Passion Project 3.4 - Project Update
My project is aimed at creating a mechanism to alleviate the effects of laser strikes on aircraft. Laser strikes are consistently the top complaint to the FAA, can cause temporary flash blindness, and occur most often at low and critical altitude during landing and takeoff. There are no preventative measures aside from legal penalties if caught. Shining a laser at an aircraft in Canada can be fined by up to $100,000, 5 years in prison, or both. Despite these penalties, laser strikes continue to be on the rise with almost 600 incidents in Canada alone in 2015
I am currently researching solutions and have come up with the idea to create windows that darken if a sensor detects incoming laser light. The Boeing 787 cabin windows and energy efficient helium-filled home window panes inspired my current research.
I have found three types of darkening windows:
I am currently researching solutions and have come up with the idea to create windows that darken if a sensor detects incoming laser light. The Boeing 787 cabin windows and energy efficient helium-filled home window panes inspired my current research.
I have found three types of darkening windows:
- Suspended Particle Device
- Liquid Crystals
- Electrochromic Device
At the moment I am researching possible optical densities and visual light transmission of liquid crystals and electrochromic devices. SPDs have been ruled out for my purposes due to the transition time needed for the window to darken.
Aircraft windows are constructed from two layers of acrylic and one layer of strengthened glass. Optimally, the device would be implemented between the acrylic although that is also where the anti-fog system is implemented and I'm not sure whether the device would compromise it.
Aircraft windows are constructed from two layers of acrylic and one layer of strengthened glass. Optimally, the device would be implemented between the acrylic although that is also where the anti-fog system is implemented and I'm not sure whether the device would compromise it.
Questions that remain are the effectiveness of this dampening method and the difficulties for implementation as well as why Boeing or Airbus has not implemented any laser strike preventative measures.
I hope to eventually test my solution by constructing a test window.
I hope to eventually test my solution by constructing a test window.
Nice explanation, Jason. I wonder if actually constructing the window might be ambitious, but you know more about the process than I do at this point!
ReplyDeleteWell described problem! It would be very helpful to get insight from Boeing or Airbus (or an airline company) - although difficult. If the construction of an actual window is too daunting, how else can you prove that you've solved the problem?
ReplyDelete