Thermal History of Ordnance - A Colorimetric Aid during Storage and Transit

The Army requires a time-temperature device to record and visually evaluate the environmental exposure history of ordnance during their lifecycle. In Phase I, InnoSense LLC (ISL) evaluated several material formulations and selected two for integration into a working model. They are colorimetric, reversible and irreversible temperature indicators that respond to temperatures from 100 to 200 °F. During Phase II, ISL will develop and test the prototype device with scale up in mind and deliver multiple sets of the prototype to the Army. Phase III engineering of the device will offer benefits that include: (1) reduced procurement cost, (2) long-term operational life and reliable performance at temperature extremes of Army relevance, (3) materials that visibly indicate current and past history of temperature events, (4) ease of application and adhesion to metallic or plastic surfaces, (5) UV light tolerance, and (6) application specific device footprint. Phase II work plan and Phase III goals have been outlined to expedite transitioning this technology into DOD’s procurement system. ISL has received strong letters of technology interest from potential partners within the DOD community.