SBIR-STTR Award

Recent advances in digital machine control, computer processing power, and multimedia learning technologies have presented a significant opportunity to improve the overall sophistication and efficiency of mechanical testing operations. These testing operations produce service simulation and other types of material characterization data that is the foundation of most component life prediction methodologies. Current testing methods require the operator to have significant knowledge of both the test system itself and the theory underlying the test program in order to produce meaningful results. Although this experience and knowledge is available to laboratories in limited amounts, there is substantial need for better test control, training, and documentation systems. These systems must incorporate the best available information concerning both experimental methods and background theory so the laboratory staff can optimize their production of relevant and accurate mechanical test data. Brystin Research and Development (BRDI) and The University of Dayton Research Institute(UDRI) propose to develop a material analysis and test environment control system incorporating advanced multi-channel digital control, flexible and comprehensive test data acquisition, system documentation and comprehensive multi-media training guide to provide and a system to perform controlled complex tests with knowledge of materials and properties in addition to test protocol and customer requirements.

Brystin Research and Development, Inc. (BRDI) and its subcontractors have successfully completed a Phase I SBIR evaluation of existing test automation software and training tools. The results of this evaluation show that there is substantial potential to reduce material and product development cycle time through the use of more sophisticated automation systems and better learning and training methods. Advanced instrumentation and methodologies produce more information of higher quality from a given test, leading to better understanding of the damage and failure processes involved. Improved learning and training methods maximize the understanding and capability of researchers and technicians. This leads to higher test throughput and further improves information quality. We used Phase I results to devise a comprehensive development plan for WinMATE, an advanced test automation package and set of sophisticated learning tools. We have obtained commitments from industry leading companies for substantial assistance and support throughout the Phase II SBIR activity. We propose to use the combination of our development plan, substantial industry experience and financial commitment to produce a complete, sophisticated test automation system including learning and training tools. These products will greatly reduce material and product development cycle time and cost both in Government and commercial applications.

Benefits:
Both U.S. Government and industrial research laboratories will use the WinMATE test automation package and associated learning tools to shorten material and product development cycle. The shorter cycle will result from higher quality and more types of information gained from fewer characterization tests. Better-trained researchers and test operators will produce test information of higher quality and reliability. The overall cost of the development cycle will be significantly lowered by decreased training time, reduce test time, more efficient use of personnel time and better results. WinMATE test automation package and learning tools has application in aerospace, automotive and consumer product markets. Automated material and product test systems are currently a large but still developing market. Improved efficiency and methods of system training are yet to be addressed providing a large market potential for WinMATE when coupled with the learning tools system