NASA LaRC already owns a copy of VIC-3D(R) which it uses for modeling forward and inverse problems in eddy-current NDE. With the enhancements proposed in this project, NASA LaRC will be able to extend its modeling capability to more accurately characterize damage conditions in cfrps, as well as run large problems more efficiently.
There are 35 commercial and university research institutions around the world that own copies of VIC-3D(R) which they use for the same purposes as NASA LaRC. The will have the same advantages with the enhanced version of VIC-3D(R). Furthermore, aerospace companies, such as Boeing, that are developing vehicles that use advanced composites, such as cfrps, will be able to use the enhanced version of VID-3D(R). The enhance code can also be used to support the manufacturing of advanced composites. Purdue University is developing a Center for Composites Manufacturing and Simulation which is part of a $250 million US Dept. of Energy initiative to support President Barack Obama's National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. Advanced manufacturing represents 25 percent of the Indiana economy, and the State of Indiana has a strong background in composite materials research, development and manufacturing, with about 50 companies across the state contributing to this sector. Though VTL is not a part of this consortium at this time, we expect that our Phase II research will yield an enhanced version of VIC-3D(R) that will not only support the work of this consortium, but would lead to an invitation for VTL to join it.
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