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Dr. Erik T. Thostenson. Professor Thostenson has extensive experience in processing, characterization, and modeling of nanotube-based composite systems. His research has been cited numerous times (Google Scholar: >22,199 citations, h-index: 44, i10-Index: 68) and has attracted funding from both industrial sponsors and government agencies. He pioneered the concept of utilizing carbon nanotube composites for structural monitoring and holds several patents in this area. Dr. Thostenson has been experienced with collaborative research contributions and technology transfer with the roles as PI and Co-PI on AFOSR, ONR, and ARO-supported small business technology transfer research (STTR) programs.
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Pipeline distribution for Oil & Gas is considered to be a “performance critical” market, component failures can be catastrophic to the environment, hazardous to human health, and costly due to both repair and financial losses. In the O&G industry during 2020 alone, there were 578 reported incidents in pipeline distribution that resulted in 43 injuries and 15 fatalities, as well as a total cost of $339.7M.
Globally, at least 6.2 million miles of pipeline transport gas, oil, and chemicals to 700 refineries, 24,500 power utility plants, and tens of thousands of industrial facilities globally, of which 60% of those pipelines are in the US. Pipeline infrastructure failures represent significant hazards in terms of personal injury (2,000-4,000 injuries/yr in the US O&G industry), environmental damage, and monetary losses due to fines, cleanups, and system shutdowns that can approach $1M/day.
There are at least 345K Achilles heel injuries, 1M+ ankle injuries- of which 85% are sprains, and between 100-200K ACL injuries and/or replacements every year. In each of these recoveries, medical professionals have only a limited window to monitor patient progress based on one visit per week at best. No cost-effective method available to explain difference b/t “actual” movement limitations as specified by patient (outside clinic, or dynamic) and measurements you have taken at the clinic (static).
Globally, at least 6.2 million miles of pipeline transport gas, oil, and chemicals to 700 refineries and to 24,500 power utility plants. Sixty percent of those pipelines are in the US. Due to the nature of pipeline transport, failure results in significant consequences. Since 1986, pipeline failures alone have spilled an average of 76,000 barrels per year, or more than 3 million gallons per year. Monetary losses due to fines, cleanups, and system shutdowns can approach $1M/day.
While elaborate systems exist to monitor the entire transport system, the monitoring system overall has systemic issues at the critical components – gaskets, seals, pipelines, and pressure vessels. Physical inspection of these critical components is periodic, labor-intensive, and unreliable. Emerging technologies addressing these issues are typically prohibitively expensive, require human operation, and have a limited inspection window and/or range.