A Low-Cost, Modular Blast Acquisition Test System

This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II effort aims to develop a fully integrated, modular human surrogate, a software suite, and wireless data transmission.  The main goals of the Phase II project will be to increase the biofidelity, modularity, and manufacturability of the low-cost, sensor-integrated surrogate developed in Phase I.  In Phase II, the prototype that was developed in Phase I will be modified for a female with anatomical differences.  Therefore, two separate prototypes will be delivered.  The proposed surrogates will be utilized for evaluating the effectiveness of next-generation personal protective equipment.  A software suite will be developed to wirelessly collect data and analyze the blast histograms.   The developed blast acquisition surrogate test system leverages sensors to be connected to a stand-alone data acquisition box for integration into an anatomically correct surrogate.  The torso with head, brain, neck, lung, and neurosensory organs are fabricated with material properties to achieve biofidelity at a low cost.  The surrogate system will be revised to increase anatomical accuracy and trade studies will be performed on material selection, multi-material fabrication, and surrogate lung and brain matter modifications.  The biofidelity will be demonstrated by testing and evaluating the revised surrogate prototypes under wide blast loading conditions using blast chambers.  A roadmap for Phase III will be developed, where, the prototypes will be finalized for manufacturability, durability, and cost reduction; the software will be completed to analyze data for injury risk.