Nanotechnology in the Army: Development of Military Uniform, Electronics, Computer Devices, and Power Supply
Nanotechnology in the Army
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Nanotechnology in the Army
Nanomaterials can be designed at the atomic level, lending more control over their properties, and making them better suited to their desired purpose. Most nanomaterials derive their enhanced abilities from the large increase in surface area that results when individual particle-size decreases.
The first military stride teat came about inferential of this technology was the development of military uniform, using nanoscale materials to integrate electronics, computer devices and power supply. In addition to ballistic protection. For instance, today if you want to stop a .45 caliber bullet you need about 10 to 20 pounds per square foot. Where we are headed with nanoscience and technology is the ability to stop a bullet with as much as two or three orders of magnitude less in pounds, something as thin and light as a piece of paper stopping a .45 caliber bullet. That 's the potential. If we could drop this under one pound per square foot we 've made dramatic progress. So, our mark on the wall is more than a factor of 10 drop in that ballistic protection. Also, we hope to get technologies into the marketplace so volumes will grow and prices will drop. Electronic active-camouflage provides the element of stealth. Metamaterial-based optical/EM invisibility suits & vehicle cloaks are close to reality. Artificial muscles using deforming or contracting molecules provide organic movement in applications such as full-body robotic exoskeleton suits. Nanostructured materials can make lighter armor, and extremely strong building materials. Nanofiber based duds offer enhanced protection against projectiles. Much of the ~60Kg load of a 21st century soldier comes from the many electronic devices needed for communications, etc. One main goal of military research into nanomaterials is to reduce this load to 20Kg via the
Name:
College:
Course:
Tutor:
Date:
Nanotechnology in the Army
Nanomaterials can be designed at the atomic level, lending more control over their properties, and making them better suited to their desired purpose. Most nanomaterials derive their enhanced abilities from the large increase in surface area that results when individual particle-size decreases.
The first military stride teat came about inferential of this technology was the development of military uniform, using nanoscale materials to integrate electronics, computer devices and power supply. In addition to ballistic protection. For instance, today if you want to stop a .45 caliber bullet you need about 10 to 20 pounds per square foot. Where we are headed with nanoscience and technology is the ability to stop a bullet with as much as two or three orders of magnitude less in pounds, something as thin and light as a piece of paper stopping a .45 caliber bullet. That 's the potential. If we could drop this under one pound per square foot we 've made dramatic progress. So, our mark on the wall is more than a factor of 10 drop in that ballistic protection. Also, we hope to get technologies into the marketplace so volumes will grow and prices will drop. Electronic active-camouflage provides the element of stealth. Metamaterial-based optical/EM invisibility suits & vehicle cloaks are close to reality. Artificial muscles using deforming or contracting molecules provide organic movement in applications such as full-body robotic exoskeleton suits. Nanostructured materials can make lighter armor, and extremely strong building materials. Nanofiber based duds offer enhanced protection against projectiles. Much of the ~60Kg load of a 21st century soldier comes from the many electronic devices needed for communications, etc. One main goal of military research into nanomaterials is to reduce this load to 20Kg via the
References: Hearn, K. (2001). Army Exploring Nanotechnology And Robotics. UPI Technology Writer, 7-1-1. Retrieved 28th May 2012 from http://www.rense.com/general11/nan.htm. Jones, A., Nye, J., Greenberrg, A. (2008). Nanotechnology in the military. Homeland security National defense, Retrieved 28th may 2012 from http://ice.chem.wisc.edu/NanoDecisions/PDF/Military.pdf