Research and Technology (R&T)

Research Capabilities

 

The Research and Technology (R&T) Directorate operates within the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC). R&T has more than 400 employees, including more than 100 PhD staff members, with chemistry, biology, physiology and engineering expertise.

The R&T Directorate specializes in the research and development of innovative technological solutions to solve chemical and biological defense threats to our nation—both abroad and on the homeland. R&T is funded by many government and private-industry agencies for scientific research and development work, including the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

As a trusted consultant and solution provider, R&T has played a lead advisory role during recent national emergencies. For example, during the nationwide anthrax scare, R&T employees identified the risks associated with handling mail laced with anthrax. R&T also held educational trainings with United States Postal Service workers and first responders throughout the Baltimore-Washington region. R&T employees supported nearly all domestic agencies following the events of September 11, 2001.

The R&T Directorate comprises six divisions and multiple branches with experts in specific areas.

 

ECBC's Critical Science Capabilities include:

Science of CB Warfare

ECBC provides the basic scientific understanding of the chemistry and bioscience aspects of the chemicals, toxins and biological organisms that have been used or tested for use in chemical or biological warfare.  We have the facilities to perform the research and testing required to determine the impact on our soldiers and equipment if these materials are encountered on the battlefield.  The knowledge base and research capabilities cover the complete life cycle of the chemical and biological agents, to include persistence, decontamination, and environmental fate.

Inhalation Toxicology

ECBC has the unique capability to test chemical agents to determine inhalation toxicity.  This type of testing requires the safe generation of calibrated vapor concentrations of highly toxic materials like chemical warfare agents in such a way that animals can be exposed under controlled conditions to measure the toxicological impact.  The results of animal testing are then extrapolated to determine estimated toxicity levels for humans, which becomes the basis for establishing performance criteria for our CB protective equipment.

Aerosol Physics

ECBC applies aerosol physics to ongoing research in several different ways.  The behavior of small particles, such as bacteria and viruses, can be approximated using models based upon aerosol physics.  It is essential to understand that behavior to properly predict agent transport, design biological agent sampling processes, and build biological detectors.  Aerosol physics can also contribute to the better understanding of the operation of smokes and obscurants.  As we attempt to design obscurants for use against different types of sensors (IR, UV, MMW, etc.), we can use aerosol physics to attempt to engineer new materials that will be effective at the desired wavelength.

Filtration Sciences

ECBC continues to perform research to find better and more efficient ways to protect against airborne respiratory hazards.  While our ability to protect against chemical warfare agents is very good, there is increased threat that our forces will encounter toxic industrial chemicals.  Our charcoal based technologies do not work well for the entire gamut of TICs that might be encountered.  Alternate filtration materials and technologies are being explored.  The resulting filtration technologies could be applied in a variety of ways, to include mask canisters to protect individual soldiers, and collective protection systems that may be used for shelters and vehicles.

CB Agent Spectroscopy/Algorithm Development

ECBC performs the research associated with detecting chemical and biological agents from a distance.  There are numerous light based technologies that show great promise for a single system that could detect both types of hazards.  The challenges include the generation of spectra for the agents of concern under the conditions that would be seen on the battlefield and the creation of algorithms that can extract the spectra from the signal generated by a sensor and subsequently compare it to a library of known threats.  Algorithms are based upon the mathematical understanding of the interaction of the light energy and the molecule or organism in the atmosphere.  ECBC has the facilities required to safely generate the required spectral libraries and the experts to generate the algorithms that are essential to success in this area.

Emerging Threats Science/Technology/Testing

ECBC has the facilities and expertise to perform the research required to protect US forces from emerging threats.  Those research capabilities include synthesis, chemical and physical properties, toxicity, decontamination, persistence, and environmental fate.