Human Systems facilities in MA
7 facilities
2-Person Chamber for MOPP Ensemble Man in Simulant Test (MIST)
Natick, MA
A Man-in-Simulant Test (MIST) Chamber has been constructed at the Natick Soldier Center to measure vapor leak through chemical protective clothing ensembles. The chamber uses common approved chemical agent simulants that are recaptured after use to evaluate the protection factor associated with chemical protective clothing. The 2-man chamber provides two-hour MIST testing of new ensemble designs to identify protection issues during the research and development phase of these items. This testing is particularly valuable in assessing mask, glove, boot and garment interfaces as well as screening potential closure systems of any chemical protective item during prototyping. On-site testing will reduce development time and cost, reduce the amount of agent simulant required by larger alternative facilities and provide an immediate feedback mechanism for evaluating new ensembles and closure technologies.
Biophysical Laboratory
Natick, MA
Using a variety of instrumented equipment including sweating thermal mannequins, a thermal hand, a thermal foot, a guarded hot plate, and a Rapid-k instrument, we can evaluate the thermal protection of materials, garments, personal heating or cooling systems, and sleeping bags, and predict performance in a variety of work/clothing/environment scenarios. This laboratory has assisted in the development of extreme and cold weather clothing, firefighter ensembles, personal heating and cooling systems, and chemical/biological protective gear.
Camouflage Evaluation Facility (CEF)
Natick, MA
Technological advances in sensors drive the requirement for enhanced individual signature reduction against current and emerging sensors as employed in battlefield and civilian scenarios. The Materials and System Integration Team works with DoD users to define and quantify requirements in support of systems that are responsive to diverse operational scenarios. Current projects include head/face and hand treatments, Reversible Camouflage, Improved Visual and Near-Infrared Camouflage Protection, and Short-Wave Infrared Camouflage Protection. All of these efforts are greatly enhanced by evaluations made in the Camouflage Evaluation Facility.
Design and Prototype Facility
Natick, MA
In the Design Facility, highly skilled clothing designers develop patterns and fabricate prototypes of end items. The facility has the various sewing machines, presses, fusing machines and ultrasonic machines necessary to accomplish this mission. These prototypes allow for initial fit/wear tests and assist in the preparation of technical data packages for large-scale procurement. Based on data collected, design changes are made and implemented, as necessary, throughout the development process, resulting in a proven final technical data package/purchase description and master pattern.
Doriot Climatic Chambers
Natick, MA
The size and configuration of the chambers provide great flexibility. The dual chambers allow simultaneous testing in both tropic and arctic environments. This enables you to have numerous studies completed in a relatively short amount of time, which calculates into savings. The sizes of the wind tunnels are 60 feet long by 10 feet high by 15 feet wide. The external access doors of each chamber are 8 feet high by 10 feet wide.
Hydro-environmental Simulator and Submersible Thermal Mannequin
Natick, MA
Our unique Submersible Thermal Mannequin is fully instrumented, permitting accurate measurement of body heat transfer while submersed in controlled air and water environments, including simulated seas. The mannequin is comprised of 10 independently controlled zones. Anti-exposure suits and diving components have been tested in this simulator with the submersible mannequin.
Thermal/Flammability Laboratory
Natick, MA
Using benchtop tests and full scale mannequins, we can evaluate the effects of thermal energy (conductive, convective, and radiant) on fabrics and protective clothing systems, and then predict heat transfer and potential burn injury due to thermal, flame or steam conditions. An articulated mannequin that replicates body movements is being developed. Our full scale thermal test facilities include the Thermal Oven, the Steam Chamber, and a Dynamic Fire Test Chamber. Benchtop tests include the Vertical Flame Tester, the Thermal Protective Performance Tester, and the Radiant Reflective Tester. This laboratory has been utilized in the development of flame retardant clothing and firefighter gear.