Douglas Adams, Purdue University (IMAGE)

Purdue University

Douglas Adams, Purdue University

Caption

Douglas Adams, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue, uses an "impact tower" to test a new type of military missile casing made of composite materials. The tower rams a steel rod into casings with enough force to punch holes in military armor. The testing simulates impacts from debris and tools striking the casing or mishaps, such as personnel accidentally dropping a missile. The work is part of research to develop a "structural health monitoring" system to detect flaws that could hinder the performance of new types of military missiles made of composite materials instead of metal.

Credit

Purdue News Service file photo/David Umberger

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.