Dynamic Parameters for High Speed Craft Composite Component Testing Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-086 Topic Title: Dynamic Parameters for High Speed Craft Composite Component Testing Proposal No.: N081-086-1430 Firm: Impact Matrix Systems, LLC 60 Picadilly Rd. Hampstead, New Hampshire 03841 Contact: Richard Strand Phone: (603) 234-4905 Abstract: The dynamic characterization of polymer composites is becoming an increasingly important USN topic. As the Navy moves towards increased construction of composite high-speed craft, it becomes very important to have a complete understanding of their strength, stiffness and durability in such environments. This requires a proper composite materials database. The parameters necessary to deduce methods for the required tests have yet to be determined. Once they are, the test methods and equipment needed to produce the database could be designed. Impact Matrix Systems, LLC has a large database defining the response of a broad range of composite materials to the high strain rate impact events typically encountered by high-speed craft. Its source is a seven-year test program executed in conjunction with a major US producer of high-speed craft. The information includes high rate strain and accelerometer data. IMS has outlined a comprehensive Phase I project for the development of the required strain event definitions and test methodology. IMS will employ its combined internal and affiliate expertise to deliver an effective combined solution. Successful proposal execution proposal will provide benefits to the USN in the form of lighter weight, lower cost and more predictably durable composite craft structures. Benefits: Expected benefits of this program will be a better understanding and ability to predict the durability and true safety factors of the vessels produced drawing upon this information. This will result in potential cost reductions for craft produced with composite materials. In addition, they should also possess longer life expectancies and lower maintenance/repair cost requirements. The generation of improved "real world" test methods developed under this SBIR will lead to much more effective selection of materials that can deliver increased strength, stiffness and durability in high-speed craft application. The potential commercial applications of this technology extend to both the US and international recreational and commercial marine markets in composite materials based construction. An excellent business basis exists in marketing both the testing services founded in the newly developed panel test system and methods as well as the high strain rate materials and structural component database they will yield. A panel test machine fabricated as suggested in the IMS proposal would offer a wide range of intelligent variability resulting in a broader marketing appeal founded in its ability to be adapted to many marine applications falling outside basic high speed panel testing. Return