SAMPE Journal - November/December 2011 - (Page 5)

A Note from the Technical Director SAMPE Journal Technical Editor swbeckwith@aol.com Dr. Scott W. Beckwith Energy Policies and Future Technology Potential Growth Areas In mid-September I had the opportunity to hear a keynote speaker at the Thermoset Resin Formulators Association (TRFA) annual meeting in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The invited speaker was Dr. Michael Webber, Associate Director, Center for International Energy & Environmental Policy, University of Texas-Austin. His presentation was entitled “Global Energy Trends” and the topic discussed both US and International aspects of energy policy and technology needs. The focus was somewhat aimed at the thermoset resin attendees, but the topic would just as well be of interest to SAMPE M&P engineers too. Dr. Webber noted most of us tend to fall into two ideological camps when it comes to what we desire from an energy policy: • High production and high consumption of energy, or, • Low production and low consumption of energy There is no middle ground. However, he noted the US energy policy has been the worst of both worlds – “low production and high consumption” of energy resources. Many times the U.S. requires resources from outside its boundaries. Interestingly, attitudes toward energy “policy” over the years has been mostly negative in the absence of any real direction from most governments (US or otherwise). The attitude from the general public has evolved over time from “NIMBY” (Not in My Back Yard”) to “BANANA” (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone”) to something even more encompassing – namely, “NOPE” (Not on Planet Earth). In looking at energy transitions over time, Dr. Webber noted a transition of one energy form (such as “wood”) to another form (such as “coal”) often takes a very long time. For example, he noted the wood-to-coal energy transition lasted roughly 125 years (1800-1925) whereas the Coal Dominant Fuel Period was about 50-65 years (1885-1950). The Petro Dominant Fuel Period currently runs about 60 years (1950-2011). Hence the transition periods from one dominant form of energy takes a long period of time – roughly 50+ years or so. Technologies associated within SAMPE’s materials and process engineering areas should be ripe for advancing new energy methods now through the next 50 years if focus is seriously given to alternate energy technologies. Whether one believes in “global warming”, energy and green technologies appear to suggest a positive track for increasing our energy options in the next several decades. Solar power system prices have dropped considerably over the past 30 years with advances in materials technology and improved efficiencies. This trend resulted from: new materials, coatings, sealants, manufacturing methods, adhesives, smart technology, etc. Wind energy has grown at unbelievable rates over the last 15 years alone. Primarily because of M&P trends: better materials, improved fibers and resins, manufacturing advances, coatings, epoxy systems, etc. SAMPE technology education and opportunities provide the resources for advancing energy technology growth in numerous areas. Among those expected to grow in use, efficiency and/or applications are: wind power, solar power, natural gas, renewables, nuclear, biofuels, geothermal, transmission lines, energy “storage” technology, flywheels, etc. SAMPE has the professionals within its organization, and the technology data base, from which the necessary energy transitions can occur. SAMPE Journal, Volume 47, No. 6, November/December 2011 5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SAMPE Journal - November/December 2011

SMPE Journal - November/December 2011
Table of Contents
President’s Message
Technical Director’s Corner
Life Cycle Structural Health Monitoring of Airframe Structures: Strain Mapping Using FBG Sensors
Europe News & Views
SAMPE Europe’s SEICO 2012, Paris
12th Japan International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition – JISSE-12
SAMPE Books & CD’s Order Form
SAMPE Proceedings
SAMPE Tech 2012 Call for Papers
Pitch-Catch (Low Frequency) Bondtesters
The SAMPE Foundation
Corporate Partners
Materials & Products
SAMPE LinkedIn Communities
SAMPE Journal Editorial Calender
Welcome SAMPE’s Newest Members
SAMPE 2012
SAMPE 2012 Exhibition
Industry News
SAMPE Asia 2012|Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Cost-Effective, Phase-Based Thermography Method for Ultrasonic Investigation of Defects in CFRP Structures
Tech Tidbits
Upcoming SAMPE Events
Chapter Meetings Dates and Contacts
Advertiser’s Index
Resource Center
Membership Application
Industry Events Calendar
Statement to Record Ownership

SAMPE Journal - November/December 2011