Concept Development and Requirements Analysis Services: SIN 871-2
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Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers at RTI have studied biocontaminants in buildings for over 10 years, and have developed test requirements and protocols for EPA and the National Risk Management Laboratory. Our scientists perform this work in RTI's Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, a state-of-the-art microbiology research laboratory that functions as a Class 10,000 cleanroom. The lab has been primarily used to conduct experiments involving the growth and dispersion of biocontaminants from various building materials and to study emission rates of biocontaminants from surfaces with actively growing microorganisms.
Our concept development and requirements analyses are a close collaboration between the chemical engineers who study aerosol dynamics and chemistry and the microbiologists who study the biological process. The dynamics of bioaerosols has broader ramifications that reach to homeland security, pharmaceuticals, indoor air quality, and other technologies.
Electrical Engineering
In electrical engineering, RTI works closely with NASA Langley Research Center on synthetic vision display systems for general aviation. We are using cost-effective synthetic/enhanced vision displays; worldwide navigation, terrain, obstruction, and airport databases; and Global Positioning System (GPS)-derived navigation to eliminate "visibility-induced" errors for all aircraft.
We are planning rigorous testing of the developed system to determine optimal distribution of information among the multi-function display (MFD), the primary function display (PFD), and perhaps the heads-up display (HUD). The integrated system will include optional forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor information presented on either of the head-down displays or optional HUD. Both systems will use a low-cost attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), modest air data inputs, and will support integration with an autopilot.
This project illustrates RTI's strong electrical and aerospace engineering qualifications to plan, develop, evaluate, and demonstrate a complex airborne system. RTI's technical skill encompasses the design, development, testing, and manufacture of low-cost, certifiable, fast-track and integrated synthetic vision systems for ultimate installation in existing and newly manufactured general aviation aircraft.
Mechanical Engineering
RTI mechanical engineers are currently working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST) to
- Develop regulatory requirements and safety standards
- Produce technical reviews and assessments of analysis, procedures, and tests related to applications for license approvals and to mishaps
- Conduct safety inspections and monitor licensed or approved operations
- Train AST staff in various safety areas
- Provide quick response support of urgent AST safety priorities, duties, and related responsibilities
Specific tasks include the development of an Internet-based, multi-user Launch Site Risk Assessment program; revisions to regulatory rules and guidance associated with licensing commercial space launch activities; aircraft and ship density hazard model development; Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) operations and maintenance safety analysis; debris survivability analysis; safety assessments for existing federal launch sites; support to FAA/AST in national safety requirements forums; maximum probable loss analysis for various launch vehicles; general training program development and implementation for AST new hires; and hazardous operations and qualification training for all AST staff.
This work demonstrates RTI's mechanical engineering qualifications to plan, design, develop, and deliver technical and engineering services for the safe operation of complex launch and reentry aerospace systems. Our staff possesses the necessary technical experience and skill, and includes experts in range safety, trajectory modeling, explosive debris propagation, instructional material development, and technology-based instructional material delivery. In this project, RTI meets our Federal client needs in aerospace engineering, safety engineering and risk analysis, fluids engineering, and information storage and processing systems.