U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)

The threat to the Warfighter is not always visible to the naked eye. Toxic chemicals have been used in battlefields throughout history and in recent conflicts. However, the U.S. Army did not have capabilities to locate and estimate the effects of common toxic industrial chemicals and materials for mission planning. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Understanding the Environment as a Threat program provides mission planners the capability to locate industries; identify toxic industrial chemicals and materials with updated toxicity profiles; predict the threat radii in the air, soil and water; assess routing options using hazard-based weighed risks; and conduct subterranean reverse-point sourcing of adversaries. The program develops tools to address this gap and advance the Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield process through integration of knowledge, awareness, detection and planning of toxic industrial chemicals and materials, as well as emerging biothreats. These tools allow leaders to take a holistic approach to analyzing the operational environment and result in successful operations. This ability to assess these threats reduces force protection and maneuverability risks, saving commanders valuable time and ensuring Soldier safety. To learn more about how ERDC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is supporting our Warfighters, view and download the FY 24 USACE R&D Annual Report by visiting https://lnkd.in/eAKsd-VZ. #military #army #threats #chemicals #toxins #hazards #chemicalhazards #hazarddetection #biologicalthreats #environment #environmental #soldiers #engineer #engineering #science #innovation #technology #research #researchanddevelopment #PowerofERDC

Dr. Anthony Fragoso, a research physicist with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, has been awarded a fellowship through the Laboratory University Collaboration Initiative (LUCI). The LUCI fellowship will pair Fragoso, whose research focuses on developing AI and autonomy for extreme environments, with Richard Murray, a control theorist and a professor of control and dynamical systems and bioengineering at the California Institute of Technology. Their project – Automated Test Generation for Arctic AI and Autonomy – will research the fundamentals of knowing when AI works and how it breaks, exploring the algorithms, mathematics and theory behind it. The two seek to pioneer research on the reliability of artificial intelligence in Arctic conditions. This study will be the first to explore AI trustworthiness specifically in this harsh environment. To learn more about this fellowship and research program, visit https://lnkd.in/g7eYrJDb. United States Department of Defense US Army US Army Corps of Engineers #artificialintelligence #ai #arctic #fellowship #autonomy #extremeenvironments #bioengineering #engineer #engineering #physics #mathematics #theory #science #innovation #technology #research #researchanddevelopment #PowerofERDC

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) recently unveiled a hydrogen-powered small microgrid – or nanogrid – at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. This is the first operational nanogrid of its kind in the U.S. Army. A nanogrid is a self-contained electric power system that can operate independently from the electric power grid. The system can supply power to improve resilience in response to potential power outages or to areas where there is no grid power. WSMR’s nanogrid uses hydrogen fuel to replace traditional diesel generators. It provides power to a surveillance camera system and meteorological weather equipment, supporting continuous, unattended operation in a remote off-grid location. The nanogrid enables this equipment to operate in the location where “silent watch” capabilities of hydrogen-powered generation are needed in a pristine environment. The surveillance system supported by the nanogid plays a critical role in the installation’s efforts to monitor wildlife activity. Data collected is used to identify wildlife species in the area and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. To learn more about this research and innovative power capability, visit https://lnkd.in/ggb_aQei. United States Department of Defense US Army US Army Corps of Engineers #power #hydrogen #hydrogenpower #renewable #renewableenergy #powergrids #surveillance #newmexico #army #military #environment #environmental #science #innovation #technology #engineer #engineering #research #researchanddevelopment #PowerofERDC

The Environmental Laboratory (EL) is the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s primary center for ecosystem science, ecosystem technology and environmental resiliency research. Founded in 1978, EL provides expertise in biological, chemical and physical phenomena in the natural environment for the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, other government agencies and the federal sector. Headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and with facilities across the country, EL is a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technicians and support personnel with the expertise, technology, facilities and passion to take on the toughest environmental engineering challenges of our time. #environment #environmental #environmentalengineering #biology #biological #chemistry #nature #natural #naturebasedsolutions #ecosystem #ecosystemrestoration #resilience #resiliency #army #military #engineer #engineering #science #technology #innovation #research #researchanddevelopment #PowerofERDC

Scientists are working to better understand and model the phenomena called rain-on-snow, in which warm rain falls on existing snowpacks, often accelerating the speed in which that snow melts and increasing the risk of flooding in nearby areas and communities. In the United States, data has shown earlier and earlier snow melt seasons. What had normally been observed in late April and May has now started occurring as early as March, with rain falling on those snowpacks that are closer to the melting point. Through research at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and the Hydrologic Engineering Center, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is working to develop tools that improve the accuracy to forecast these events and estimate potential runoff. Rain-on-snow events are common on mountain slopes within the snow transition zone in the mountainous West but are also a concern in other mountainous regions across the United States. This research is also of critical importance as changes in climate cycles appear to be altering the timing of these events. To learn more about innovative research across USACE, view and download the FY25 USACE R&D Annual Report at https://lnkd.in/eAKsd-VZ. US Army US Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center #winter #snow #snowmelt #winterweather #snowpack #mountains #climate #rain #rainonsnow #flood #floodrisk #west #engineer #engineering #hydologic #hydrologicengineering #army #usarmy #warmingweather #science #innovation #technology #research #researchanddevelopment #PowerofERDC

During FY24, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) hosted a record number of interns at its seven laboratories – 544 of them to be exact. In an annual survey of these interns, 95 percent of the students, interns, and fellows said their internship provided a positive learning experience. In addition, 90 percent felt the laboratories they worked for provided a professional, yet fun, atmosphere. ERDC’s broad appeal caught students’ attention from colleges and universities ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report. Of those interns during FY24, 161 attend 30 of the “Top 50 Engineering” schools, such as Arizona State University, Cornell University and Texas A&M University. One hundred and sixty students attend 27 of the “Top 50 National” schools, such as Dartmouth College, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ERDC’s effort to cast a wide net to find the most gifted students from all demographics is also reflected in the survey, as 119 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) came on board during the year. Several cadets and midshipmen from our nation’s military academies also participated in internship programs and research projects. Those interested in internships and career opportunities can send their resumes and transcripts to ERDCRecruitment@usace.army.mil. United States Department of Defense US Army US Army Corps of Engineers #careers #careeropportunities #internships #engineer #engineering #students #fellowships #hbcu #hbcumsi #military #militaryacademies #recruiting #science #innovation #technology #research #researchanddevelopment #PowerofERDC

The Pier Over-Decking System (PODS), originally developed under the 2017 Port Improvement via Exigent Repair (PIER) Joint Capability Technology Demonstration, has evolved and proven to be an adaptable solution across multiple mission sets for the joint services. In 2019, the Rapidly Available Interface for Trans-Loading (RAIL) program adapted PODS to provide an expeditionary ramp system for heavy armor vehicles. Building on this success, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) funded research into adapting the PODS/RAIL components into a mid-length tactical bridging asset. This prototype bridge, deployable via Joint Light Tactical Vehicles or Marine Corps MTVR trucks, provides units a versatile, modular system capable of executing multiple missions. The development enhances maneuverability and sustainment, ensuring tactical units can traverse difficult terrain efficiently in combat environments. To learn more about ERDC and its technology transfer programs, view and download a copy of the FY24 USACE R&D Annual Report at https://lnkd.in/eAKsd-VZ. United States Department of Defense US Army United States Marine Corps US Army Corps of Engineers #technology #technologytransfer #techtransfer #military #militaryengineering #rail #logistics #bridging #prototype #army #marinecorps #militaryvehicles #maneurverability #combat #combatenvironments #engineer #engineering #science #technology #innovation #research #researchanddevelopment #PowerofERDC

Dr. Chris Griggs, a senior research physical scientist with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), has been testing several prototypes in treating source-separated greywater for potential reuse at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. With a constant rotation of training troops, the installation provides a great opportunity for real-world testing. Watch this video to learn more about ERDC’s research. United States Department of Defense US Army US Army Corps of Engineers Chris S. Griggs, Ph.D. #military #usarmy #greywater #militarytraining #engineer #engineering #environment #environmental #prototype #logistics #water #waterreuse #resources #science #innovation #technology #research #researchanddevelopment #PowerofERDC

To support ongoing research and development efforts, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) was recently awarded funds for new facility construction, as well as other significant upgrades, expansions and renovation projects. Thanks to the investment announced during FY24, ERDC’s research capabilities continue to remain cutting edge. Four new construction projects will add to ERDC’s inventory of research facilities. Those include the Permafrost Tunnel Operations Facility in Fox, Alaska, which is expected to be completed in November 2025. The facility will house a laboratory with cold storage and a three-dimensional permafrost test bed. It also will include office and meeting space, a visitor briefing area, and garage work and maintenance space. A new Watercraft and Ship Simulator and Multi-Domain Operations Facility in Vicksburg, Mississippi, is expected to break ground this FY. It will add to the simulator team’s ability to support civil works and military operations missions across the globe. A new Projectile Penetration Research Facility and a Military Pavement Research Facility were announced for ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory in Vicksburg. These projects, along with continued construction efforts at several other laboratories and additional renovations, ensure ERDC provides the environment needed to discover, develop and deliver innovative engineering solutions. To learn more about these facilities and the research they support, view and download the USACE R&D Annual Report by visiting, https://lnkd.in/eAKsd-VZ. #engineer #engineering #construction #facilities #upgrades #alaska #permafrost #simulation #watercraft #shipping #cargoshipping #navigation #miliatary #geotechnical #geotechnicalengineering #investment #science #innovation #technology #research #researchanddevelopment #PowerofERDC

A team at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, engineers are working on a basic research project aimed at lightening Soldier loads and reducing the amount of personnel and machinery needed for down-range missions. Read this article to learn more about Co3MaNDR. #robots #robotics #military #maintenance #combatenvironment #mechanical #mechanicalengineering #engineer #engineers #engineering #deployments #frontlines #basicresearch #appliedresearch #science #innovation #technology #research #researchanddevelopment #PowerofERDC