Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: To address the Navy"s need for a manikin that can provide comprehensive testing of th

Description

To address the Navy"s need for a manikin that can provide comprehensive testing of thermal protection clothing in a flame-filled environment, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new ARticulated THErmal SEnsing MAnikin (ARTHESEMA), based on a new design that uses POC-developed G10-FR4 structural elements and pneumatic actuators. Innovations in durable air muscles will enable realistic repeated body movements in a flame-filled environment to accurately test the functionality of protective clothing under thermal and mechanical stress. As a result, this full-size articulated thermal-sensing manikin will facilitate simultaneous realistic temperature recording of 128 positions on the manikin"s surface, allowing for accurate burn injury prediction. Flame-retardant materials and ARTHESEMA"s modularity will ensure the capability for repeated use with minimal maintenance requirements, directly addressing platform requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of ARTHESEMA by computer simulation using computer aided design (CAD), with SolidWorks, and thermal simulation, with COMSOL. To verify these computer simulations, POC plans to build a partial prototype, consisting of an articulated thermal sensing arm. In Phase II, POC plans to build a full-scale prototype based on design specifications from Phase I.