Vehicle information number

In an auto theft case, the vehicle information number tab (VIN) had been removed and a second one welded on to replace it. The VIN tab was examined in the SEM and the weld, the remaining fracture surfaces, the grinding marks and the swarf remnant from the grinding were easily identified and photographed. These features are shown in Figure 1. Metallographic procedures were also used after the SEM analysis to confirm the fact that a welding operation had been performed. 

Figure 1, SEM photomicrographs of the filler metal and grinding swarf on a Vehicle Information Number (VIN) Tab (275x)...

Field surveys are valuable because of the large number of vehicles that can be visually inspected over a short period of time [54]. In general, a location and time of year is chosen and a team of evaluators survey parking lots, streets, dealerships, etc., with survey sheets. Therefore, corrosion performance is based on inspection and evaluation of actual standard production vehicles exposed to natural environments and normal operating conditions. One drawback to field smveys is that actual driving conditions for each vehicle cannot be determined unless each owner is interrogated. However, the vehicle identification number (VIN) and odometer reading does provide important information. 

SAFETYNET is a system designed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to manage and provide appropriate access to crash data, roadside inspection history and data, and motor carrier and shipper identification information. To do this, SAFETYNET maintains records that include, but are not limited to, truck/bus driver name, Social Security number, license number, and date of birth, and truck/bus driver and company contact information, and vehicle identification numbers. The FMCSA receives these data from designated state officials, either directly into SAFETYNET through paper forms that state data entry representatives enter into the system, or through electronic data upload directly into SAFETYNET. 

These two test methods and the octane numbers of the fuels measured are ultimately used to evaluate the performance of vehicles. The two methods provide usehil information about how fuels perform in cars. The RON corresponds to light load, low speed conditions, whereas the MON corresponds to heavier loads, and high speed severe driving conditions. 

Objects in the vicinity of an explosion can often serve as useful post-blast witnesses. Thus for large explosions damage to structural elements of buildings, street furniture, motor vehicles, and glazing can all prove informative. A number of authors have published studies that provide guidance on both damage assessment techniques and interpretation of the data [2-7]. 

A number of environmental applications [3] have been performed in order to size characterize colloids collected in rivers (riverbome particles, SPM, and sediments), clay samples and ground limestone (from soils), coal particles, diesel soot particles (from combustion processes), or airborne particles in urban areas (from waste incinerators, vehicles, household-heating systems, and manufacturing). In many of these cases, not only the size but also the particle size distribution was important and thus, in conjunction with the traditional UV detector, specific detectors such as ETAAS, ICP-MS, ICP-AES were used [40] in order to obtain more detailed, more specific compositional information. 

Implications for Source Studies. The results discussed above Indicate the need for measurements of a number of elements In studies of particles both from sources and In ambient air. Measurements of Na, Pb, Ca, As, Mn and V are very Important for use In receptor models. Aluminum and Fe are quite useful, but not essential If many other llthophlle elements are measured (e.g., SI, Tl, Sc). Likewise, Zn Is useful, but could be replaced by elements such as Sb and Cd. However, AI, Fe and Zn can usually be measured more easily than their surrogates. Iron and elements such as Cr, Mn, Co and N1 will be Important In areas that have Iron and steel Industries and elements such as Cu, Zn, Pb and other chalcophlles In areas that have non-ferrous metal Industries. Sources of the unexplained Mn, Cr, Cu, Nl, K and Mg In Washington need to be Identified. Thus, we have a set of about 15 elements that should be measured as a minimum, plus others that may provide additional useful Information, e.g., Br, Ba, Cd, Sb. Note that It Is not sufficient to measure a given element only In particles from the dominant source of the element. For example, motor vehicles are the major source of Pb In most areas however, significant amounts are released by refuse Incinerators and non-ferrous smelters. Thus, If the CEB Is to determine the correct source strength for the motor—vehicle component, Pb contributions from the other, less Important sources must be known. 

United States. Department of Energy. Energy Information Administration. Alternatives to Traditional Transportation Fuels 1999. Table 1. Estimated Number of Alternative-Fueled Vehicles in Use in the United States by Fuel, 1992-2001. (2001) ... 

During the trial phase, the simulation model can be used as a vehicle to define an effective test protocol. As stressed in the American Food and Drug Administration Critical Path Opportunities List, clinical trial simulation can predict efficient designs for development programs that reduce the number of trials and patients, improve decisions on dosing, and increase informativeness [18]. 

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