Partnering with industry to improve military armor
Agile Ultrasonics, a Columbus-based business focused on enabling advancements in composite material manufacturing, has contracted with the Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) to propel technological innovation. Company representatives will partner with CDME engineers to develop critical composite processing capabilities used in military armor.
The project has widespread projected applications with multiple composites, including carbon fiber, aramids, fiberglass, and other materials used in aerospace, automotive, and armor markets. A composite is made when two or more different materials are joined to create a stronger structure.
Agile Ultrasonics applies a patented method of consolidating composite materials using ultrasonic energy. Their advanced materials manufacturing process aims to improve quality, reduce weight, increase strength, and advance composite material innovation.
The company licensed patents from Ohio State in 2019. For several years prior, CDME had been advancing Associate Professor of Welding Engineering Avraham (Avi) Benatar's technology invention into a methodology better suited for commercialization. Benatar is internationally known for his work on joining of plastics and composites and has over 30 years of experience in welding, adhesive bonding, and mechanical joining of plastics and composites using ultrasonic energy.
Studies have shown that residual air within a composite armor solution decreases its ballistic performance. Because of the low resin content and low processing temperatures, it is difficult to remove this air using standard processing techniques. Benatar and his team developed an ultrasonic treatment for composites that can more consistently remove the air from within the layup, improving the performance of the composites. During the layup process, ultrasonic energy is used to remove entrapped gas pockets as each ply is added to the composite.
Agile Ultrasonics President and CEO Jim Stratton believes collaboration with CDME will further develop this approach.
“Our goal in working with CDME is to enable a manufacturing process that can produce void-free composites and yield lighter, stronger, and less expensive components while improving product quality and opening the door to innovation,” Stratton shared. “We see the future of ultrasonic processing in composites allowing 3D shaping, 3D grading, and embedded technologies within reach.”
Stratton specifically sought out CDME as a continued collaborator based on the opportunity to access the expertise and leadership of CDME Program Manager John Bockbrader. He is a nationally recognized expert in armor development and has experience working with early-stage growth companies.
Agile Ultrasonic expects to leverage insight gained in concert with CDME on future projects, applying these tactics to carbon fiber, aramids, and other thermoset and thermoplastic materials used in commercial and defense applications.
“This technology has the potential to be a game-changer in terms of how composites are converted from rolls of material into critical components across multiple industries,” Bockbrader said. ”We look forward to working with Agile Ultrasonics to help develop their concept into a commercially viable technology.”
sourced from original article by Ashley Albertson, Engineering Research Administration
