Structural Tomography for Structural Corrosion Sensing Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Topic No.: N103-227 Topic Title: Structural Tomography for Structural Corrosion Sensing Proposal No.: N103-227-0742 Firm: MicroXact, Inc. 2000 Kraft Drive Suite 1207 Blacksburg, Virginia 24060 Contact: Vladimir Kochergin Phone: (614) 917-7202 Web Site: www.microxact.com Abstract: Detecting and monitoring corrosion (e.g., galvanic, dissimilar metal contact, salt water induced, fresh water induced, etc.) and its related physical property degradations for 5XXX-series aluminum in harsh environments (high humidity and/or flooding, high temperatures, electromagnetic interference, etc) is calling for the development of a new type of NDE tool. MicroXact Inc. is proposing to develop such a system based on ultrasonic computer tomography approach. The proposed solution will provide two-dimensional mapping of densities and Young's modulus of the device under test (DUT) with <1cm spatial resolution and less than 1% error. Such measurements will provide the means to detect and identify corrosion formation in the DUT as well as the degradation of DUT's physical properties. The solution will be compatible with high humidity and flooding, elevated temperatures and electromagnetic interference. Phase I efforts will be focused on demonstration of the feasibility of the proposed approach. In Phase II MicroXact will develop the prototype of the proposed corrosion monitoring system and will experimentally validate the performance goals established in Phase I. In Phase III MicroXact will complete testing of the system, will construct full-scale prototype and will install it onboard of a suitable naval platform to conduct extended shipboard testing. Benefits: Due to predicted performance characteristics the proposed ultrasonic tomography corrosion sensing system is expected to find a wide range of both defense and commercial applications. Potential DoD applications of the proposed technology are spanning from NDE of naval vessels to NDE and structural health monitoring of the aircraft components, power plants, civil structures, etc. In each of these applications the proposed system will help minimize the unnecessary maintenance and optimize the component life for structural components exposed to damaging environments. The advantages of the proposed technology will provide sufficient competitive advantage to MicroXact for successful market penetration. The proposed concept, when developed and commercialized, is expected to cause a significant impact on both the DoD missions and commercial applications. Return