INTERIM SOLUTION A Volcano system after refurbishment. While ARDEC took the lead on system and subsystem techni- cal data packages to find replacement parts for obsolete components, TACOM developed a new refurbishment process to get aging systems up to speed. But existing policies surrounding mine systems present other challenges. (Photo courtesy of PEO Ammunition)


individual munitions and are reaching or exceeding their design life. Since the munitions were designed with safety, reliability, performance and avoidance of tampering as key priorities, the batteries were placed in the munition. Tis leads to sustainment issues when unused munitions approach the end of their pre- dicted shelf life.


Te batteries were designed to provide the required power for full operation of the munitions for many decades after they are fielded. However, the chemicals in the batteries may break down over time, which may reduce the amount of available power or the time it takes to provide the power to the system when needed. Tis failure may be accelerated as harsh environmen- tal conditions are encountered for prolonged periods of storage. While battery performance and shelf life have greatly improved, all batteries have a finite lifespan. Ongoing studies on current FASCAM system batteries will inform decisions on the appro- priate sustainment strategies needed to continue to provide the FASCAM capability.


Te ongoing battery studies employ known aging strategies and techniques to predict shelf life. Tese include exposing the


batteries and electronic components to extreme temperatures and elevated humidity levels for as long as months at a time. Te high temperatures and humidity levels are typically higher than the storage and operating environments that would be encountered when deployed, but lower than the known conditions that cause failures or unwanted changes. For example, if liquid water is a key component in a tested sample, researchers may not want to expose it to 212 degrees Fahrenheit at normal atmospheric pressure since boiling may have a negative effect on the sample.


However, if the sample is typically used in an environment where temperatures reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit, then exposing the sample in the study to 200 degrees may provide the needed data. In the case of FASCAM, operating temperatures may reach higher than 100 degrees in the desert at the hottest point dur- ing the day even when shaded from direct sunlight. Te batteries and electronics are designed to survive desert conditions; however, there is a negative impact on battery shelf life after repeated and prolonged exposure to such conditions.


Another technique used to predict shelf life is to cycle the temperature and humidity through high and low extremes,


ASC.ARMY.MIL 21


ACQUISITION


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