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Applied Physics
With a diverse staff of physicists, biologists, chemists and mathematicians as well as a full range of engineering expertise, Southwest Research Institute responds innovatively to challenges, from extending the life of our nation’s aging infrastructure, to evaluating an eclectic mix of robotic devices, to understanding the properties of the newest and smallest nanomaterials.
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SwRI developed and verified radar illumination and processing methods to detect subsurface metal objects from elevated platforms using commercial radar. Future applications include locating mines or other weaponry using aircraft or ground vehicles with the radar antennas mounted on an elevated mast. |
The pipeline corrosion that caused the shutdown of an Alaskan oilfield punctuates the need for inspection and repair of the aging infrastructure in the petrochemical, power generation, aerospace and other industries in the United States and abroad. SwRI offers cost-effective nondestructive evaluation techniques, employing a full range of technologies (nondestructive.swri.org).
For the Department of Transportation, SwRI is developing a remote-field eddy current system to inspect natural gas distribution pipelines for corrosion. The system overcomes challenges presented by variable internal diameters of pipelines; sensors expand to inspect six- and eight-inch diameter pipes and collapse to pass through obstructions. A field test of the system on an operating pipeline is planned for summer 2007.
We are pioneers of magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) technologies that use guided waves to detect flaws in pipelines, steel cables and related structures. We continually upgrade these systems, recently developing a dry coupling tool that temporarily fastens a sensor to the pipe for a one-time inspection, as opposed to bonding the sensor to the pipe for regular monitoring.
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SwRI developed a thin-film magnetostrictive sensor to detect and monitor cracks growing in aircraft components. As SwRI engineers applied loads, the sensor successfully tracked crack growth. |
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Combining new multi-layer thin films with MsS® technology, we developed a technique to nondestructively detect and monitor defects such as cracks in aircraft components. We also continue to update inspection technologies for fatigue evaluations of parts and equipment on the A-10 and other military aircraft.
We continue validating inspection technologies used to evaluate welds in offshore platform risers. Pounded by waves, these risers are inspected periodically to ensure their reliability under the cyclic loads and corrosive conditions of the sea. We are also applying these techniques to inspection technologies for liquid natural gas tanks.
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For a Department of Transportation program, SwRI is combining remote field eddy current technology with Carnegie Mellon's robotic crawler to create an inspection system for “unpiggable” pipelines, which make inspection impossible using conventional techniques. The new system can be used while the pipeline is in service, negotiating tight bends and accommodating pipes with varying diameters. |
We are exploring innovative ways to avoid damaging buried pipelines during construction or excavation activities by effectively warning the pipeline owner and equipment operator that a buried pipe is nearby or has been hit.
To minimize power outages associated with composite insulator failure, the Electric Power Research Institute contracted SwRI to help develop a system that provides early warning of stress corrosion cracking, flash-under or rod destruction, by doping the insulator components with a dye that is inert under dry conditions. Moisture penetrating the housing activates the dye, causing it to leach out along permeation pathways or diffuse through the housing, creating a distinctive stain on the outer surface of the insulator. EPRI received patents on this technology this year.
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Using realistic field conditions, our engineers conduct extensive performance testing to assess the mobility and operational capabilities of a wide variety of novel robot designs. |
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Our staff used internal funds to develop and verify preliminary methods of enhancing radar returns from subsurface objects using ground-penetrating radar on elevated platforms. Potential applications include using aircraft or ground vehicles with elevated radar antennas to safely detect and locate buried landmines, improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordnance and weapons caches, as well as subsurface utilities, tunnels and geological features.
Using internal funding, SwRI investigated practical uses for quantum dots, highly fluorescent semiconducting nano-particles. After encountering problems with these materials in outdoor applications, we initiated studies to improve their robustness for realistic optical applications.
Visit applied-physics.swri.org for more information or contact Vice President Ed Moore at (210) 522-2739 or emoore@swri.org
| Copyright© 2006 by Southwest Research Institute. All rights reserved under U.S. Copyright Law and International Conventions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher. All inquiries should be addressed to the Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, phone (210) 522-3305, fax (210) 522-3547. |
