalf of Euratom. Smith leads the UK's contribution to the development of fusion as a viable environmentally benign source of energy

Smith is a theoretical physicist and has worked on a wide range of topics related to particle physics experiments. He has also published, and spoken widely, on science policy, international scientific collaboration, and issues related to energy.

He has been a fellow of the Royal Society since 1984, and his scientific contributions and leadership have been recognised by awards and honors in seven countries on three continents, including a knighthood in 2001 for "services to particle physics."

Grunder to be honored at reception

University of Chicago President Don Randel invites all Argonne, U.S. Department of Energy and university employees to attend a reception Friday, April 15, in honor of Argonne Director Hermann Grunder.

The reception will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Argonne Guest House.

Development discussion workshops available

This year the mid-year development discussion for all regular full and part-time non-union employees will take place between April 1 and June 30.

The mid-year development discussion is an opportunity for the employee and supervisor to discuss the employee's career goals and professional development. It's not intended to be a mid-year performance appraisal. Some topics that might be discussed include professional goals, desired training and future career path at the laboratory.

To provide guidance for these meetings, Human Resources will sponsor the workshop, "The Interim Development Meeting: Making it Work." Two laboratory leaders, with different responsibilities, will talk about the value of the interim development meeting and how they make the discussion work for their group.

Adam Cohen, chief operations officer, will lead a workshop Wednesday, May 4, from noon to 1 p.m., in Building 362, Room F108 (course HR387).

Lee Liming (MCS), manager, distribution systems, will lead the workshop Wednesday, May 11, from noon to 1 p.m., in Building 212, Room A157 (course HR 393)

Contact a Training Management System representative to register. Additional information and resources are available online.

Hundreds of young women explore science careers

More than 350 students from nearly 60 schools throughout the Chicago area came to Argonne March 10 for a day-long conference aimed at encouraging high school women to consider careers in science and technology.

Students at the 18th annual Science Careers in Search of Women conference participated in panel discussions with speakers from a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines. Panelists shared their personal experiences and insights on what a career in science and technology is really like and how to pursue such a career. The students also toured biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and engineering laboratories, and visited career booth exhibits.

At lunchtime, students were grouped by their area of interest and had lunch with a woman scientist in that field, providing an opportunity for more informal, one-on-one conversation.

The conference was sponsored by Argonne's Office of the Director, the laboratory's Division of Educational Programs and the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

Blood drive to be held on April 27

LifeSource Blood Centers will conduct a blood drive at Argonne Wednesday, April 27, in Building 617 Lower Level.

The Medical Director will send donation forms so that employees can schedule their appointments.

Winning team to demonstrate Rube Goldberg machine

The winner of Argonne's Rube Goldberg machine contest for Chicago-area high schools will receive their first-place trophy and demonstrate their winning machine at noon Wednesday, April 20, in the Building 213 cafeteria.

Morgan Park Academy defeated eight other Chicago-area high schools, Feb. 18, at Navy Pier by building the best, most-reliable machine to remove the batteries from a two-battery flashlight, insert new batteries and turn the flashlight on in 20 or more steps.

Argonne's Educational Programs and Communications and Public Affairs divisions sponsored the February contest in collaboration with Chicago Children's Museum and the National Rube Goldberg Machine Contest, held annually at Purdue University.

Yoga classes begin April 26

Three, eight-week yoga sessions will begin on Tuesday, April 26.

Session one will begin at 11:30 a.m. with instructor Nancy Little, who will also lead session two at 12:30 p.m. Session three will be at 5:15 p.m. with instructor Sandra Bianco.

All sessions will take place in Building 212, Conference Room A157. Cost is $48; checks should be made payable to the instructor.

For more information, contact the Medical Department at ext. 2-2803

HR classes

To enroll, contact a Training Management System representative. A class enrollment form is also available online. Call Betty Iwan (HR) at ext. 2-3410 for more information.

"Russian Language" (HR164) — Thursday, April 7 - Thursday, June 9. 9:30 a.m. for beginners, 11 a.m. for intermediate and 1:30 p.m. for advanced students, Building 208, Conference Room E251. Students will increase fluency levels in reading, writing and speaking Russian.

"Brown Bag: Indirect Budgets" (HR299) — Thursday, April 14, noon - 1 p.m., Building 362, Conference Room F108. Students will gain the understanding of indirect budget process at Argonne.

"Maximizing Your Supervisory Potential" (HR384) — Thursday, April 21, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Building 201, Conference Room 190. The workshop will cover the foundations of supervisory success. Registration deadline is Thursday, April 14.

"Survival Skills Workshop: Creating Budgets for Grant Proposals" (HR394) — Monday, April 25, 1:30 - 3 p.m., Building 401, Conference Room E1100. The workshop is a follow-up to the Survival Skills workshop "Successful LDRD Writing for Postdocs" held in January.

Skin cancer screening to be offered

Skin cancer screening will be held Wednesday, April 13 in the Building 201 Medical Department.

The cost is $70; checks should be made payable to Preventures. The screening will be preformed by Board Certified Dermatologist Edware Keur.

For more information or to register, contact the Medical Department at ext. 2-2800.

Preserve will be scene of April run

The grass and trails of Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve will be the setting for a run and walk sponsored by the Argonne Running Club Tuesday, April 19.

The event will begin at noon, starting at the pavilion in Argonne Park. The course will cover 2.5 miles for runners and 2.2 miles for walkers. Runners and walkers of all skill levels are invited to participate.

More information about the club is online.

Table tennis club seeks players

The Argonne Table Tennis Club is looking for players for its upcoming tournament.

The tournament will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. starting Tuesday, April 12. A match consists of the best of five games to 11 points. The tournament is single-round elimination. A trophy will be awarded to first and second place.

Registration deadline is Friday, April 15. Cost is $2. For more information or to register, contact Dave Peterson at ext. 2-3924 or dppeterson@anl.gov or George Beranek at ext. 2-7219 or gberanek@anl.gov.

Softball league readies for '05 season

The Argonne Softball League will hold an informational meeting Thursday, April 14, at noon in the Building 213 Cafeteria, at the south end of the building near the coat closet.

All team captains, new team captains and any interested new players should plan on attending.

Administrative professionals to be honored

Argonne will celebrate the contributions of its administrative professionals Wednesday, April 27 in the Building 213 Cafeteria. Michael Maniacci, clinical psychologist, will present "The Problem with `Potential': How We Discourage Others and Ourselves."

A free buffet breakfast will be served at 8 a.m., and the program will start at 8:30 a.m. All secretaries and clerical employees are invited to attend.

Reunion of SSC workers planned

A reunion of former Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) employees will be held Saturday, July 23, in Red Oak, Texas.

Former SSC workers will gather at 3 p.m. for an afternoon of visiting and viewing SSC memorabilia. Hors d'oeuvres and soft drinks will be provided. Dinner will be at 6 p.m. with a brief program following at 7 p.m.

More information, including maps, hotel information registration information, is online at www.SSCreunion.org.

Retirees

L. M. Boxberger (AST-PA) retired Jan. 31 with 20 years of service.

Stephen D. Gabelnick (CMT) retired Feb. 11 with 36 years of service.

Ar'Gang

NEW ARRIVALS

A boy, Thomas, born Jan. 20 to Anne and Maxime Pasquier (ES); a girl, Allison Marie, born Feb. 1 to Cindy and Paul Bednarski (PFS-BM); a girl, Elle, born March 22 to Wendy and Joe Landi (PFS-BM); a boy, Aldric Alan Xavier, born Jan. 7 to Terry Cruse; a boy, Salvador Joseph, born March 9 to Sal and Tracy Lozano (OCF/PRO); a son, Ryan, born Jan. 27 to Xiaofen (Jane) and Xiaohua (Joshua) Wang (NE); a son, Connor Jackson, born Nov. 15, 2004 to Ross and Penny Finlay (NE); a girl, Heather Ann, born March 2 to Mary Jo and Ed Kroeger (PFS-WMO).

Proud grandparents: a granddaughter, Shauna Jasmine McCarty, born March 9 to George Vandegrift (CMT); a grandson, Alexander Thomas, born Nov. 30, 2004 to Dennis and Janice Sejut (OCF/PRO); a grandson, Miles Prescott Schroeder, born Jan. 21 to Ken Miles (NE).

ACHIEVEMENTS

Stephanie Kickels, daughter of Louise Kickels (TSD), signed a national letter of intent to play softball at St. Joseph's College in Resselaer, Ind. Congratulations to Jayme Hernandez (OCF/PRO) on completing her B.A. degree.

WEDDINGS/ENGAGEMENTS

Congratulations to Judy Gross (NE) on her engagement to Paul Chiarelli.

WELCOME

EAD welcomes Steve Deitemeyer , Frank Jackson, Jr . and Cory Weber . ES welcomes Heather McKee , Thomas Wallner , Scott Miers , Frank Bourry and Camilo Vargas . PFS-BM welcomes Joe Landi and Eddie Wicklatz . PFS-CU welcomes Marilyn Smejkal .

TRANSFERS

Good luck to Don Barnett who transferred from PFS-CU to PFS-US.

GET WELL

Get well to Bill Comerford (OCF/PRO), Mary Kowalczyk (PFS-CU), Joann Nelson (PFS-CU), Dave Ercoli (PFS-CU), Bruce Huckfeldt (PFS-CU), Anthony Young (PFS-CU) and Cindy Powell (PFS-GR).

WELCOME BACK

Welcome back to Darrell Cathey (PFS-GR) and Ed Rank (PFS-CU).

PROMOTIONS

Promotions reported to Ar'Gang this month include: Jim Podraza (PFS-BM) was promoted to Engineering Specialist. Marty Vondra (PFS-BM) was promoted to maintenance planner. Ron Moore (PFS-BM) was promoted to maintenance planner. Charles Greenwood (PFS-BM) was promoted to maintenance mechanic II. Erison Hamilton (PFS-CU) was promoted to group leader.

CONDOLENCES

Our condolences to Lisa Durham (EAD) on the death of her mother-in-law; Bruce Young (DIS) on the death of his mother; Lisa Payne (EAD) on the death of her mother-in-law; Bob Sullivan (EAD) on the death of his father; Bob VanLonkhuyzen (EAD) on the death of his brother; Annette Edler (EAD) on the death of her mother; Joan Brunsvold (CPA) on the death of her son; Laurie Ambrose (ES) on the death of her daughter; Russ Jennings (PFS-BM) on the death of his mother; Rod Habbe (PFS-BM) on the death of his mother; Joe Tavarczky (PFS-BM) on the death of his aunt; Angela Monczynski (TSD) on the death of her father-in-law; Walt Podolski (CMT) on the death of his mother; Jim Miller (CMT) on the death of his mother; Jim Cunnane (CMT) on the death of his mother-in-law; Bruce Verhaaren (EAD) on the death of his mother; Dave Pepalis (EQO) on the death of his sister; Michael Smith (NE) on the death of his mother; John Ahrens (NE) on the death of his sister; Rabinder Malhotra (PFS-PMO) on the death of his father; Don Walker (PFS-CU) on the death of his father.

CONTRIBUTORS

Thanks to this issue's contributors: Nancy Cantwell (PFS-BM), Lori Greenwood (EAD), Brea Grischkat (NE), Diana Grygiel (EQO), Georgianne Lamb (PFS), Cathy Nelson (TSD), Karen Neumann (PFS-WMO), Sally Peters (OCF/PRO), Faith Ruppert (CMT) and Kim Tomasko (ES).