On April 16, Picatinny Arsenal held its 8th annual ARDEC Science and Technology Networking Day. The Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, or ARDEC, Science and Technology Networking Day is an annual event that promotes an exchange of...
PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. (May 5, 2015) -- From a system that helps Soldiers detect buried explosives to researchers who use electricity to ignite energetic materials, the competition was stiff for best display at Picatinny Arsenal's 8th annual ARDEC Science and Technology Networking Day.
The annual event on April 16 showcased different projects and programs, and is sponsored by the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, or ARDEC.
This year the annual event was open to all Department of Defense employees within the arsenal's community.
The networking day also promotes an exchange of technology information, ideas, perspectives and expertise on requirements among engineers, scientists, supervisors, senior leaders and program managers.
Such interaction is essential for fostering collaboration across ARDEC and with its Picatinny Arsenal partners.
"[S&T Day] is really geared toward you. It's a time to show off the work that all of you do," said ARDEC Director John Hedderich, speaking to event participants.
"It's a day to network among yourselves," he added. "Every day, you are all busy doing everything that you do, but now we're all in one place to share. It's a great day. It's a great event."
This year, 114 projects were displayed at the event, which was held in the Cannon Gate Catering and Conference Center.
Each project offered the opportunity for one-on-one discussions with project leads and experts. Some projects also featured videos or an interactive display of their project.
"I really want to thank all the project POCs [point of contacts] for putting this together because really, without everyone here, briefing their projects and putting it together, today wouldn't be a success," said Joe Pelino, ARDEC director of technology, who hosted the event.
"At the senior-level, we can force collaboration by saying 'How come you're not talking to project XYZ,' but it really comes down to the individual scientist, engineers, researchers and APOs [ARDEC project officers] working together."
During the event, participants also competed against one another for the top three displays.
The event's six judges included Joe Pelino; Don Carlucci, the Army's Senior Research Scientist for Computational Structural Modeling; Richard Fong, the Army's Senior Research Scientist for Warheads Technology; Paul Manz, Chief Scientist for the Program Executive Office for Ammunition; Lt. Col O'Neal Williams, Military Deputy of ARDEC's Enterprise and System Integration Center; and Joshua Charm, Director of Systems Engineering under Project Manager Soldier Weapons.
Each judge was assigned 17 to 19 projects to view and score on a scale of one to nine; one was "OK" while nine was "excellent."
Participants were judged based on the project's technology quality and if presenters were able to communicate the technology in a clear and concise manner.
First place went to a project titled "Sub-Miniature Laser Igniters," which focuses on substituting an optical-based ignition systems for an electrical-based ignition within medium caliber ammunition.
"The presenters were passionate about their technology and were able to communicate the technology in a clean and concise manner," said Pelino of the first-place winners. "It was easily understood that the technology is very relevant to our warfighter."
Second place went to "Initiation of ARDEC Formulated Electrically Controlled Energetic Materials," a project that aims to develop energetic materials that are electrically responsive.
"The technology is very innovative and can be used in multiple applications to include enable scalable effects, range extension of our munitions and collaborative engagement of multiple munitions in transit to a target," said Pelino.
Third place went to "Durable Solid Lubrication for Armaments," which aims to reduce or eliminate the use of conventional lubricants and enable the use of a solid lubricating as a surface treatment in armament systems.
The Soldier benefits include not having to oil a weapon or clean it as frequently. Lubrication helps to reduce jamming in a sandy, dusty, or dirty environment, said Pelino of the third-place project.
Each year the ARDEC Science and Technology Networking Day displays more technologies and expands its visibility within the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command and other key stakeholders.
The event helps to leverage and innovate as the arsenal's engineers, scientists, and researchers build technology programs for the future.
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The Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to develop technology and engineering solutions for America's Soldiers.
RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. AMC is the Army's premier provider of materiel readiness -- technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment -- to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, eats it or communicates with it, AMC provides it.
Related Links:
U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) homepage
U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) homepage
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