A2 Technologies Receives Research Contract from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

A2 Technologies (Danbury, Connecticut) has received a three-year research contract from the Federal Aviation Administration to study the effectiveness of Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for determining damage to composite materials used in civilian aircraft applications.

The project will focus on three main tasks. A2 Technologies’ handheld FT-IR system will be used to develop the methodology for determining thermal, UV, and chemical damage to composites. Once this is developed, it will be used to detect the full extent of damage in composite panels and to monitor and aid in bonding and repair processes. These methods will then be implemented to enable the system to be used by qualified nondestructive evaluation personnel in field trials. Collaborating on this project with A2 Technologies is The Center for Composite Materials at the University of Delaware.

According to Jon Frattaroli, CEO of A2 Technologies, “We are delighted that the FAA has seen the potential value of FT-IR spectroscopy as a nondestructive analysis technology for use in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. We are excited to work with our outstanding collaborators to prove the value of this technology.”