ARTICLE Military Ponders Future

November 30th, 2008

Federal funding for nanotechnology research and development funding. He said researchers efforts on mimicking the way cellular membranes screen what is allowed to penetrate their walls possibly could be applied synthetically into future protective clothing. For example, an artificial sapphire used on the nose cones of infraredguided missiles could be enhanced using advances in nanoscience, said Larry Kabacoff, program manager for nanostructured materials for the Office of Naval Research. dont believe they will scale up, Stepp said.

Mechanical properties dont mean design values, he noted. dont believe they will scale up, Stepp said. But the lack of applications has been let down and distraction. Back To TopARTICLE Military Ponders Future of Nanotech by Joe Pappalardo While nanosciences offer an array of potentially useful technology for the Defense Department, not all military researchers have jumped on this bandwagon. A few atoms make difference. The buzz surrounding the creation of carbon nanotubes swept the scientific community and was touted as breakthrough.

The Pentagon recognizes broad applications of nanoscience, including ultrasmall computers, lowpower communications systems, biochemical defense suites, new targeting lasers and countermeasures and innovative materials for armor systems. For example, an artificial sapphire used on the nose cones of infraredguided missiles could be enhanced using advances in nanoscience, said Larry Kabacoff, program manager for nanostructured materials for the Office of Naval Research. Mechanical properties dont mean design values, he noted. Some longstanding engineering problems find solutions in nanotech. Wed just as soon be on the front end of that curve, Murday told the conference attendees.

Richard Audette, deputy project manager at the Army program executive office for soldier systems, said that machine gun tripod had been redesigned using the same steel, at reduction of six pounds. Some doubt the lasting impact of nanotech. Other military researchers note that redesigns can often reduce weight and enhance performance without applying any radical new technologies, an appealing observation for those interested in fielding improvements for current conflicts.

All the hype on nanotubes is big problem for us. dont believe they will scale up, Stepp said. He mentioned amorphous metals, which can adopt multiple unique properties because of their noncrystalline microstructures, and the integration of biological and structural materials in synthetic fibers as two promising technologies. Theres always something after. The federal government is certainly concentrating on nanotechnology.