Can Fast Reactors Speedily Solve Plutonium Problems??

The U.K. has nearly 100 metric tons of plutonium—dubbed "the element from hell" by some—that it doesn't know what to do with. The island nation does not need the potent powder to construct more nuclear weapons, and spends billions of British pounds to ensure that others don't steal it for that purpose. The unstable element, which will remain radioactive for millennia, is the residue of ill-fated efforts to recycle used nuclear fuel. One solution under consideration is to recycle the plutonium yet further—by using it as fuel in a pair of new, so-called "fast" reactors. Such nuclear reactors can actually "consume" plutonium via fission (transforming it into other forms of nuclear waste that are not as useful for weapons). The U.K. is considering a plan to build two of General Electric's PRISM fast reactors, the latest in a series of fast-reactor designs that for several decades have attempted with mixed success to handle plutonium and other radioactive waste from nuclear power. The idea remains that fast reactors, which get their name because the neutrons that initiate fission in the reactor are zipping about faster than those in a conventional reactor, could offer a speedy solution to cleaning some nasty nuclear waste, which fissions better with fast neutrons, while also providing electricity as a by-product. "If they really want to get rid of plutonium, a fast spectrum reactor is safer and gets rid of more of it," than other options, argues nuclear engineer Eric Loewen, chief consulting engineer at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy. "It just seems like humans are grappling with the question: 'How do we do it better?'" The U.K. is hardly alone in struggling to cope with nuclear waste, whether plutonium or otherwise. The U.S. remains a nation in search of a solution for what to do with its nearly 70,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel, which has a small fraction of plutonium mixed in it. A recent blue ribbon commission impaneled by President Obama suggested looking for communities that would volunteer to take the waste, for a fee. Nor is the U.K. alone in considering fast reactors as a solution for eliminating plutonium. Japan's has built a fast reactor known as Monju to recycle its used nuclear fuel. France had one for awhile, too, but it has since been shut down due to difficulty operating the plant as designed. In fact, most such fast reactors have proved difficult to run reliably. "At one time or another, [fast reactors] were a priority program in the U.S., Japan, France, Germany, Italy and Russia," notes physicist Thomas Cochran of the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group. "They were largely failures in all those places and in two nuclear navies, so one should think twice before trying it again." Novel design The trouble with fast reactors has largely been related to what's used to cool them—liquid sodium in the case of GE's PRISM and many others. The better half of table salt, this element cools a fast reactor nicely and also ensures there is no perpetual chain reaction. And, thanks to a more than 800-degree Celsius boiling point, it can operate at low pressures, unlike conventional reactors. But sodium also reacts explosively with either air or water, necessitating elaborate safety controls in places where it must get close to water in order to create steam to turn a turbine to make electricity, such as steam generators. As a result of numerous fires from leaking systems, operating sodium-cooled fast reactors to date have been shut down more than they have run. "You can't take the top off and look down in the reactor and correct any problems," Cochran notes. "You have heroic maintenance issues any time you need to go into the reactor."

Black Lamborghini Ankonian Concept

An original design for the concept-car Lamborghini Ankonian, inspired by designer Slavche Tanevsky. A report and a more aggressive look developed for the famous Italian car manufacturer. To discover in the following, a selection of images in context. A couple of days back, we had a look at the Lamborghini Madura concept, and now there’s a more aggressive concept from designer Slavche Tanevsky in the form of the Lamborghini Ankonian concept. According to the designer, the Ankonian takes the design of the Reventon to the next level, even though the concept itself manages a unique expression. The supercar concept has a more aggressive design, and is downsized to account for a more environment-friendly status, though it does not include any hybrid or similar technologies. The mid-engined supercar has a narrow and rather complex-looking body, with a garnishing of GT proportions. Thin OLEDs embedded between the surfaces function as headlights, and while all those lines may look weird, the Ankonian supposedly makes the best use of it all. The concept was named after a bull type famous for black hair, and since the designer had some help from professional designers at Lamborghini and Audi, the finished model has impressive looks.

Lamborghini Reventon The Most Exclusive Supercar In The World

s one of the most exclusive supercars in the world. The price for the exclusive Lamborghini Reventon is 1.1 Million Euro (without taxes).The Italian carmaker has been strengthened by an even more exclusive, seven figure ultra supercar, the Reventon. As a Supercar, Exclusive Lamborghini Reventon powered by 6.5 liter V12 engine with six-speed sequential manual transmission. The V12 engine producing 640 horsepower. Exclusive Lamborghini Reventon has compression ratio of 11 : 1 and a displacement of 6496 cc (396.41 in3,) it generates 670 PS (493 kW) at 8,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) kicks in at 6,000 rpm. The driver controls the gear shift of Exclusive Lamborghini Reventon, which is activated hydraulically via two steering wheel paddles.The driver controls the gear shift to select between Normal, Corsa and low adherence mode. Two chains drive its four camshafts that, in turn, operate the 48 valves. Together with the three-phase adjustable intake manifold, the variable valve timing delivers a meaty torque build-up. Dry sump lubrication ensures that the hi-tech power unit has a constant supply of oil, even under heavy lateral acceleration. The absence of the oil sump means a low mounting position – benefitting the car’s outstanding handling characteristics. The seats are rocked by a carbon shell, and are not designed for larger frames. Rated as a piece of waterfront property, the Lamborghini Reventon is definitely elite status of a manufacturer for the empire to maintain. The glossy carbon fiber, Alcantara / leather interior is tight but chic, and even if the Exclusive Reventon logo embroidered on the door is a bit ‘large, many other details make up the offending piece of surf . Including the limited-edition plaque on my machine to test pre-production, reading 0 / 20.

What Are Noise Canceling Headphones?

Noise canceling headphones reduce ambient noise so the wearer can either enjoy a greater degree of quiet for relaxation, or listen to music at lower volumes than would otherwise be necessary. By removing competing noises from the acoustic envelope, noise canceling headphones create a more pleasurable listening experience. There are two main types of noise canceling: passive and active. High frequencies in the immediate environment can be blocked to a great degree by using dense materials in the construction of the ear cups. This is referred to as passive noise canceling (PNC) and is especially effective in models with larger ear cups. The drawback is that PNC does not lend itself to lightweight headphones or to in-ear earbuds that sit in the open end of the ear canal. In-canal earbuds, however, slide snugly into the ear and more effectively block high frequency noise. To block lower frequencies, noise canceling headphones employ on-board electronics that continually sample ambient noise and generate inverse sound waves through the ear cup to exactly cancel the ambient fingerprint. To accomplish this, a small microphone built into the ear cup feeds surrounding noise to the electronics, which generates an opposite wave form, sending it through the ear cups. This is referred to as active noise canceling (ANC) and requires power via a rechargeable battery. The most effective noise canceling headphones employ both ANC to cancel high frequencies and PNC to cancel low frequencies. Examples of the latter might be the hum of a refrigerator motor, A/C unit, subway, or airline's engines. In the latter case, it was on an airliner that Amar Bose, founder of Bose Corporation, first conceived of noise canceling headphones, as the plane's engines drowned out the airline headphones. His idea was soon followed by others, and today there is no shortage of models to choose from. As with any other technology, ANC and PNC have their limitations. PNC works best on reducing background noises that are consistent, rather than the constantly changing noises of nearby chatter or the cacophony of general hustle and bustle. Also, people who find in-canal earbuds uncomfortable and prefer lightweight ear cups might find that effective noise canceling headphones are a bit pricey. Generally, it is cheaper and easier to build a bulkier, heavier cup. All things considered, noise canceling headphones can be of great benefit to the user in the right situations. Whether a person wants to block the drone of the neighbor's gardening equipment to take a nap or listen to his or her favorite soft music on an extended coast-to-coast flight, noise canceling headphones could be a good solution to noise problems.

What is Atmospheric Pressure?

Atmospheric pressure is the amount of force being exerted on an area by all the air above that area. Natural variations, or currents, in the atmosphere mean the actual pressure at different points on the Earth’s surface can vary. When atmospheric pressure is lower than normal, it's an indication that there are fewer air molecules above an area. If an area has a higher than normal atmospheric pressure, then it indicates there are more air molecules in the atmosphere above. The pressure in the atmosphere can affect the weather, allowing storms to form and fluctuations in temperature to occur independent of the seasons. The air that comprises the atmosphere of the Earth is made of several types of molecules. These molecules are like any other, except they are not visible to the human eye and are in a gaseous form. The gravity of the Earth still acts on the molecules and draws them toward the surface. This pulling of the air creates pressure on every surface on Earth. The higher a person moves into the atmosphere, the lower the atmospheric pressure becomes. This is because, as an object moves upward, the amount of air molecules above it decreases because the distance between the object and the edge of the atmosphere is shorter. Similarly, if an object is taken below the surface of the Earth, below sea level, then the pressure that the object is experiencing will begin to increase, because more air will be on top of it. Atmospheric pressure can be measured with a device known as a barometer. One common form of a barometer uses liquid mercury in a U-shaped tube. If there are changes in atmospheric pressure, then the mercury inside the glass will react and either move closer to or farther away from an opening in the glass. The result is that the mercury will either rise or fall to indicate a change. Another type of barometer uses a sealed glass capsule that expands or contracts as the pressure outside changes. Weather patterns across the planet are affected by atmospheric pressure, and the weather itself also can affect the pressure. Tornadoes and other violent cyclonic disturbances are often centralized in an area of incredibly low pressure because of the large-scale movements of the air. High-pressure areas, which have more mass than normal, cause clear weather and calm conditions. The temperature in an area, as well as the humidity, also can affect the pressure by expanding or contracting air or saturating it with tiny water particles.

What is Ambient Temperature?

Ambient temperature is a term which refers to the temperature in a room, or the temperature which surrounds an object under discussion. Ambient temperatures play a major role in personal comfort, as well as the function of many types of machines and equipment, and various methods can be used to control ambient temperature. Usually, control methods are designed to keep the temperature stable, as temperature fluctuations can cause discomfort. In the sense of a temperature of a room, ambient temperature is influenced by a number of factors, including the weather outside, the quality of the insulation in the room, what or who is inside the room, and the use of heating and cooling systems. For example, a room with a lot of computers will be warm, because of the heat generated by the computers, and a room full of humans or other mammals will also have a warm ambient temperature as a result of body heat. Ambient temperature can also be affected by humidity, with humid conditions feeling warmer to most people. In many settings, people aim to achieve “room temperature,” a fairly neutral range of temperatures at which most people feel comfortable. Depending on where in the world one is, normal room temperatures can vary from 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 degrees Celsius). Homes and businesses are often kept at room temperature, and in climate controlled storage facilities, warehouses, and similar structures, the climate control system may also maintain the ambient temperature within this range to ensure comfort and prevent objects in storage from becoming damaged. In facilities where maintaining a stable ambient temperature is important, temperature sensors may be used to allow people to keep track of temperatures, ensuring that they do not stray beyond the desired range. These sensors can also be linked to alarms which send alerts when temperatures fluctuate. Security alarms can also utilize ambient temperature in their operations, looking for variations in the ambient temperature which indicate the presence of a person where one is not supposed to be. People can also refer to “ambient temperature” when discussing the temperature of the air which surrounds a specific object. The temperature in a room and the temperature around objects in that room can vary significantly, making this distinction important for temperature-sensitive objects. In these cases, additional heating or cooling measures may be needed to protect a particular object from damage as a result of temperature extreme

In-Your-Face: Can Computers Catch You Telling a Lie?

A popular school of thought, dramatized in the recent TV drama Lie to Me, is that a careful study of facial expressions—especially eye movements—tells investigators if a perp is dissembling. Reality is neither as dramatic nor as decisive. Even experienced investigators average only about a 65 percent success rate, according to researchers. Could computers do a better job? Researchers at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (U.B.), claim their video-analysis software can analyze eye movement successfully to identify whether or not a subject is fibbing 82.5 percent of the time. The researchers, who first presented their (still unpublished) results at the 2011 IEEE International Conference on Automatic Face and Gesture Recognition a year ago, believe they have laid the foundation for a more extensive study that will include a larger sample and take into account body language in addition to eye movement to determine whether new technologies can help interrogators in their search for the truth. The 40 interviews were conducted by Mark Frank, a U.B. professor of communication and a study co-author, and included a diversity in age, gender and ethnicity. Prior to the interview, each subject was given the opportunity to "steal" a check made out to a political party or cause that the volunteer strongly opposed. Afterward, subjects sat down with a retired law-enforcement interrogator. The interviewer first posed conversational questions unrelated to the possible theft, to establish a baseline of normal eye movement, and then asked whether the interviewee had taken the check. Those subjects who successfully lied received a monetary reward for themselves as well as for a group they supported. Those cau

ght lying received nothing and were told that money would instead go to the party or group they opposed. The software compared each subject's baseline eye movement with those observed during the questions about the check. If the computer detected a large deviation, the researchers noted this change and flagged that person as a potential liar. The work of Paul Ekman, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine served as an inspiration for the study. Ekman's specialty is the study of emotions and their relation to facial expressions, and his work formed the basis of the techniques used by fictional psychologist Cal Lightman in Lie to Me. Frank performed postdoctoral research at U.C. San Francisco's psychiatry department under Ekman's guidance. Ekman's focus on brief, involuntary facial expression is not without critics. One former FBI special agent finds a fundamental flaw with the Buffalo study: "One problem with this research is its overreliance on the face as the only place to evince information from the body," says retired FBI counterintelligence special agent Joe Navarro, who spent 25 years with the bureau and was a founding member of its Behavioral Analysis Unit. "I can tell you as an investigator and somebody who's studied this not just superficially but in depth, you have to observe the whole body; it can't just be the face," he says, adding that a failure to take body language into consideration could lead to "an inordinate amount of false positives." In future work, the Buffalo researchers plan to take a more holistic view of behavioral cues. "We know that the eyes give signals that lead to deception, but what about general body movements?" says Ifeoma Nwogu, study co-author and a research assistant professor in U.B.'s Center for Unified Biometrics and Sensors. Faster algorithms would also enable the software to flag behavioral deviations in near real-time, she adds. They also want to expand the sample size; the 40-person study is too small to be statistically significant. An interview's setting or its context can also be important, Navarro says. "I did thousands of interviews with the FBI and most of them aren't in a laboratory, most of them aren't in a clean, sterile environment," such as the one in the Buffalo study, he says. "We did our own study years ago, and about 97 percent of interviews are actually done on the street, in the dark, after hours." These factors affect the interview subject's behavior and have an impact on whether an investigator can even clearly see a suspect's eyes. Ultimately, the best law enforcement can do today is make a judgment based on their observations and experience, taking into account that interrogations can make even honest people a little anxious.

The Hardest Metal

The hardest known metal is steel alloy, which is often made even harder by adding carbon and other elements. With a tensile strength of 0.84 GPa (122,000 psi) and a yield strength of 0.64 GPa (67,000 psi), carbon steel is surpassed in hardness only by very hard nonmetals, such as rubies, diamonds, or aggregated diamond nanorods. The Mohs scale of hardness ranks elements on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the strongest, according to their ability to resist abrasion or scratching; the best high-carbon steels rate an 8 to 9 on the scale, relative to ruby at 9 and diamond at 10. The hardest metals are still somewhat soft in comparison to the strongest nonmetals, based on the strongest bonds in chemistry, the sp2 bond between carbon atoms. Carbon Steel High-strength carbon steel goes through a process of tempering and annealing, which uses heat, to make it harder. While heat makes the metal stronger, it also makes it less ductile, meaning it is less able to bend and move when under stress. Carbon is also added to the steel, at which point the steel alloy metal becomes carbon steel, or strengthened steel, the hardest metal available. Carbon contents as great as 2 percent may be present in the hardest metal. Carbon steel is one of the most common types of steel, the other most common type being stainless steel. Due to it's high melting point of 2,800°F (1,537°C), most carbon steels are used in construction tools such as rock drills and construction dowels. Sometimes very hard metals, such as carbon steel, are undesirable because of their other properties; carbon steel, for instance, is notoriously prone to corrosion. While it is the hardest metal, it is not necessarily the most useful material for every job. Other Hard Materials While often mistaken to be the hardest metal, tungsten carbide, which is actually a composite material made of tungsten and carbon, often with cobalt added. Technically, it's a ceramic, not a metal. It is used in both the military and for gun reloading equipment, and is also a popular choice for men's wedding rings. Iridium and titanium are also sometimes incorrectly called the hardest metals; though they are hard, they are not the hardest. Titanium has been used to build the world's deepest-diving submarines, however, and iridium is known to be the most corrosion-resistant metal. Chromium, which rates 8.5 on the Mohs scale, is also extremely hard, and is often added to alloy steels for this quality. Depleted uranium, the metal of choice for tank shells, is not harder than tungsten carbide or carbon steel but it is more dense, which is preferable for projectiles. The strongest single element is carbon, but only when it is in the form of a diamond.