Technical Area Tasks (TATs)
As one of the DoD Information Analysis Centers, NTIAC primarily conducts
its research for government agencies through Technical Area Tasks or TATs.
These projects are funded through the funding NTIAC receives from the DoD,
and are limited only in that for NTIAC a TAT must be about nondestructive
testing. We offer similar services for our other clients.
Current TATs and other research projects underway at NTIAC include:
Detection of corrosion under paint (CUP)
This TAT is funded through the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. NTIAC is developing a system to detect the first stages of corrosion in painted aluminum and steel panels, before the paint blisters.
NDE of Aluminum Gas Cylinders
This TAT, funded by the DOT, is an investigation into the options for NDE of compressed gas cylinders (e.g. SCUBA and SCBA tanks) made of a specific alloy of aluminum found to be susceptible to sustained load cracking (SLC) in the neck and shoulder areas, which can ultimately lead to catastrophic failure of a pressurized tank. NTIAC is working with the DOT to recommend a method of NDE suitable for employment at local dive shops.
NDE for Process Control of Single-Crystal Tungsten Rods
Sponsored by the Army and in cooperation with John Hopkins University NDE Center, NTIAC is looking at the feasibility of real-time X-ray diffraction for online production process monitoring of single crystal tungsten rods made by vapor deposition. The rods are being investigated as a potential replacement for depleted uranium as an anti-armor penetrator.
Probability of Detection (POD) Program Plan Development
Sponsored by the Air Force, this TAT is geared towards developing a written plan for an NTIAC-centered program on POD of NDE techniques and applications. Encompassing physical and empirical models, an online POD database, provisions for data fusion methods and training materials, this plan's goal is to assist in the successful life management of aging systems in not only the DoD but NASA, the FAA, and other agencies.
NDE for Submarine Towed Array Systems
The objectives of this TAT, funded by the Naval Sea Systems Command,
are to locate kinks in reinforcing ropes of Vibration Isolation Modules
(VIMs), detect breaks in reinforcing strands in the array housing, and
identify defects in VIM connector shells.
Post Sea Trial Nondestructive and Destructive Testing of Navy Submarine
Composite Transducer Brackets
The objective of this TAT, also funded by NAVSEA, is to characterize
composite sonar mounting brackets currently undergoing sea trials aboard
the USS Louisville. The brackets are designed to reduce costs compared
to the current metallic brackets.
You can also take a look at previous
research projects at NTIAC.
