Dramatic advances in diagnostic measurements may accelerate developments in many fields. We have crossed that threshold now in acoustics. Traditional ultrasonic measurements are used primarily to define geometries, that is, find flaws. Materials Characterization (MC), on the other hand, gives the engineer physical properties needed for model validation to predict future performance. Traditionally, MC comes from destructive measurements. Our nondestructive MC is now being used to assess adhesive materials, composites, advanced metal alloys, and micro/nano structural architectures. In these cases, time dependant material changes are used to evaluate aerospace materials, composites, and biothreat. Acoustics now provides new eyes to that future.

Luna has developed very high resolution ultrasonic systems that see changes in acoustic parameters to better than 100 parts per billion. Use of this system has already enhanced the utility and value of ultrasonics for numerous aerospace application areas including microstructure-based elastic effects, texture, heat treatment, impact damage, fatigue, and manufacturing defects. Biological applications are moving forward, with FDA approval received for our EDACTM system and delivery to NIST of our radiation dosimetry monitor prototype. In this meeting with NIA, we will discuss these capabilities, review recent applications in solids, liquids, slurries, and gases to explore potential interest with your faculty to team on proposals of mutual value.

Dr. Joseph S. Heyman is Chief Scientific Officer for Luna Innovations Incorporated. Prior to Luna’s acquisition of his former company, he was Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Nascent Technology Solutions for two years. Dr. Heyman had a distinguished, 36-year career at NASA Langley Research Center, retiring as The Langley Chief Technologist for the Director. He founded and nurtured the nationally leading Nondestructive Evaluation Sciences Laboratory growing it to a team of nearly 100 researchers from an initial staff of two. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Physics and Applied Science with The College of William and Mary. Dr. Heyman is a world-recognized leader and innovator in nondestructive evaluation sciences, with experience in ultrasonics, nonlinear acoustics, acoustic emission, acoustic microscopy and laser ultrasonics.  In addition, he has extensive knowledge of other NDE techniques including thermography, radiography, shearography and eddy current testing.  He is the author of over 100 technical papers and journal articles, and 30 U. S. patents, including several related to ultrasonic pulsed phase locked loop technology.  Dr. Heyman was Director of NASA’s Technology Commercialization office, helping it achieve over 60% of all the Agency’s royalty income. He also has twelve years experience serving as Commissioner/Vice Chairman to the Governor of Virginia for Hampton Roads sanitation district.  He is a recipient of the Arthur D. Flemming Award as the best scientist in government, holds three NASA gold medals (Leadership, Achievement and Service), the coveted NASA Astronauts Silver Snoopy Award for his work on the Space Shuttle. Dr. Heyman is the only person to win 4 International IR-100 Awards for the most significant technology development of the year.