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An introduction to the
Energetics Technology Center is best suited to a
Question and Answer format, as seen below. Please
follow the links to the right to navigate to your
desired section. You can also download the 24-page
ETC whitepaper from the link to the right for a more
in-depth explanation of the ETC, its history, functions
and future.
What
is the ETC?
The Energetics Technology
Center is a spin-off of the Center for Energetic
Concepts Development (CECD) at the University of
Maryland in College Park. It will be located in Charles
County, Maryland near the base at Indian Head. The
facility will engage in R&D of energetics systems and
related technologies and in workforce development.
Customers of the ETC may
include the Department of Defense (DOD), Homeland
Security, NASA, defense contractors involved in
energetics engineering activities, private industry, and
educational institutions.
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Why do
we need the ETC?
On-going development and
application of energetics technology and related
intellectual capabilities are critical to U.S. national
security.
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What
is Energetics?
Energetics is a branch of
the physical science of mechanics that deals with energy
and its transformations. Navy-related Energetics
research and development produces advancements in
explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics.
Scientists and engineers
who work in the Energetics field try to synthesize,
understand, and control energetic materials and
components so they behave highly efficiently, do not
react unintentionally, and accomplish the purpose for
which they are intended. The development of military
ordnance is one of the primary products of Energetics
research.
An example of the
application of energetic principles to ordnance is
thermobarics. These explosives are highly advanced
energetic formulations discovered at NSWC Indian Head.
Thermobaric explosives are chemically formulated to draw
oxygen away from the target and then use it to help
propagate the explosive reaction. The unique properties
of thermobaric materials, combined with a delayed fuse
mechanism, have made these energetic materials useful
for defeating caves and deeply buried targets in the
global war on terrorism.
Ordnance, however, is not
the only application for Energetics science and
engineering. Other areas that employ Energetics
principles include space exploration, fire suppression
systems, counter-terrorism and public safety
technologies, aircrew ejection and other escape systems,
door openers, cable cutters, automobile airbags, and
fireworks.
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Who is
involved in the ETC?
This project is a
collaboration of many of the same partners involved with
CECD, including the University of Maryland, the Naval
Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC/IHDIV),
the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), and the Office
of Naval Research (ONR). Additionally, Charles County
Government (CCG) is a partner in the ETC project.
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How is
the ETC different from the CECD?
CECD is involved in
energetics research and education and supports the
University of Maryland’s graduate programs. Work at ETC
will focus primarily on development and prototyping of
products, in addition to workforce development,
outreach, and technology transfer.
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What
are the ETC workforce training programs?
Workforce development
will be part of the ETC activities. This will include a
Technician Development Program, Community College
Program, and outreach to Charles County High and Middle
Schools.
Workforce development is
essential because we must train new energetics
technologists in order to replenish this vital
workforce. For example, in the unique discipline of
synthesis chemistry for explosives, there are currently
an estimated 82 people in the highest levels of the
field in the free world. Over half are
approaching retirement age.
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Who
owns the ETC?
The ETC is be a private
non-profit corporation, independent of the CECD and the
University of Maryland. The organization has a paid
staff and a Board of Directors and operates in
leased space.
Ownership of the final physical
space – the building – will be the result of
a public private partnership that is currently in
negotiation with Charles County Government.
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Where
is the site for the ETC?
The plan is to construct
the ETC at the 52-acre business park site in Pomonkey,
Maryland adjacent to the general aviation Maryland
Airport. This county-owned site is about 5 miles from
the base at Indian Head. The park – tentatively to be
called the East Potomac Science and Technology Park –
will be developed in a public/private partnership, with
the ETC as an anchor tenant. Additional office buildings
will house research and technology related firms.
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