ThermoAnalytics, Inc. of Calumet, MI has recently been awarded a $730,000 contract to continue the development of a specialized software program for the U.S. Department of Defense as part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The software is a 3-D modeling application that will simulate the health effects of radio frequencies on the human body. Many new forms of technology—including devices like cell phones, MRI machines, and wireless Internet technology—rely on radio frequencies for data transmission, and as of yet, the health effects of radio waves on the human body are not entirely known. ThermoAnalytics software would model and display the thermal effects of these frequencies on the human body, predicting the tissue temperatures and resulting consequences of using electronic devices for long periods of time.

In addition to predicting the health effects of radio frequencies, the software has several other purposes. For the Department of Defense, the software could help model the effectiveness of non-lethal weapons and simulate comfort levels of passengers in Armed Forces personnel transporters. Commercially, applications for the software range from garment comfort to air conditioning effects to passenger comfort in automobiles and aircraft.

ThermoAnalytics was originally awarded a Phase I feasibility project on this subject with hopes of future development. Phase I projects are reviewed by the Department of Defense with the most promising projects being awarded Phase II funding. Phase II SBIR awards are chosen on the basis of their scientific and technical merit, future importance and eventual value to the Department of Defense, the company’s capabilities, and the commercial potential of the project.

“This is another important innovation for the Department of the Defense, and we are excited to be a part of it,” says Senior Engineer Eric Marttila of ThermoAnalytics.“As of yet, we are uncertain of what effects radio frequencies have on the human body, and with the help of our software, we hope to answer that question.”

Founded in 1996, ThermoAnalytics, Inc. is an employee-owned company with its headquarters in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula. ThermoAnalytics is a leading developer of thermal, fluid-flow, and infrared modeling software. ThermoAnalytics software products and services help engineers in organizations worldwide to optimize product concepts early in the design process, enabling them to significantly improve product quality while reducing product development time and cost. ThermoAnalytics software is used in many industries including automotive, aerospace, electronics, environmental, manufacturing, and defense applications.

ThermoAnalytics thermal and infrared software products are available through distributors in the United States, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom. Additional information on ThermoAnalytics products can be obtained on the web: www.thermoanalytics.com or by e-mail: info@thermoanalytics.com.

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