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In-Process Cure Monitoring of Specialty Material Coatings

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA8650-07-M-5033
Agency Tracking Number: F071-117-0637
Amount: $99,999.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF071-117
Solicitation Number: 2007.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2007
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2007-04-30
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2008-08-30
Small Business Information
9063 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78733
United States
DUNS: 625120902
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Russell Austin
 Principal Investigator
 (512) 263-2101
 raustin@tri-austin.com
Business Contact
 Monte Fellingham
Title: Contracts Administrator
Phone: (512) 263-2101
Email: mfellingham@tri-austin.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Radar Absorbing Material coatings are a necessary part of modern military aircraft. Such coatings greatly reduce aircraft radar signature, but there is currently no effective way to monitor the cure process, measure wet RAM thickness, determine the optimum time to apply the next layer or predict cured thickness while the RAM is still curing. Texas Research Institute Austin Inc (TRI) proposes to develop a sensor to make these measurements. The sensor will be developed based on a novel, patent pending dual waveguide millimeter wave system developed under a previous SBIR. The University of Missouri Rolla will subcontract, and Boeing and CAAP Co are supplying no cost support in Phase I. Lockheed and PRC-DeSoto have been briefed, and are interested in Phase II involvement. The proposed approach requires only a calibration sample, and no complex equipment (e.g. network analyzers) or data analysis. To change the type or thickness of the coating being monitored, simply change the calibration sample. The sensor is handheld, affordable, real time and operation requires little training.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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