At the 2020 Virtual SERDP and ESTCP Symposium, the Weapons Systems and Platforms (WP) program area will feature four technical sessions, three short courses, and several poster sessions. These sessions will review the development and transition of sustainable technologies that improve readiness and provide specific focus on corrosion reduction, PFAS-free firefighting formulations, regulatory compliance, energetic materials, additive manufacturing, and machine learning tools. 

The first session, Corrosion Mitigation Strategies, will present alternative materials, that do not contain toxic metals or solvents, for reducing the rate of corrosion and impact on the environment. Speakers will also cover strategies for successfully implementing alternative materials and accelerated corrosion models that more accurately assess these materials. Application of such strategies aim to reduce the annual cost of corrosion for Department of Defense (DoD) equipment and facilities. This session will take place on December 1 from 10:00 AM to 1:10 PM (EST). 

The Additive Manufacturing R&D for Research and Operations technical session will demonstrate the application of additive manufacturing (AM) processes to DoD operations, which simplifies logistics and creates a more sustainable method of repairing and replacing essential components. Speakers will present polymeric, metallic and hybrid approaches to AM. The session will occur on December 2 from 2:00 PM to 5:10 PM.

The technical session on December 3 from 10:00 AM to 1:10 PM will address Advanced Methods in Synthesis, Formulations and Development of Sustainable Energetic Materials. High-performance energetic materials may impart cost prohibitive and negative impacts to the environment. This session will explore new methods of synthesis and formulation of energetic materials that meet DoD performance standards and reduce environmental impact. Such technologies include continuous processing, reduction or elimination of heavy metals, and application of synthetic biology to produce precursor molecules. 

Attendees will also learn about recent developments in fire suppression formulations and methods that do not contain PFAS. As part of the Foams and Emulsions: PFAS-Free Foams and Understanding Bubbles technical session on December 2 from 10:00 AM to 1:10 PM, speakers will present PFAS-free alternatives at the laboratory scale and commercially available products.They will also share research on the fundamentals of foam performance and improving foam quality through improvements in foam stability and the interaction with fuels.

The Firefighting 101 short course on December 4 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM will expand upon the mechanics of foam, specific protocols, current testing and development, knowledge gaps, and the transition to practical application. 

Two more short courses will take place on December 4 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. REACH: Practical Effects and Approaches will provide guidance for DoD supply chain managers and engineers following Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations, which affect defense manufacturing and sustainment in the United States and Europe. Machine Learning Tools and Their Applications to Novel Energetics will demonstrate the application of machine learning to the production of energetic materials, focusing on property prediction and synthesis chemistry. Speakers will share research and advice on implementing these processes to the research and development community.  

Virtual poster sessions will take place Monday through Wednesday and on Friday, where 127 technical posters will be available across three technical focus areas: Surface Engineering and Structural Materials, Waste Reduction and Treatment in DoD Operations, and Energetic Materials and Munitions. 

To register and learn more about these sessions, visit the Symposium website.