Monday, April 12, 2010

Program Related Research Report

Nuclear Energy
What is Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear potential energy is the energy stored in the nucleus of an atom, partially as mass and partially as the energy used to bind nucleons together.Nuclear energy is released when splitting or merging the nuclei of atoms.It was discovered in 1895 by a French physicist called Henri Becquerel. Nuclear energy is produced naturally, such as the heat from the sun and stars.Nuclear energy is released by three exothermic processes:Radioactive decay, where a radioactive nucleus loses energy by emitting ionizing particles or radiation.Fusion, where two atomic nuclei fuse together to form a heavier nucleus.Fission, where a heavy nucleus is broken into two or more lighter nuclei.
The history of nuclear energy goes back for over 60 years to December 2nd, 1942: Enrico Fermi made a chain reaction in a pile of uranium in the University of Chicago – this is noted as the start of the ‘Nuclear Age’. After that on August 6th, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. August 9th, 1945: the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki.After that on November 1st, 1952, the United States detonated the first large version of the hydrogen bomb (which is thousands of times more powerful than the atomic bomb) for testing purposes and on February 21st, 1956: the first major nuclear power plant opened in England.
There are currently more than 430 nuclear power stations in operation worldwide, with a total net installed capacity of approximately 370GW. Of these, more than 400 are water moderated63. In the UK, there is only one light-water reactor in operation at Sizewell in Suffolk. It is likely that any new nuclear power stations that might be built in the UK would be water moderated.
Based on discussions with industry during 2006 Energy Review and responses to the Energy Reviewconsultation, http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/review/consultation-submissions/page27883.html
Nuclear energy is used today in many different ways. It is used to power submarines and run power plants that produce our everyday power. It is also used in the creation of nuclear weapons and is used as a source of heat. The heat from the reactor is used to heat up water and the steam moves a turbine that generates electricity. It's the same principal with a coal power plant, only the source of heat is different.
Nuclear energy really improved the industry a lot in many things like: nuclear power plants require less fuel than ones which burn fossil fuels and one ton of uranium produces more energy than several million barrels of oil and well-operated nuclear power plants do not pollute the environment.
The future of of nuclear energy is very bright. Nuclear energy would be used primarily for hydrogen production, which, in turn, is used to meet the demands for transport fuels, materials, and electricity production when the sun does not shine.
http://www.ornl.gov/~webworks/cppr/y2001/pres/125591.pdf
There are many obstacles that face the nuclear energy development such as: the problem of nuclear waste disposal and nuclear safety. It will also require more attention to the safety of fuel cycle facilities, especially reprocessing plants.low progress on waste disposal is clearly one of the main obstacles to the nuclear growth.
http://web.mit.edu/ipc/publications/pdf/03-008.pdf
Bibliography:
Based on discussions with industry during 2006 Energy Review and responses to the Energy Reviewconsultation, http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/review/consultation-submissions/page27883.html
http://web.mit.edu/ipc/publications/pdf/03-008.pdf
http://www.ornl.gov/~webworks/cppr/y2001/pres/125591.pdf


http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file39197.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_energy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fusion

Summary

Summary
The article about the great Man-Made River Project in Libya is written by John Watkins. The project was very necessary because Libya is a desert country, and finding fresh water has always been a problem.
Libyan economists chose to construct a network of pipelines to transport water from the desert to the coastal cities, where most Libyans live because it was the cheapest option.
The Great Man-Made River Project begun in August 1984 and foreign companies helped in the project.
There were three phases for the project. Phase 1, started in 1993, brought water from eastern well-fields to Benghazi. In 1996 phase 2, bringing water from western wells to Tripoli was completed. Phase 3 was still under construction in 2006.
Libya made a cylinder pipe factory at Brega where they make the 4m-diameter pipes that transport water from the desert to the coast. The factory is well-equipped and modern. Now a day Libya’s government is now beginning to use its water for agriculture.
The project significantly improved the economy of Libya and improved the agriculture.
200 words

Main idea
The article talks about the great Man-Made River Project in Libya. The purpose is to transport water from the underground aquifers in the desert to the coastal cities. Libyans now can drink fresh tap water because to the success of the project.


Opinion
The articles were very interesting and let us understand the value of water in our life and no matter how much money we spend we must have clean drinking water.
They give a good example to other Arab countries as an inspiration for them to follow Libya’s thinking.

Magazine Summary

The article is talking about the Volvo S80. It was written by Bill Thomas. In the beginning the writer mentioned that he noticed that the state of the Volvo before was similar to nowadays. The 1.6-litre diesel engine in the S80 puts out a useful amount of torque. After that he mentioned that the S80 wasn’t quick, but it does the job. That means it is not that fast and not very slow. Cars these days don’t need to be very fast because they would be stopped by the next traffic jam or light. The S80 has a potential range of 800 miles on a single tank. The S80 drive is an attractive proposition: it’s refined and it has solid elegance inside which makes diving it a real pleasure. And it it’s beautifully made and finished. It is not sporty but it’s fine. Finally the writer concluded that the Volvo S80 is efficient, economical, clean car with a tiny engine that does the job.
Specifications:
• Price: €23, 245.
• Performance: 0-62 mph in 12.4 seconds, max speed 118mph, 57.7mpg.
Word count: 180

Bibliography:
Thomas, Bill. "Drives." Top Gear UK Edition Sept. 2004. Web.

PORSCHE VS BUGATTI

INTRODUCTION

My research is about two supercars which are the Bugatti and the Porsche 911 turbo. Both have different histories. Buggati is a classic car ; it was founded in France in 1909 by an Italian man called Ettore Buggati. On the other side the first turbo was introduced in 1975.

SIMILARITIES

Both are considered as sport cars, and they also have a very long history which gives them the advantage of producing cars with high quality and high performance. They are also considered as TWO of the most powerful cars in the world compared with other sports cars. Both are also popular cars. Both are also smooth and fast and also they are two-seated cars which gives them less weight and makes them go faster.

Differences

There are also many differences between the Buggati and the Porsche 911. Firstly the price.The Buggati costs $2,000,000 while the Porsche costs $143,800. Moreover the top speed of the Buggati is 407 km/h while on the other hand the Porsche has the top speed of 312 km/h. ( http://wikicars.org/en/Bugatti_Veyron )

In addition the Buggati goes from 0-60 MPH in 2.5 seconds while the Porsche takes 3.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. Furthermore the Buggati has a power of 1001 hp while Porsche has 500 hp which is almost half compared with the Buggati. In addition the Buggati has a torque of 922 ib-ft@2200 RPM. On the other hand 500 HP@6000 RPM with the Porsche 911 turbo. Also both have different weights;the Buggati weighs 5000 pounds, unlike the Porsche which weighs 3650-3750 pounds. (http://www.leftlanenews.com/barabus-tkr-takes-over-as-worlds-fastest-car.html)

Interest points of information

• Adjusting the back spoiler, reducing ground clearance, opening and closing the lids – it all adds to the Buggati Veron a perfect balance between propulsion and down force.
• Porsche contains the optional PDK and Sport Chrono Package Turbo with dynamic engine mount system.(http://www.porsche.com/kbase.aspx?pool=usa&type=kbase&id=997-2nd-tu-detail-chassis-chronopackage&lang=none)

Conclusion

Last but not the least, both cars are considered as two of the best cars in the world, but if I would have the chance to choose one it will be difficult but if I’m having enough money I would buy Buggati because it has higher performance compared with the Porsche 911.

Words : 359

Bibliography :
.(http://www.porsche.com/kbase.aspx?pool=usa&type=kbase&id=997-2nd-tu-detail-chassis-chronopackage&lang=none)
(http://www.leftlanenews.com/barabus-tkr-takes-over-as-worlds-fastest-car.html)
( http://wikicars.org/en/Bugatti_Veyron )

References :
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugatti
www.4wheelsnews.com/nissan-answers-to-porsche-defending-its-nurburgring-lap-time/ -
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_911