Engineer's discovery could save Air Force millions

2015-07-27T10:33:55-04:00

From: NWF Daily News

EGLIN AFB — If you're a taxpayer, you might want to send Rachel
Abrahams a thank you note.

The young research engineer at the Air Force Research Lab Munitions Directorate recently developed a new alloy with all the mechanical properties of the material currently used for many munitions, but at half the price.

While Abrahams is modest and self-effacing — "I'm just an overpaid blacksmith," she said with a laugh — she can't help but take delight in the potential impact of her accomplishment.

"What's pretty neat about it is that normally it takes about 10 years to develop a new material like this," she said. "With this one, in five months we went from a prototype the size of a coffee can to a scaled up version at around 250,000 pounds."

Abrahams, who has been working at the AFRL for four years, was recognized with the prestigious Director's Cup Award for creating the alloy, which is expected to save the Air Force millions of dollars in future costs.

Abrahams was originally tasked with finding a way to save 5 to 10 percent on the cost of materials for the many munitions developed at the lab. At the same time, the new alloy would have to be as strong and as tough as the existing product, known as Eglin steel.

"I started off by asking myself, what makes Eglin steel so expensive?" Abrahams explained. "I realized that it was the tungsten that is used in it. So I asked myself, how can I do it without the tungsten?"

As she worked on the problem, many people told Abrahams she was crazy — she could never replace tungsten and still maintain the critical properties required for the final products. But the Southern California native refused to give up.

Ultimately, Abrahams came up with a new formula that met all of the requirements at a much lower price.

"What's really great is that without the tungsten, we can produce the new alloy without having to import any components," she added. "That's important, because tungsten is a conflict mineral, meaning it comes from places in the world that can be volatile."

A self-described workaholic, Abrahams shares her love of science with seven students she mentors — some are interns at the AFRL and others are graduate students she advises.

"I love the work that I do here," she said. "I'm excited that in addition to munitions, this material has the potential to be used in armor for both personnel and vehicles.

“It could literally save lives. Here at Eglin, that's what our work is all about."

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/20150724/NEWS/150729692

EGLIN AFB — If you're a taxpayer, you might want to send Rachel Abrahams a thank you note. The young research engineer at the Air Force Research

Response by SSgt Anya Arisohn made Jul 27 at 2015 10:47 AM

2015-07-27T10:47:33-04:00

That's cool!!

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Jul 27 at 2015 10:48 AM

2015-07-27T10:48:34-04:00

Wow --- very impressive. I trust that she will be properly recognized and rewarded. Thanks for sharing ...

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 27 at 2015 10:50 AM

2015-07-27T10:50:56-04:00

This is what's right with America. Innovators. She is awesome in my book.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jul 27 at 2015 11:48 AM

2015-07-27T11:48:26-04:00

Better cheaper bombs. IYAAYAS!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 27 at 2015 11:58 AM

2015-07-27T11:58:25-04:00

That's pretty awesome. Now let's move her over to NASA and see what she can do.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 12:42 PM

2015-07-27T12:42:03-04:00

Bravo Zulu good engineer.

You figured out a way to replace tungsten in munitions manufacturing?!? Now I do feel like a Dumb Ass Wire Guy.

Keep making the world a better place!

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Jul 27 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-07-27T13:42:35-04:00

Awesome... She deserves a raise. I big one.

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 27 at 2015 2:21 PM

2015-07-27T14:21:24-04:00

Has anyone told her about the F-35. I think she might be able to actually help - very smart and determined woman able to find a solutions when others said it wasn't possible. You rock Rachel Abrahams

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-07-27T14:44:17-04:00

This is great! Now we'll be able to put the money into other important areas of the Air Force.

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Jul 28 at 2015 12:47 AM

2015-07-28T00:47:21-04:00

This is great! We have some of the finest scientists in the world. Americans are the only people who truly think out of the box. Other countries value us for this. Well done!

Response by MSgt Matthew Meindl made Jul 28 at 2015 9:22 AM

2015-07-28T09:22:26-04:00

Perfect analysis combined with adapt and overcome! Keep money local, and spend less of it, sweet!

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Apr 14 at 2017 11:43 AM

2017-04-14T11:43:48-04:00

We nerds have our uses.