DoD continuation grant will provide $2.5 million to strengthen programs focused on
manufacturing job creation
Wichita State University received a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of
Defense Office of Economic Adjustment to support initiatives that strengthen and diversify
the regional advanced manufacturing supply chain, increase the quality and scope of
defense technologies, and increase the competitiveness and sustainability of defense-impacted
businesses.
The award is a continuation of a $7.1 million grant awarded by the Economic Development
Administration in 2015. It will provide funding for programs at the National Institute
for Aviation Research including:
Automated fiber placement and automated tape laying technology optimization to minimize
manufacturing defects and increase production rates for building large-scale composite
aerostructures.
Cold spray technologies for restoration of aircraft parts requiring high-quality repair
and for advanced manufacturing of aerospace and automotive parts.
Robotic programming with a motion-tracking system to record and analyze the motions
presented within the work envelope of the robotic cell in order to program a robotic
path that allows for the efficient programming of collaborative robots.
Additively manufactured tooling systems to print agile tooling that allows new variants
of defense and commercial aircraft as well as other complex equipment to be built
quickly.
Hypersonic feasibility and market analysis to determine the feasibility and market
gaps that may exist related to creating a new hypersonic materials testing and simulation
facility that would support workforce development of subject matter experts, commercial
industry, and DoD product development.
"The original award allowed us to expand the capabilities of NIAR's Environmental
Test and Robotics and Automation Labs, GoCreate and WSU Ventures," said John Tomblin
WSU vice president of research and technology transfer. "These new funds will further
expand our capabilities in advanced manufacturing processes, allowing us to assist
companies in adopting new processes that will streamline product development."
The funding will also support innovators and entrepreneurs engaged in the development
of defense-related technology and support ongoing university research programs with
the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, Air Force Research Laboratory and Army Research
Development and Engineering Center.
"The funding will enhance university and community technology commercialization efforts
while providing students with hands-on experience in the most cutting edge technology
and equipment in the manufacturing industry," said Tomblin.
