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SUNY
Geneseo captures prestigious NYSTAR award for research into revolutionary new
protective materials
GENESEO,
N.Y.—The State University of New York at Geneseo has received a $522,800
grant from the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic
Research (NYSTAR) Technology Transfer Incentive Program (TTIP) to facilitate
the commercialization of high-technology research on ballistic panels that will
improve the ability of the U.S. military to protect its soldiers and equipment.
The product, MagmacoreŠ, designed by Armor Dynamics, Inc., of Kingston, N.Y.,
is a light-weight and highly effective shield that provides a barrier against
high-velocity rounds or explosives. It also has the capacity to be applied to
innovative applications for urban police forces in disposal of suspicious
packages, or for other homeland security responses to potential terrorist
threats. The patent, filed by Armor, is likely to revolutionize the armor
industry.
The
research at Geneseo will be conducted in conjunction with the New York State
College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Russell W. Bessette, M.D., Executive
Director of NYSTAR, said, "Governor Pataki's support of this important
technology transfer incentive program will enable Geneseo to participate in
developing new technology to help protect our nation's soldiers and first
responders. As a result, Geneseo will play an important role in developing new
innovations that will build and strengthen New York's high technology economy."
SUNY
Geneseo President Christopher C. Dahl said he is gratified that SUNY Geneseo
will play an important role in this ground-breaking investigation. "We are
delighted to be at the forefront of scientific research that supports
technology innovation in New York state," he said. "This kind of pioneering
research showcases the extraordinary faculty resources we have here at Geneseo
and throughout the State University of New York. The combination of
intellectual capability and creative problem-solving that makes this advanced
technology possible is one of many ways SUNY contributes to economic
development in the state."
Principal
Investigator James McLean, assistant professor of physics at SUNY Geneseo,
along with his colleagues at Alfred, will facilitate computer simulations as a
cost-effective way to test and ultimately market the MagmacoreŠ ballistic panel
and other products. McLean will identify and adapt software to produce
simulations of ballistics tests and incorporate the results of Alfred's
analyses into these models. These simulations will be made possible through the
extensive computing power available at SUNY Geneseo's Distributed Systems
Laboratory.
Author
of "The Sound of Physics," published by the Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company,
McLean has been involved in numerous research grants, and has published dozens
of articles and presentations. He has been a reviewer for the journal Surface
Science, and
for Brooks/Cole (Thomson), publishers of "Physics for Scientists and
Engineers," one of the most widely used textbooks on physics in the nation.
McLean will be assisted at Geneseo by Homma Farian, lecturer in computer
science, who will direct a team to model the dynamics of simulations using the
college's distributed computing system.
According
to McLean, MagmacoreŠ's panels are made up of a uniquely shaped polymer core,
bonded ceramic spheres, and an outer coating. "In combination, these elements
redirect the path of a projectile, and grind away the metal jacket, thereby
exposing the lead to heat levels that break up the round," he explained. He
added that numerous testing sessions at various proving grounds have
demonstrated that, due to its self-healing quality, the panel can withstand
multiple strikes in a small area. Both the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) and the New York State Office of Homeland Security have
expressed interest in the product.
"The
insight gained by research at both universities will allow low-cost analytical
predictions of the effects of variables on the armor's performance
characteristics," McLean said. "With the ability to predict performance, Armor
will be able to adjust its process to optimize the performance of its products,
and successfully manufacture and market a wide variety of specific products
using this process."
Dahl
added that this research project will enable not only the commercialization of
this product, but also the creation of a new New York state industry. "Armor
Dynamics anticipates operation of a manufacturing facility that will create
between one hundred and four hundred jobs, and have a substantial economic
impact across New York," he said.
The
work of the project will be taking place simultaneously on both campuses, and
it is anticipated that there will be considerable interaction among the
investigators. "These interactions will result in a truly productive academic
team effort in support of the needs of a New York state industry," said Dahl.
The primary goal of the Technology
Transfer Incentive Program is the creation of private sector jobs in New York
State.
Other goals of the TTIP include
creating other economic impacts in New York State by:
Proposals are
expected to enhance the economic activity in New York.
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