Date: May 15, 2013 Author: Uma Sampathkumaran Source: 2013 SBIR National Conference
In the course of its lifetime, ordnance can be subject to wide-ranging temperature extremes that degrade its performance, render it ineffective, or even cause unforeseen explosions, endangering soldiers. No temperature-sensing device is currently used to monitor ammunition from the time of manufacture, during transportation and storage, and up to field use. The DOD urgently desires a passive, visually indicating device that can log and provide historical time--temperature information over 10 years. Such a device must be inexpensive and capable of recording wide-ranging temperature changes.
To meet this Army need, InnoSense LLC has developed the Therm-E-Log™three-in-one integrated temperature sensor, a small-footprint, lifetime indicator for ammunition. Phase-change materials (waxes) formulated with a high-viscosity polymer and colored pigments are packaged in a small device to monitor and record irreversible peak-temperature events and cumulative time--temperature exposure history. The device can also record present temperature status. To our knowledge, this is a one-of-a kind device. Therm-E-Log will help ensure the safe use of ammunition that is known to have, or is suspected of having, temperature sensitivities. Current commercially available products have neither the temperature range nor the ability to record for more than six months to a year.
