Metis Design Corporation (MDC) is a leading provider of novel multifunctional material solutions. MDC offers a unique approach to thermoset or thermoplastic composite component fabrication through the use of carbon nanotube (CNT) conductive heaters. When integrated into a low-cost insulating tool, this technique can fabricate composite components using traditional prepreg materials at a fraction of the cost. This out of oven approach does not require any sort of pressure or heating vessel such as an autoclave or oven, and can process quality parts in nearly half the time. The use of low-cost tooling also allows for more practical prototyping and design iterations of fully-functional parts. MDC is seeking program office support for existing or new applications interested in reducing composite fabrication costs through this innovative approach.
Metis Design Corporation (MDC) is a leading provider of structural health monitoring solutions. MDC offers a novel approach to instrumentation through distributed data-acquisition, signal-processing and locally embedded algorithms. The MD7-Pro Acquisition Node provides high-speed digitization, an arbitrary-function-generator and 2Gbit of memory to accommodate a variety of detection methods in a miniature 15g package. When joined with the MD7-Pro Structural-Sonar, this system can actively map stiffness changes over large areas, or passively localize impact events. Devices can be synchronously networked over a single 8-wire power and data bus, thereby efficiently providing diagnostic coverage will little power or mass penalty. MD7 is slated to be integrated into the MQ-4C and CH-53K in production. MDC seeks program office support for other applications interested in testing and evaluating MD7.
Metis Design Corporation (MDC) is a recognized worldwide leader in the field of structural health monitoring. MDC has developed a unique approach for monitoring of fastened joints by developing an ultrasonic transducer that is integrated into rivets after they have been installed on a structure. The method effectively turns a row of fasteners into its own phased array, with the ability to scan for fatigue cracks or corrosion in any layer of the fastened stack-up. The main advantage of this approach is that it does not impact typical rivet installation, which would add risk and further certification requirements. This technology is initially targeted towards the CH-53K rotorcraft, but MDC seeks interest from other platforms with riveted joints who would benefit from condition-based maintenance enabling technologies.
Metis Design Corporation (MDC) has developed Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) technology that utilizes a network of digital sensors to monitor physical changes in critical structural components within the application environment. The patented technique utilizes passive and active ultrasonic monitoring techniques to detect fatigue crack initiation and growth, corrosion, and/or impact events. Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) initiatives have been evolving for over twenty years, and have resulted in significant cost avoidance, safety improvements, and increased fleet readiness. State-of-the-art CBM-enabling technology has been focused on dynamic and high-cost systems. With current aircraft structural maintenance and inspection procedures being severely labor & material intensive across industry and defense platforms, and with new metallic and composite components being introduced, advancements in SHM technology has become an increasing priority for many military and commercial air-framers.
