Low-cost Integrated Blast Acquisition Test Surrogate

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), in collaboration with Wayne State University (WSU), proposes to develop a low-cost blast surrogate testing device that can be used to evaluate next generation personal protective equipment (PPE). Although new material advancements could be used to mitigate the blast wave through improved PPE design, a more advanced test surrogate is needed to inform PPE design decisions. To address this need, PSI proposes to develop a low cost surrogate model that can evaluate damage to the brain, lungs and neurosensory system from a blast wave event. The proposed low-cost approach will provide the ability to automatically acquire data and share data wirelessly. Reduced cost will be achieved through modern 3D printing techniques, and by developing/sourcing low cost sensors. PSI will develop a low-cost force sensor using a Load Sensing Elastomer (LSE) to monitor forces on the neurosensory system. Collaboration with WSU will enable us to test the blast surrogate and establish algorithms to identify potential organ damage. At the end of Phase II, PSI will have developed and tested an integrated low-cost torso surrogate device with an ability to withstand a blast wave with peak pressures of at least 130 psi. ​​​​​​​