High Performance Composite Backing Armor System for the Advance Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV)

This proposal discusses the development of an aerosol size spectrometer based on an innovative fiber optic system that provides versatility and ruggedness. The system will be compact and flexible and will provide the capability of installing multipleoptical probes in an airborne sampling inlet or duct. The fiber optic system will be capable of measuring the size distribution and concentration of airborne particles using well-established principles that are similar to those used by the externallymounted probes. Analytical and experimental studies will be conducted during Phase I to demonstrate the feasibility of measuring the required size range of 0.5 to 50 ¿m and to work in flows with velocities from 1 to 100 m/s.The particle sizing systemproposed here would be of significant benefit to government and industry engaged in atmospheric particle sizing and pollution monitoring. Instruments presently produced by several manufacturers would derive great benefit from the compactness andmulti-probe capability of the proposed system. In addition to the airborne application, potential users include industries and Government agencies interested in powder technology such as food, pulverized coal combustion, and sand blasting.