 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Positron Systems To Supply Material Research For Missile Defense
Boise - Sep 16, 2003 Positron Systems, an innovator in the field of nondestructive and material characterization testing, has been awarded a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I contract by the U.S. Military's Missile Defense Agency. Under the contract, Positron Systems will demonstrate that its Photon Induced Positron Annihilation (PIPA) technology can detect structural and chemical reaction issues in solid rocket motor propellants, prior to the onset of propellant grain cracking. The ability to detect material defects in advance -- before full scale testing of expensive solid rocket motors -- is expected to save the Missile Defense Agency millions of dollars. The research that Positron Systems will conduct is aimed at verifying solid rocket propellant structural behavior, chemical interactions that result in structural changes and failure predictions under severe thermal mechanical, and ignition pressurization conditions. Once the company has demonstrated proof-of-principle, application-specific portable system designs will be developed for field use. "Recognition of the unique potential of Positron Systems' technologies to nondestructively inspect for defects in solid rocket motor propellants by the Missile Defense Agency with the award of this research contract is very gratifying, especially considering the highly competitive nature of SBIR awards. More than 1850 applicants competed for awards with the Missile Defense Agency in the 2003. 1 solicitation period," said Steve Bolen, president and CEO of Positron Systems. "However, the real winner if we are successful in developing this portable inspection capability will be the U.S. Military with very significant cost savings." Phase I research will commence at Positron Systems' Test and Analysis Center in Pocatello, Idaho immediately. The PIPA process involves penetrating materials with a photon beam generated by a linear accelerator or other techniques. This process creates positrons, which are attracted to nano-sized defects or changes in the lattice structure of the material. Eventually, the positrons collide with electrons in the material and are annihilated, releasing energy in the form of gamma rays. The gamma ray energy spectrum creates a distinct and readable signature of the size, quantity and type of defects present in the material. PIPA can detect a wide variety of damage types in a wide variety of materials including metals, polymers ceramics and composites. Because PIPA examines materials at the atomic level, it can detect damage at its earliest stage, from initial manufacture through failure. The technology can also determine the remaining useful life of a component and detect damage in 2nd layer materials. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Positron Systems SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com All about missiles at SpaceWar.com Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Missile Defense Program Moves Forward
Washington DC (AFPS) Jan 12, 2006The Missile Defense Agency continues to move forward in its efforts to protect the nation against a ballistic missile attack. The eighth ground-based interceptor missile was lowered into its underground silo at Fort Greely, Alaska, Dec. 18, 2005. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
