List

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) has a contract with Lockheed Martin to design, build, and produce the center fuselage section of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF F-35). There are three ducts which are the primary components of this section – the aft duct and two forward (inlet) ducts – right and left. Due to their length, curvature, and extremely tight constraints, the RH & LH inlet ducts pr ...

The authors establish a novel metrology system capable of determining the pose of a robotically-mounted End of Arm Tool (EOAT) in Six Degrees of Freedom (6-DOF) to a capability better than True Position (TP) 0.010 in. The metrology system consists of low-cost, modular components in the form of motorized gimbals that steer laser beams onto robot-affixed, photosensitive chips typical of those found ...

In phase II we will develop a prototype TD-THz step/gap mismatch measurement system. This system will be able to measure the sub-surface ground-plane step and gap dimensions on the seams of panels on the F-35 aircraft. In phase I, we demonstrated the ability of the TD-THz method to measure the dimensions of the ground-plane step and gap through otherwise opaque boots and coatings. The first app ...

ABSTRACT: Sorting, solvent-cleaning, promoting, delivering, sealing and installing 30,000 fasteners per day is a critical task required for full-rate production of the F-35 Lightning II. These 30,000 fasteners are comprised of approximately 350 unique part numbers and each must receive one of three different promoter solutions and sealers, each with time-limited properties. Preparing the fast ...

Nanocerox proposes to use our custom formulated, high purity yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) nanopowder for the production of YAG windows 6” by 12” by 10 mm thick with theoretical transmission from visible to 5µm wavelengths to demonstrate their utility in IR transparent material applications. YAG is a high strength ceramic which, with proper processing, can achieve our phase II optical goals ...

The additional weight of add-on armor systems and extra equipment required by the fighting force, coupled with IED tactical warfare has negatively impacted the performance of tactical wheeled vehicles. This is demonstrated by overstressed suspension systems, higher vehicle center of gravity, increased rollovers, and reduced performance on all tactical vehicles. It has been especially prevalent in ...

We propose to develop and test a prototype TD-THz system and method for the non-contact, rapid, in-process cure monitoring of specialty material coatings. The instrumentation will determine the thickness and cure state both “dry” and “wet” coatings and predict final thickness from “wet” measurements. The system will consist of a rack mounted TD-THz control unit which is connected t ...

As the Navy proceeds to update our shipboard assets through the fielding of new and innovative ship designs, the need for a modular, adaptable, multi-purpose warship becomes apparent. The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program is intended to field a multi-purpose, mission-adaptable combat ship for littoral near-coastal warfare, and to yield a platform ship capable of sustaining unmanned, automated sy ...

The impact of metal whiskers on the reliability of electronics has been exacerbated by environmentally-driven efforts to eliminate lead from tin plating and solders. Even exempt applications, such as military, are affected due to COTS. Foresite, Inc., a consultant, laboratory and test equipment development company, has a goal for the subject research, in collaboration with Purdue University, to ...

Catastrophic failures in aircraft electrical power systems can compromise the readiness, safety, and capabilities of the war-fighter. In this effort, a multi-physics suite of tools will be developed based upon the successful Phase I research to provide a comprehensive prognostics and health management system (PHM) for aircraft generators and associated electrical systems. The PHM will be based upo ...