Power of ERDC

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
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Satisfy your curiosity and learn how some of our country’s smartest engineers and scientists are solving many of the toughest challenges facing the nation and the Warfighter. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is comprised of seven research laboratories across four states, and one of its greatest strengths is its ability to combine the expertise from multiple laboratories into powerful, cross-disciplinary projects. Each month, we dive into one of these complex problems across its broad civil works and military mission space and ask ERDC’s world-class researchers about how they are discovering, developing and delivering practical cutting-edge solutions that make the world safer and better.

  1. 3d ago

    #74: High-Tech Hide and Seek: Innovative testbed pushes underwater UXO detection technology to its limits

    Across the country, coastal waters at Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) potentially contain unexploded ordnance. Finding, identifying, characterizing and, when necessary, safely clearing these munitions in shallow-water environments presents an immense challenge. Cutting-edge robotic systems equipped with advanced sensors, acoustics and precision mapping tools hold potential to locate these hazards. However, these technologies must first be proven in the chaotic, highly dynamic environment of the nearshore zone. An ERDC research team at the Field Research Facility (FRF) in Duck, North Carolina, part of ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, is bridging this critical gap. By establishing an extensive underwater testbed, ERDC is providing the real-world environment needed to test, validate and advance next-generation sensors and robotic platforms in surf conditions — ensuring these technologies are mission-ready. Joining us to discuss this testbed are Dr. Spicer Bak and Pat Dickhudt, who have been at the forefront of the design and development of this testbed that is helping accelerate the delivery of these important technologies. Discussion topics include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ involvement in underwater munitions response (1:49), what makes the FRF a perfect location for this testbed (4:55), and how the FRF’s unique capabilities support a high level of accuracy (18:11). We also talk about lessons learned from developing the testbed (19:30), the process of using the testbed (27:49) and some of the key findings from technologies tested at the site (33:03). Watch a video of this episode at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/74-underwater-UXO-testbed_video.

  2. Aug 25

    Building Stronger Levees: Biostabilization research is creating more resilient flood control network

    Learn how ERDC is using biopolymers and vegetation to reduce levee erosion, resist overtopping and explore lower-cost, long-term embankment protection.

  3. Aug 18

    CLARITY: AI tool lightens the load of heavy military logistics

    Learn how ERDC and the Defense Logistics Agency are exploring how artificial intelligence can improve Class IV logistics planning.

  4. Aug 11

    #71: Spinning Big Science: How ERDC’s Centrifuge Helps Predict Infrastructure Failure

    Failure is something engineers work every day to prevent, but at ERDC, researchers can study failure before it happens in the real world. Dr. April Bowman, a research civil engineer with ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, joins the Power of ERDC podcast to explain how the Centrifuge Research Complex helps scientists and engineers model large-scale infrastructure problems in miniature while recreating real-world stress conditions. The centrifuge allows ERDC to study how soil and structures interact under load, giving researchers a safer and more cost-effective way to examine dams, levees, walls, tunnels, foundations, protective barriers and other large infrastructure systems. Bowman explains how spinning a small model at increased gravity can make it behave like a full-scale system, allowing researchers to test failure mechanisms that would be too dangerous, expensive or impractical to recreate in the field (3:40). Topics discussed include why soil behavior depends on stress (5:34); how centrifuge testing can reduce costs while increasing the number of tests (7:17); how ERDC research has supported military protection systems (9:09) and civil works infrastructure (12:28); and how current mechanically stabilized earth wall research is using fiber optic strain sensing and acoustic sensing to detect early warning signs of failure (16:03). For more information, visit PowerofERDCPodcast.org/71-spinning-big-science_resources. Watch a video of this podcast at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/71-spinning-big-science_video.

  5. Aug 4

    #70: Building Tomorrow’s Engineering Workforce: STEM outreach has produced talent pipeline and reshaped ERDC’s future

    STEM outreach has built a talent pipeline for ERDC and reshaped its future.

  6. Jul 28

    #69: Sizing Up Sand: National project to chart grain size will improve beach management

    Learn how ERDC researchers are building a national database of sand-grain size, filling a critical knowledge gap that will enable better beach management.

  7. Jul 21

    Navigating the Dangerous & Chaotic: Surf observation science supports military’s critical amphibious operations

    ERDC surf observation research supports military’s amphibious operation mission.

  8. Jul 14

    #67: Mapping movement in contested terrain

    Learn how ERDC’s PLANS and WGAP tools support contested movement by improving route analysis, gap-crossing planning and engineer-informed decision support.

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About

Satisfy your curiosity and learn how some of our country’s smartest engineers and scientists are solving many of the toughest challenges facing the nation and the Warfighter. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is comprised of seven research laboratories across four states, and one of its greatest strengths is its ability to combine the expertise from multiple laboratories into powerful, cross-disciplinary projects. Each month, we dive into one of these complex problems across its broad civil works and military mission space and ask ERDC’s world-class researchers about how they are discovering, developing and delivering practical cutting-edge solutions that make the world safer and better.

Information

  • Creator
    U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © This podcast, its associated website and their contents are the copyright of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. All rights are reserved.
  • Show Website
    Power of ERDC