2008 convertible

Amtech Thermonuclear Converter

The AMTECH Thermonuclear Converter uses radiation from a nuclear source to heat liquid sodium and generate a potential across a composite ceramic doped with metal ions. This converts radiation from nuclear isotopes into electrical energy that is used to power the world's deep space satellites. The prototype and two successive designs to increase the AMTECH's efficiency where created by Daniel Nase at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in July of 1997. Successive designs were drafted, which recycle the waste radiation that escaped from the first layer of the device. The initial device was only 40% efficient. However, the third device boosted efficiency to 75%. Since there are no moving parts in the AMTECH and the nuclear material has a very long decay rate, the AMTECH is expected to power deep space satellites for more than 600 years.

Reference: NASA: Jet Propulsion Laboratory

 

October 7, 2008

 

To Whom It May Concern:

 

I am happy to write this letter of recommendation for Daniel Nase.   I am the former Program Director of the Minority Science and Engineer Program (MSEP), at the University of Washington and was involved in selecting and providing program oversight of Daniel during his time in our program. . Daniel earned and participated in our most sought out and competitive internship program in the summer of 1997.  Daniel’s internship was sponsored by NASA and took place at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in Pasadena California. This internship was in partnership with the University of Washington’s MSEP. Daniel was assigned to work on the AMTECH Thermonuclear Converter under the direction of leading scientists and several Nobel Laureates on the Mar’s Pathfinder Mission. Daniel’s work supported AMTECH’s increasing the efficiency of the device significantly, which led to the AMTECH being used to power deep space satellites that are now in operation today. Daniel did electronic drafting, electroplated various parts, worked on X-ray tubes, made silicon carbide crystals, worked with lasers to make 3D scanning images in silicon and drafted and built the nuclear power plant for the Pathfinder Mission. Daniel also took advanced classes in mathematics, chemistry and physics at Caltech as part of his summer internship.

 

Best wishes,

 

Scott Minnix, Director

City of Seattle

Fleets and Facilities Department

Facility Operations Division

(206) 684-0142

(206) 684-0525 fax

 

Note: Although my internship was shorter than usual, I got to draft, design and build the AMTECH under the supervision of a Nobel Laureate. I had a great time and learned a lot from the experience. If you want to verify this intership, you can contact Scott Pinkham at the University of Washington. He's currently the Director of MSEP.

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Roadfly.com - 2008 Volkswagen EOS Convertible Car Review

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An Overview of 2008 Saturn Sky Red Line

The 2008 Saturn Sky Red Line is a great looking cruiser, almost feline in its stance, sporty and cool. Model year 2007 saw GM bring out a refreshing lineup of wheels, which included the Red Line performance models.

The 2008 Saturn Sky Red Line displays several exclusive interior and exterior features compared to the Sky roadster. Noteworthy among them are 18-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels, dual polished aluminum exhaust outlets, front lower fascia with design elements, cooling vents and a large mesh grille. Headlamp treatment replaces the Sky’s brilliant finish with black bezels.

The 2008 Saturn Sky Redline features a compact cockpit, leather shift knob, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, stainless steel pedal covers, metallic sill plates, unique Red Line gauges and a digital boost gauge included in the Driver Information Center. As with any two-seat sports convertible, luggage space is rather a compromise, but it can still hold plenty for short trips.

The Red Line handles well, has a performance-tuned suspension and feels rock solid with exemplary road-hugging qualities because it is low slung. Vibration and wind noise, normally expected in a convertible, is minimal. The car features an Ecotec turbocharged 2.0L engine, (GM’s first direct-injection offering) that produces 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, making it GM’s most powerful Ecotec production engine.

Fuel economy rates at 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Lower fuel consumption is achieved by gasoline direct-injection technology, whereby fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to ensure complete burning of the air/fuel mixture, thus helping the engine to produce more power. With direct injection, less fuel is required to achieve the desired horsepower compared to a conventional combustion system.

When it comes to an open, wind-in-your-hair convertible, safety is a key element. The Saturn Sky Redline is equipped with dual stage driver and passenger front air bags, daytime running lights, StabiliTrac electronic stability control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and OnStar telematic services. 

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