Materials and Manufacturing Capabilities for Sustaining Defense Systems


Book Description

The Standing Committee on Defense Materials Manufacturing and Infrastructure (DMMI) conducted a workshop on July 23-24, 2012, to share information and gather perspectives on issues concerning Materials and Manufacturing Capabilities for Sustaining Defense Systems. This workshop, held at the headquarters building of the National Academies, 2101 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington D.C., was conducted according to the procedures of the National Research Council (NRC) for a convening activity. That is, all workshop participants-including presenters, members of the DMMI standing committee, Reliance 21, invited guests, and visitors-spoke as individuals, and no overall findings, conclusions, or recommendations were developed during or as a result of the workshop. All statements and views summarized in this publication are attributable only to those individuals who expressed them. It is worth noting that the sponsor, Reliance 21, is a Department of Defense group of professionals that was established to enable the DOD science and technology (S&T) community to work together to enhance Defense S&T programs, eliminate unwarranted duplication, and strengthen cooperation among the military services and other DOD agencies. The DMMI standing committee named a workshop planning group to develop the workshop agenda and decide on invited guests and presenters, in accordance with the statement of task approved by the Governing Board of the NRC. The planning group also consulted with the Reliance 21 materials and processing community of interest. The presentations and discussions during the workshop are summarized sequentially in the main part of this report. As an aid to readers, nine themes have been identified by the author that recurred in multiple presentations and discussions. Materials and Manufacturing Capabilities for Sustaining Defense Systems: Summary of a Workshop explains these nine themes and summarizes the two day workshop.







21st Century Paradigm Change in Performance and Design Metrics


Book Description

In September 2015, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a two-day workshop on evolving paradigms for design and manufacturing. Participants discussed ways to lower costs and shorten production time in defense systems while bringing materials and manufacturing alternatives into the tradespace. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.




Swords into Plowshares


Book Description

In a world that often feels torn by conflict and strife, the ancient words of the prophet Isaiah offer a vision of profound hope. "They will beat their swords into plowshares," he wrote, "and their spears into pruning hooks." It's a powerful image - a future where the tools of war are transformed into the instruments of peace and prosperity. For the defense industry, this vision is more than just a lofty ideal. It's a roadmap for a brighter tomorrow. As the world changes and the priorities of nations shift, the companies that have long been at the forefront of military innovation are faced with a choice. They can cling to the ways of the past, or they can adapt, evolve, and apply their immense strengths to solving the challenges of a new era. This book is the story of those who have chosen the latter path. In the pages that follow, you'll meet the visionary leaders and organizations who are at the vanguard of a powerful transformation. From pioneering environmental remediation to revolutionizing civilian manufacturing, they're turning swords into plowshares in the most literal sense. But this isn't just a story of corporate strategy or market trends. It's a profoundly human tale of courage, resilience, and the unshakable belief that a better world is possible. Behind every innovation and every bold new venture are countless individuals - engineers and entrepreneurs, dreamers and doers - who have staked their livelihoods and their futures on the conviction that their skills and expertise can make a real difference. Their journeys have not been easy. The path from conflict to creation is strewn with obstacles and uncertainties. But through their struggles and their triumphs, these pioneers are charting a course that others can follow. They're proving that the choice between swords and plowshares is a false one - that with enough creativity and commitment, we can forge a future where both people and profits can flourish. This is a message that matters to us all. Whether you're a defense industry executive or a concerned global citizen, the transformation chronicled in these pages holds profound implications. It speaks to the power of innovation to drive positive change, the importance of corporate responsibility in an interconnected world, and the potential for even the most entrenched institutions to evolve and adapt. But more than that, it speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. In a time of global challenges and existential threats, it's easy to give in to despair. But the stories you're about to read are a powerful reminder that another way is possible. That by turning our swords into plowshares - by channeling our resources and our resolve into the work of building rather than destroying - we can create a world of prosperity, sustainability, and peace. So let's draw inspiration from the visionaries in these pages. Let's see in their example not just a path for the defense industry, but a model for us all. And let's move forward with the conviction that, together, we can make Isaiah's ancient prophecy a modern reality. The journey from swords to plowshares is one we must all take - and it starts here, with the turn of a page. This book is priced at an affordable price point to enable widest availability. If this collection of inspiring stories how to make Swords into Plowshares, saves even one life or brings happiness to a single person, it will fill me also with hope and happiness, knowing I've made a difference as the author. David Hoicka




Domestic Manufacturing Capabilities for Critical DoD Applications


Book Description

Recent advancements in quantum-enabled systems present a variety of new opportunities and challenges. These technologies are important developments for a variety of computing, communications, and sensing applications. However, many materials and components relevant to quantum-enabled systems exist outside of the United States, and it is important to promote the development of assured domestic sources of materials, manufacturing capabilities, and expertise. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a 2-day workshop to explore implications and concerns related to the application of quantum-enabled systems in the United States. This workshop focused on quantum-enabled computing systems, quantum communications and networks, and quantum sensing opportunities. Participants explored the path to quantum computing, communications, and networks, opportunities for collaboration, as well as key gaps, supply chain concerns, and security issues. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.
















Sustainable Process Engineering


Book Description

The vital need for alternative resources and reaction routes, environmentally friendly and economically feasible industrial chemical processes has become a ubiquitous reality. This very timely introductory text covers new materials, processes and industry sectors: nanotechnology, microreactors, membrane separations, hybrid processes, clean technologies, energy savings and safe production of energy, renewables and biotechnology. Some completely new processes for the solid-liquid systems are also discussed in detail, thus creating new opportunities of sustainable development not only in industrial practice.