Archived Meeting

Microstrain:
Putting Technology to the Stress Test

Main Speaker

Microstrain, Inc., Steve Arms MicroStrain, Inc. is based in Williston, Vermont and is a privately held corporation. Founded in 1987, the company began by producing micro-displacement sensors for strain measurement in biomechanics research applications, initially designing their sensors for arthroscopic implantation on human knee ligaments. One of the first sensor companies to add wireless capability, Microstrain has developed sensors for use in applications such as civil structures, advanced manufacturing, unmanned military vehicles, and automobile engines. The company went down in history when it assisted the transport of the Liberty Bell to ensure the crack in the bell would not split further, by monitoring stress levels during its 200 yard move to the Liberty Bell Center. Join us to hear Steve Arms discuss this and other groundbreaking projects Microstrain has been involved in over the years. *** A follow up to part of Steve's discussion at the meeting*** FYR, below are two hyperlinks to a noteworthy fatigue related structural failure aboard a commercial airliner. This incident has led to significant improvements in airline maintenance procedures and awareness of the importance of careful structural inspections, particularly for aging aircraft. Our military is being asked to operate aircraft longer and with less funds. Sensors can increase the efficiency of inspections, enhance maintenance, increase safety, increase lifespan, and reduce operating costs. Because military aircraft are stressed much more rigorously as compared to commercial airliners, and because these stresses are so variable from plane-to-plane; advanced sensors and sensor networks are currently a very hot defense topic. http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/Aircraft/Aircraft.htm http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/Aircraft/Aloha.htm