Vol. 54, Special Issue        February 2002

Electronics, robotics, and pulsed power

In December 2000, NASA launched the Sandia-developed Laser Dynamic Range Imager (LDRI) on the Space Shuttle Endeavor to assess the structural dynamics of the International Space Station (ISS). The 3-D LDRI images measured vibration of the ISS during thruster firing for validation of the ISS operational model and expected lifetime. Sandia achieved major innovations in 3-D imaging technology to meet NASA flight requirements, including a 5-lb weight and sub-centimeter resolution from a 30m standoff distance. NASA is considering the LDRI technology for future missions requirements in rendezvous and docking and proximity operations. (2600) Colin Smithpeter, csmithp@sandia.gov

The Sandia-developed robotic Weigh and Leak-Check System passed a final DOE review, moved a W80 pit in a laboratory at Pantex, and became fully operational for handling nuclear weapons pits. This event marked the first time a pit had ever been lifted by something other than human hands. Use of the automated system all but eliminates human exposure to radiation. Sandia designed, developed, installed, integrated, and tested the robotic system, including safety features necessary to operate safely and reliably. (15200) William Drotning, Drotning@sandia.gov

We completed engineering and modifications, shipped, and installed one of the world's largest robot systems for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company (LMAC) in Marietta, Ga., to implement robotic coating technology for the F-22 fighter weapon system. The Large Aircraft Robotic Painting System for F-22s was converted at Sandia for coating applications in hazardous environments and installed at LMAC. We also developed and tested advanced software algorithms that dramatically improved the motion performance of this 9-axis, 27-foot-tall, 35-ton robot. (15200) William Drotning, drotning@sandia.gov

MEMS devices that "pop-out" of the fabrication plane and can be controlled to move along any arbitrary, three-dimensional path in space will enable a host of new products and technologies -- particularly in electronic imaging and telecommunication systems. A variety of microscopic parallel kinematic mechanisms have been designed and built using the SUMMiT-V� process. They take up 1-3mm2 of chip area and can produce different types of motion, including XYZ translation, piston-tip-tilt, or spherical. Motion is controlled by three linear stepper motors (2-micron minimum step). (14100, 1700) Bernie Jokiel bjokie@sandia.gov

The Defense Ammunition Center has funded Sandia for two robotic disassembly systems based on technologies developed under the DOE/DoD Memorandum of Understanding program. The first system, which disassembles a projectile containing 36 mines, will be part of a new Munitions Demilitarization Cryofracture Facility under construction at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant. The second system will disassemble 8-inch Rocket-Assisted Projectiles at the Blue Grass Army Depot. These systems will remove people from potentially fatal hazards that occur annually in a worldwide industry. Walter Wapman, wwapman@sandia.gov

The Z-Beamlet Laser (ZBL), one of the largest pulsed lasers in the world, is Sandia's most recent enhancement of the Z Machine, the most powerful electrical device on earth. ZBL provides scientists from around the world with a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool to take X-ray pictures of matter under extreme conditions of temperature and density. The $12.875 million project to construct ZBL was a multiyear collaborative effort between Sandia and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. (1600) John Porter, jlporte@sandia.gov

A new Gamma Irradiation Facility (GIF), Bldg. 6586, opened in FY01. Following separate pre-operational reviews by both Sandia and DOE, approximately 80,000 curies of Co-60 were safely transferred into an 80,400-gallon water tank at the facility in late January 2001. In March, DOE authorized the facility to begin operations. Subsequently, a variety of radiation-hardness testing has been performed on nuclear weapons components and on circuits for the International Space Station, space communication satellites, and military avionics. (6400) Donald T. Berry dtberry@sandia.gov

A Defense Threat Reduction Agency-funded project to investigate the use of high performance computing to design radiation-hardened DoD systems was successfully concluded. A prototype web-based tool that a satellite designer could use to perform high-fidelity 3-D radiation transport analysis was demonstrated. The tool showed how teraflop-class software and hardware could be used to decrease costly over-conservatism in design for nuclear survivability. (15300, 9200, 6400) Len Lorence, ljloren@sandia.gov

Last modified: February 28 , 2002

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