Scott Milkovich

In-situ sensors for intelligent process control for fabrication of polymer-matrix composite materials

The key to reducing processing costs, improving product yield, and optimizing material properties in composite materials fabrication is the use of intelligent process control (IPC). IPC completes the processing feedback loop by obtaining in situ sensor information, analyzing this information to make processing decisions, and then applying control parameters to the process in real-time. Information for IPC sensors must go beyond the traditional measurements of temperature and pressure, and include data such as resin viscocity, resin position within the mold, resin gelation-point, degree-of-cure of the composite, types of polymerization reactions taking place, presence of moisture, and the like. Two light-based sensors are described which have been utilized to obtain this information: (1) a novel infrared (IR) fiber-optic sensor, developed at BIRL, and (2) a commercially available index of refraction sensor. The information provided by these sensors relates directly to material performance. This paper also describes how neural networks were used to interpret the data collected by the IR fiber-optic sensor.

Lifespan Perspectives on the Foreseeable Use of Consumer Products

FEATURE AT A GLANCE: The determination of foreseeable use – both the unintended and intended uses of consumer products – should be central in the development of any safe product. One of the factors influencing foreseeable use is the age of the potential user. Different age groups have different drivers, which can potentially affect product development. The purpose of this article is to call attention to these drivers and to demonstrate their importance in determining foreseeable use and, in turn, their importance for product safety.

Measurement of noise from toys

Noise from toys is an issue receiving increasing attention in the toy and consumer product safety communities. Concern over loud toys is motivated both by reports of increasing hearing loss among children (the U.S. CDC estimated in 2001 that 12.5% of U.S. children 6 to 19 years old have permanent or temporary noise induced threshold shift in one or both ears) and by technological advances enabling sound and noise producing toys of increased play value at lower and lower cost. Consumer watchdog groups such as PIRG routinely identify excessively loud toys in their yearly lists of most dangerous toys. In 2003 ASTM revised its toy safety standard (F963‐03) to include A and C weighted sound pressure level measurements and specific play or use dependent measurement geometries. RAM Consulting measures noise from toys as part of a comprehensive product safety program. Sound measurement equipment, geometries, and procedures used at RAM for different types of toys will be discussed. Unusual problems in noise measurement will be considered, as will the appropriateness of A and C weighting for the youngest age groups.