TEXAS RESEARCH INSTITUTE , AUSTIN, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF151-008

Description

ABSTRACT:Current battle damage assessments for post energetic events are often reliant on subjective observations and can take time to gather a complete picture of the damage and the remaining useful life of the tactical structure. TRI/Austin proposes to develop an automated damage assessment toolkit that can reduce analysis time and provide a clearer projection of the remaining usefulness of the structure. TRI/Austin will use a two phase approach, beginning with advanced areal stereophotogrammetric analysis of the damage and then followed by emplacement of fiber optic sensor networks to provide real time, long term monitoring capabilities. Data gathered by stereophotogrammetry will be combined with blast analysis models to generate a predictive estimate of the remaining potential life. Embedded sensors will monitor the structure as repairs are completed and can provide continuous monitoring after repairs are completed. TRI/Austin will use its experience in data fusion to create a final product that can be shared across military tactical command and control systems for complete situational awareness., giving commanders a greater understanding of the capabilities of the tactical infrastructure.BENEFIT:TRI/Austin will develop an automated damage assessment tool kit to determine the level of damage in buildings and tactical structures and predict remaining useful life. The initial assessment analysis will utilize stereophotogrammetry to create fast objective measurements. Embedded sensors will provide real time monitoring of the structure and can be left in place once repairs are complete in order to provide future monitoring of events that might affect the health of the structure. Data fusion techniques will merge all of the data into a coherent picture to provide a concise prediction of the remaining life of the structure. The system can also be applied to infrastructure in non combatant areas such as bridges or oil pipe lines where geography can make inspections and monitoring a difficult endeavor.