Defense facilities in NM
14 facilities · 9 categories
Materials
Materials in NM →Composites Processing Laboratory
Albuquerque, NM
The primary capabilities include all types of reinforcements and product forms with optimization of fabrication techniques such as autoclave/vacuum bag curing methodologies using intelligent process control, resin transfer molding, and compression molding, phenolic carbonization, oven press consolidation processing. Equipment and instrumentation consists of Goldsworthy hot melt prepreg machine, two Thermal Equip Corp autoclaves (200 psig, up to 800°F), intelligent processing software and hardware, carbonization furnace, oven press and vacuum ovens.
Concrete Research Facility
Kirtland AFB, NM
This is a 20,000-sq ft laboratory that supports research on all aspects of concrete and materials technology. The staff of this facility offer wide-ranging expertise in materials characterization, design, construction practices, and forensic investigations. Applications involve the selection of materials for special purposes, development of construction procedures, and specification of methods and materials for repair. Equipment that is available for chemical and physical research on cements and pozzolans includes a high-resolution color video image analyzer, a variable-pressure scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence equipment, and a cyclic corrosion exposure system. Engineering mechanics investigations are also conducted using a high-capacity structural floor and several dynamic programmable closed-loop universal-loading devices; sonic, ultrasonic, electric, and magnetic devices for nondestructive materials testing; and a state-of-the-art creep facility.
Pavement Materials Lab
Kirtland AFB, NM
This 25,000-sq state-of-the-art facility contains the Department of Defense-unique Joint Sealant Laboratory and an Automated Data Acquisition System for acquiring rheological data on creep, strength, resilient moduli, and fatigue of a variety of paving materials. This is a highly adaptable facility that supports physical, chemical, and mechanical characterizations of pavement and construction materials using state-of-the-art equipment for physicochemical analysis of bituminous materials and mixtures, multiaxial testing equipment, environmentally controlled testing chambers, and rapid and cyclic loading dynamic testing systems.
Space Science Technology
Space Science Technology in NM →3.5-Meter Telescope
Kirtland AFB, NM
The laser guidestar technique involves a laser fired toward space. Portions of that laser beam reflect back to earth, providing scientists with information on the distortions caused by the atmosphere. Adaptive optics is then used to correct for the distortion. The Range has produced improvements greater than a factor of 25 over conventional astronomical imaging and demonstrated that artificial beacon technology can virtually eliminate turbulence-induced distortions. The adaptive optics technology developed at the Range is of great interest to astronomers and could revolutionize ground-based optical astronomy. Efforts are ongoing to transfer much of this technology to the worldwide astronomical community.
AEOS Telescope Facility
Kirtland AFB, NM
The AEOS Telescope facility is the largest United States Air Force optical space tracking facility. The 40,000 square foot facility is located on Mount Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii. The Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS) is a 3.67 meter telescope space
Energy Technologies
Energy Technologies in NM →Active Denial System
Kirtland AFB, NM
The technology was originally developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and matured under the sponsorship of the Department of Defense’s Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate. Approximately $51 million has been invested over the past eleven years. The technology was developed in response to Department of Defense needs for troops to have options short of deadly force. Non-lethal technologies can be used for protection of defense resources, peacekeeping, humanitarian missions and other situations in which the use of lethal force is undesirable. ADS will provide these capabilities close in as well as at longer standoff ranges.
High-Power Microwaves
Kirtland AFB, NM
The general public is familiar with the technology as it applies to household microwave ovens that use this form of energy to penetrate and cook food. Whereas a typical microwave oven generates less than 1,500 watts of power, the Division is working with equipment that can generate millions of
Physics, Physical Science
Physics, Physical Science in NM →Geosciences Research, Applications, and Test Facility
Kirtland AFB, NM
This facility provides the most extensive near-surface geophysics equipment and applications capability in the Department of Defense (DoD). Research conducted in this facility specializes in engineering, environmental, archeological, and groundwater geophysics and geology. The facility supports the DoD requirements for foundation investigations, installation restoration, cultural resource assessments, military groundwater supply, tunnel detection, and environmental site characterization. In addition, a 15,000-sq ft Engineering Geophysics Training Facility, consisting of metallic and nonmetallic targets buried at various depths and orientations, is used for evaluating geophysical instruments and providing hands-on training with the equipment.
Soil and Rock Mechanics Lab
Kirtland AFB, NM
The 10,000-sq ft soil mechanics research facility is the largest in the Department of Defense and has a loading capability of 250,000 lb on triaxial specimens up to 15 in. in diameter. Also included are direct shear devices for 3- to 24-in. specimens, automated consolidometers, and rock-testing capabilities including anchor pullout tests.