Commercial applications include Homeland Security structural analysis to mitigate threats (preparedness) and assess damage (response), smart structures, and SHM of nuclear plants, aircraft, dams, and bridges. SHM is an emerging industry driven by an aging infrastructure, malicious humans, and the introduction of advanced materials. Government customers include the Federal Highway Administration and the Departments of Defense, Transportation, and Energy. Non-government customers include oil and gas companies, and other crucial-structure custodians. Westinghouse Electric Company (Nuclear Services Division) is our commercialization partner. WEC sees OMNI_THERM applications in nuclear power plants, and provides engineering and marketing support at no cost. The Exploration Systems Enterprise will develop and use increasing sophisticated hardware and systems. Sustainable and flexible space exploration requires reliable structural assessment on-orbit and in-flight to guide hardware maintenance and servicing and verify repair efficacy for complex structures. Thermal protection systems directly support crew safety and are among the most crucial structural elements. These complex structures and materials must withstand severe stresses and hostile aero-thermo-chemical environments. They are also vulnerable to micrometeor damage and must be continuously monitored and repeatedly reassessed. Lightweight, compact, and reliable SHM technology is needed to autonomously inspect and diagnosis advanced thermal protection systems.
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