Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for determining internal engine characteristics using acoustic-vibration data. Exemplary such data are passive acoustic pyrometer data. Acoustic-vibrational frequencies emanating from a running engine are detected and compared to frequencies having known relationships to particular operating characteristics of the engine. In an example, the dominant frequency or other prominent frequency emanating from an internal-combustion chamber of a turbine engine is detected and used to determine the fuel-to-air ratio in the chamber. The determined data are used for performing adjustments or optimizations of engine performance, such as adjusting the fuel-to-air ratio as required or desired. In a similar manner, operating characteristics of other engines or engine-like environments, including furnaces and boilers, can be determined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the dielectric relaxation properties of a sample are disclosed. Methods are disclosed for amplifying or controlling the dielectric relaxation properties of a sample by adding particles, such as functionally coated particles. In certain methods, the particles amplify or control the dielectric relaxation properties of the sample by interacting with counter ions in the sample. In some embodiments, the methods use a dielectric relaxation spectroscopy apparatus with remote electrodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a disposal container for nuclear materials. According to certain ambodiments, the disposal container includes a nuclear material sub-container of a first type and a plurality of nuclear material sub-containers of a second type. In particular implementations, the disposal container includes a plurality of nuclear material sub-containers of a first type. The nuclear material sub-containers of a second type may surround the nuclear material sub-container of a first type. In particular examples, the nuclear material sub-containers of a second type are arranged concentrically around the nuclear material sub-container of a first type. The disclosed disposal containers may provide more efficient storage of nuclear materials, such as nuclear waste.

Abstract: A precipitation measuring system comprising a top thermal plate positioned to maximize exposure to falling precipitation and includes at least one ridge circumscribing the top surface for capturing precipitation. A second thermal plate is positioned under the top thermal plate to protect it from falling precipitation while still exposing it to the same atmospheric temperature and wind conditions. At least one solar radiation sensor is connected to the precipitation measuring system to measure solar radiation contacting at least one of the top and bottom thermal plates. During a precipitation event, the top and bottom thermal plates are maintained at a constant temperature and a power consumption curve for each thermal plate is quantified. The precipitation rate is measured by the difference in the power consumption curve for the top thermal plate and the power consumption curve for the bottom thermal plate.

Abstract: A precipitation measuring system comprising a top thermal plate positioned to maximize exposure to falling precipitation and includes at least one ridge circumscribing the top surface for capturing precipitation. A second thermal plate is positioned under the top thermal plate to protect it from falling precipitation while still exposing it to the same atmospheric temperature and wind conditions. At least one solar radiation sensor is connected to the precipitation measuring system to measure solar radiation contacting at least one of the top and bottom thermal plates. During a precipitation event, the top and bottom thermal plates are maintained at a constant temperature and a power consumption curve for each thermal plate is quantified. The precipitation rate is measured by the difference in the power consumption curve for the top thermal plate and the power consumption curve for the bottom thermal plate.

Abstract: A precipitation measuring system comprising a top thermal plate positioned to maximize exposure to falling precipitation and includes at least one ridge circumscribing the top surface for capturing precipitation. A second thermal plate is positioned under the top thermal plate to protect it from falling precipitation while still exposing it to the same atmospheric temperature and wind conditions. At least one solar radiation sensor is connected to the precipitation measuring system to measure solar radiation contacting at least one of the top and bottom thermal plates. During a precipitation event, the top and bottom thermal plates are maintained at a constant temperature and a power consumption curve for each thermal plate is quantified. The precipitation rate is measured by the difference in the power consumption curve for the top thermal plate and the power consumption curve for the bottom thermal plate.