Simultaneous Multiple Object Detection System

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors, Space Platforms The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. OBJECTIVE: Develop low power; low mass technologies that can locate simultaneous multiple object interactions on a target. DESCRIPTION: Seek novel technical solutions for a system that can provide object interaction location and density, uses little power, and does not impose any risk to electronic components critical to the flight test mission. Current detection systems, such as break-wire systems, are better suited to report the location of a single interaction. For multiple object interaction, current systems utilize electrical make screens consisting of two panels held at a voltage that reports the time and panel number when a single object shorts the panel. These systems, though robust, are able to report only one object interaction per panel. Additionally, they can have considerable mass and require power to hold the panels at a set voltage. For applications with limited volume, additional steps must be taken to prevent the panel from making contact with the metal structure of the test vehicle that may add more mass to the system. The desired system is envisioned to be able to be integrated into existing hardware providing maximum detection coverage, minimum weight, and low power, leverage passive sensors, and measure multiple events per sensor. This System should also be able to detect five or more interactions within a 10 cm x 10 cm area with a minimum time between interaction detections of less than five microseconds. PHASE I: Develop the Simultaneous Multiple Object Detection System and determine ground testing methodologies for demonstrating this system. The design concept should be complete through accurate drawings, onboard information processing design, and test concepts to demonstrate the proof of concept. PHASE II: Complete a detailed design for a specific target system (to be provided by the government at the onset of Phase II), physical fabrication on a representative sample of that target system, a ground demonstration, and multiple object testing while interfaced with a telemetry system. Signals indicating the interaction location should be transmitted off the target as a demonstration of assured transmission of interaction locations. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Fabricate the Simultaneous Multiple Object Detection System and conduct ground testing to demonstrate survivability of missile flight environments. REFERENCES: C. McFarland, P. Papados, and M. Giltrud. 2008, Hypervelocity Impact Penetration Mechanics. International Journal of Impact Engineering. doi: 10.1016/jijimpeng.2008.07.080. R. Lloyd. 2001, Physics of Direct Hit and Near Miss Warhead Technology. Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics. ISBN 978-1-56347-473-6. KEYWORDS: hit detection system, multiple object count, interaction detection, passive detection