| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2010.1 |
| Topic No.: |
N101-066 |
| Topic Title: |
Optical Methods to Detect and Classify Hull Surface Contaminants |
| Proposal No.: |
N101-066-0948 |
| Firm: |
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, Massachusetts 01810-1077 |
| Contact: |
Charles Mazel |
| Phone: |
(978) 689-0003 |
| Web Site: |
http://www.psicorp.com |
| Abstract: |
This SBIR Phase I project will develop a design concept for a standoff optical approach for rapid hull contaminant detection and classification. Physical Sciences Inc. in collaboration with the Navy sponsor will develop a requirements specification document to guide the analysis of candidate optical approaches and subsequent system design in Phase II of the program. PSI will assemble a spectral database of infrared and fluorescence signatures of contaminated surfaces and use these in combination with the characteristics of spectral imaging and illumination technologies to formulate a system performance model. The model will be used to perform a trade space analysis to predict the measurement performance of notional systems, resulting in identification of preferred potential components for an integrated rapid inspection system for shipyard use. Components suppliers will be identified, and preliminary validation of the system concepts will be carried out through initial spectral imaging experiments. This will result in a recommended design to be pursued in a Phase II program. |
| Benefits: |
The proposed hull contaminant inspection system will provide a unique capability for efficient inspection surfaces for the presence of contaminants. The primary application is to provide the Navy with a means for inspecting submarine hulls during construction to detect potential problem areas and to enable more efficient cleaning and resultant improved quality for paint and coating applications. The proposed instrument has the potential to support construction of other types of vessels, both Naval and civilian. It can also have utility for other industries that involve application of multiple coatings where surface cleanliness is a factor in final quality. |