Research Triangle Park, NC (8 July 2008) - Dr. David J. Nagel, Research
Professor at The George Washington University, will present the ISA EXPO
2008 Keynote/Rimbach Lecture on 15 October at ISA EXPO 2008 in Houston,
Texas.
Dr. Nagel will discuss the potential for a new sensing and
instrumentation market with the continued exploration and evolution of
cold fusion technology in his Wednesday keynote address entitled,
"Instrumentation for Low Energy Nuclear Reactions," at 9:00 a.m.
An excerpt from his presentation abstract focuses on the history of cold
fusion: "Two chemists announced in 1989 that they could produce nuclear
reactions and energy under ordinary conditions of temperature and
pressure. These reactions were termed "cold fusion", even though no one
really knew then what nuclear reactions might be occurring. In the years
since 1989, hundreds of experiments have been done on what is now called
Low Energy Nuclear Reactions, or the Fleischmann-Pons Effect. The total
body of experimental evidence shows that it is indeed possible to
produce nuclear reactions at low input energies. However, the field
remains controversial and poorly understood. There is no satisfactory
theory now for what has been observed."
Past and current experiments require sophisticated instrumentation,
including both multiple sensors and automated control of relevant
conditions. Many people, including those in several start-up companies,
believe that understanding, control, optimization and commercial
exploitation of this new means to trigger nuclear reactions will follow
in the coming years. If the anticipated advances occur, including
significant scaling up in power levels, a new nuclear reactor industry
will emerge. Sensing and control instrumentation will be as critical in
that industry as they are in current energy production and process
control industries.
For 36 years, Dr. Nagel has held positions of increasing responsibility
at the Naval Research Laboratory. As a Division Superintendent for 13
years, he was a member of the Senior Executive Service, and managed the
experimental and theoretical research and development efforts of 150
government and contractor personnel. Dr. Nagel has written or
co-authored over 150 technical articles, reports, book chapters and
encyclopedia articles. In 1998, he became a Research Professor of The
George Washington University. He is General Chairman of the 14th
International Conference on Cold Fusion in Washington DC.
Dr. Nagel's R&D career has paralleled developments in MEMS and
nano-technology. He is widely recognized as an authority in MEMS and
nano-technology based sensors and wireless sensor systems. Dr. Nagel
graduated (magna cum laude) with a BS in Engineering Science in 1960,
and later completed an MS in Physics and PhD in Engineering Materials.
The Rimbach Lecture honors Richard Rimbach (1885-1979), long considered
the Father of ISA, for his lifetime of service to the industry and for
his leadership in founding the Society. The Rimbach Lecture, presented
annually during ISA's annual conference and exhibit, reflects Rimbach's
vision in technology advances, training, and motivation.
Press can register to attend the event in the online press room at
www.isa.org/isaexpo2008. To learn more about ISA EXPO 2008, or to
register as an attendee, visit
www.isa.org/isaexpo2008 or call (919)
549-8411.
