Volcanic Ash Analysis and Detection Technology

ABSTRACT:Aviation near volcanic plumes is dangerous because aircraft engines can be damaged if they ingest airborne ash and aerosols.Knowing the forecast location of an ash plume will improve aviation safety while reducing engine maintenance costs.Ash forecast models are immature.To improve their accuracy we have conducted research with volcanologists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) resulting in a doubling of forecast accuracy.This Phase 2 proposal will continue the forecast-model development.A leap in forecast accuracy will be possible when we are able to measure the size and concentration of the ash at its eruption source.We are partnering with Polartronix, also located in Fairbanks, who has designed a sensor that can be flown on unmanned aerial systems into a volcanic plume.This sensor will be tested using unmanned aircraft operated by UAF.Data from these sensors are expected to again double forecast accuracy.We have nascent technology to reduce aviation risk, help jet engine manufacturers understand issues of engine maintenance, and a tool to mitigate the economic impact of volcanic eruptions on global commerce.We intend to commercialize the technology.BENEFIT:Our development work includes technology that can be used to reduce aviation risk, help jet engine manufacturers understand issues of engine maintenance, and a tool to mitigate the economic impact of volcanic eruptions on global commerce.The market for the services is global and includes various government agencies like the US Air Force, USGS, NOAA, FAA as well as manufacturers of aircraft and jet engines.The same technology also has applications with pollution monitoring from point and non-point sources as well at forecasting fallout from a dirty bomb.