In-situ AM-2 Aluminum Mat Repair
ID: N24A-T002Type: Phase I
Overview

Topic

In-situ AM-2 Aluminum Mat Repair

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: STTRPhase: Phase IYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2479567

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "In-situ AM-2 Aluminum Mat Repair" as part of their Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I program. The objective is to evaluate the implementation of a novel repair technique for AM-2 aluminum matting in-situ. The research aims to analyze the repair effectiveness by comparing virgin AM-2 specimens to artificially damaged and repaired specimens in terms of mechanical performance.

    Rapid deployment of Expeditionary Airfields (EAF) is crucial for military transportation and sustained presence across multiple theaters worldwide. The use of aluminum matting, specifically EAF AM-2 matting, is essential for successful landings in various soil environments. However, significant structural damage often requires the matting to be shipped back to a refurbishment facility. The goal of this research is to enhance the repair and refurbishment capability of EAF AM-2 aluminum matting, with a focus on on-site repair of holes and cracks.

    The research should consider factors such as fuel/power consumption, time to repair, and comparable mechanical properties to undamaged AM-2 matting. The Phase I effort involves providing a conceptual design for the repair process, proving feasibility through analysis and lab demonstrations, and optimizing processing parameters for different hole and crack sizes. Phase II includes demonstrating prototype performance with full-scale AM-2 matting, estimating costs, and conducting failure analysis and service life assessment. Phase III focuses on assessing repair/refurbishment costs and logistics for fielding.

    The potential impacts of this research extend beyond military applications. Any aluminum paneling or matting used in commercial systems, such as train stiffener walls, aircraft fuselage paneling, and building materials, can be repaired without having to replace or remove the part from the structure or system.

    The solicitation is closed, and more information can be found on the Defense SBIR/STTR website.

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