Improved Primary Battery Reliability Via Non-Destructive Evaluation

"We propose a comprehensive non-destructive evaluation approach to primary battery quality management that takes into account (1) batteries in the weapons stockpile, (2) batteries in production, and (3) next generation batteries. Current evaluationpractices are limited to expending batteries and statistical modeling to extend those results. A deterministic evaluation of potential battery performance is not currently possible. In Phase I, we will gather data and information regarding how bothproduction practices and temporal degradation can lead to reduced battery performance in the field. We will consider both thermal and zinc/silver-oxide battery systems. Our investigation will involve interactions with both battery producers and DoDpersonnel, which will lead to the establishment of evaluation priorities. We will focus much of our effort in Phase I demonstrating powerful extensions to current manual NDE practices already in place that are highly labor intensive and subjective, and asa result do not prevent batteries of inferior quality from entering the stockpile. We will examine the extension of these preferred techniques to field use. Furthermore, we will outline possible redesign of next generation batteries to allow simple andinexpensive monitoring of battery quality in the field. The development program is specifically focused on improving primary battery quality that will lead to high weapons system reliability and lowe