Positron Systems To Supply Material Research For Missile Defense

always easier on paper

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.

MISSILE DEFENSE

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Reston - Sep 03, 2003
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