MAINSTREAM ENGINEERING CORP — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: MDA14-T001

Description

The process by which weapon systems go from point of manufacture to field usage is not a simple one. Devices can be held in storage for decades before use, and they can be subjected to significant and potentially damaging environmental conditions throughout the systems lifecycle. Latent and intermittent failures occur, and it is difficult to detect these malfunctions without actively monitoring the failure mechanisms from day one. By incorporating a health monitoring system into the manufacturing process of weapon electronics at time of manufacture, the instantaneous remaining life of the component can be tracked throughout the logistics chain. However, current technologies do not offer simple and reliable products capable of inclusion at the time of manufacture that effectively monitor remaining component life. The Weapon Inspection and Sustainment Recorder Device (WISARD) combines Mainstreams experience with modern low power design methodologies, cumulative damage models, and electronic monitoring systems to bridge this gap. With a successful Phase I program, Mainstream anticipates transitioning this technology from a detailed analytical design and limited proof-of-concept prototype to a full-scale, production-ready prototype during the Phase II program. Approved for Public Release 15-MDA-8161 (11 March 15)