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Ultra-Portable, Low-cost, Nondestrutive Evaluation Technologies for Rapid Damage Assessment in Epoxy-based Composite Materials

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N68335-07-C-0485
Agency Tracking Number: N072-126-0389
Amount: $79,998.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N07-126
Solicitation Number: 2007.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2007
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2007-09-12
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2008-03-12
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
 David Forsyth
 Principal Investigator
 (512) 263-2101
 dforsyth@tri-austin.com
Business Contact
 Monte Fellingham
Title: Contracts Adminstrator
Phone: (512) 263-2101
Email: mfellingham@tri-austin.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

In-theater operations of US Navy/Marine Corps aircraft can result in operational damage that requires rapid detection and repair so as not to interrupt mission operations. Multiple Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) technologies are available for in-depth analysis of suspected damage zones at higher-level maintenance activities. Unfortunately, the only inspection methods available for rapid on-site damage detection at the squadron level are visual and tap testing. Texas Research Institute Austin (TRI/Austin), in collaboration with Dr. Mel Siegel from Carnegie Mellon University and Physical Acoustics, proposes to develop a portable inspection system for detecting damage in composites. The TRI team will construct a breadboard instrument that will perform a controlled impact tap test and utilize both accelerometer and microphone data to assess damage in composite materials. In the Phase I work, the design for the composite inspection system will be completed and the instrument will be built and tested to ensure system functionality.

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

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