Stabilizer Level Accurate Measurement System (SLAMS)

Cartridge-Actuated Devices and Propellant-Actuated Devices (CADs and PADs) use a"double-base propellant"which consists of a binder (nitrocellulose) and a plasticizer (most often nitroglycerine). Over time the propellant can degrade, leading to premature and unintended detonation or fire when stabilizing chemicals such as diphenylamine (DPA) and its daughter products are exhausted. It is therefore of great interest to be able to safely, accurately, and reliably detect the presence and quantity of stabilizer, and stabilizing daughter products, in situ. International Electronic Machines (IEM), a leader in wireless sensor system design, will develop the Stabilizer Level Accurate Measurement System (SLAMS), a miniature, self-contained, wireless sensor unit which will be intrinsically safe, thin enough to fit into the clearance available for a propellant load, and will accurately and reliably detect and measure stabilizer concentrations; SLAMS will then transmit these measurements to an external data collector. SLAMS will leverage prior IEM unique, ultra-low power wireless sensor design work, and innovative, patented chemical sensor designs from Sandia National Laboratory. IEM will examine two parallel design concepts for SLAMS to determine which will provide the best solution to the Navy"s requirements, and demonstrate proofs-of-concept which will permit a final design decision for Phase II.