History
With 25 years experience in contract research and development, IAP has recently added commercialization of new technologies to the business portfolio.
Dave Bauer and John Barber Ph.D., both active in the business, founded IAP in 1981. IAP’s original business was electromagnetic gun research and development for the Department of Defense. In the late 1980’s the company added Power Electronics, Magnetic Compaction / Forming and Advanced Materials to the already established Electro Magnetic Launcher Group
Throughout IAP’s twenty five year history, the company consistently succeeded in developing technology based solutions of difficult problems. Here are some recent examples:
- In 2007 IAP designed and built a rail gun for the US Navy that shattered the world record for speed and muzzle energy. Using a magnetic field, these experimental weapons accelerate a launch package to speeds of 10,000 feet per second within ten feet.
- IAP developed a powdered metal consolidation technology using magnetic compaction to achieve part densities not achieved by any other process.
- IAP developed a high power transformer for ships, half the size of existing transformers and producing consistent, uninterrupted power.
- IAP invented a fault detection and correction systems for power lines that respond so fast that fault damage is eliminated.
- IAP designed a self contained torpedo launching cartridge that accelerates a 500 pound torpedo to over 40 mph in a space of 5 feet.
- In 2006 IAP developed a process for blending nano particles into a titanium matrix resulting in titanium composite with hardness of tool steel.
- IAP designed and developed a system using induction heating to install carpet that won the National Society of Professional Engineer’s new product of the year award for 2006.
Management Team Bios
IAP employs a highly educated and experienced staff, qualified in applied physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer engineering including fourteen engineers and scientists – two with Ph. D.’s, eight with Masters Degrees, and four with Bachelor’s degrees. Work is organized into project teams with IAP senior managers responsible for a given team. These teams often involve collaborators and outside contractors.
Dr. John Barber
Dr. Barber received the Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Saskatchewan in 1967 and his Ph.D. in Engineering Physics from Australian National University in 1972. He joined the University of Dayton Research Institute in 1974 and directed the Impact Physics Group there until 1979 when he resigned to go into business. Dr. Barber co-founded IAP Research in 1981 and has served as President since.
Dr. Barber has had a distinguished career in research and development. His graduate work on electromagnetic guns became the foundation for the ongoing program in the US to develop railgun technology for a variety of military and aerospace applications. His contributions to the development of electromagnetic gun technology were recognized in 1990 when he was awarded the Peter Mark Medal. He holds seven patents in magnetics and superconductivity.
Dr. Barber is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the American Defense Preparedness Association, and the Metal Powder Industry Federation. He serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the Edison Materials Technology Center, and is a member of the Materials and Process Advisory Panel of the Miami Valley Economic Development Coalition.
Dave Bauer
Mr. Bauer received both a Bachelor of Science degree (1974) and Master of Science degree (1976) from the University of Dayton. He earned an MBA degree from the University of Dayton in 1982. He is a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Ohio. Mr. Bauer co-founded IAP Research in 1981 and is the Vice President.
Mr. Bauer leads IAP Research’s efforts in the areas of manufacturing solutions and production. He has published more than 30 technical papers and reports on topics related to electromagnetics, and holds two patents. His contributions to the development of electromagnetic gun technology were recognized in 1996 when he was awarded the Peter Mark Medal.
Antonios Challita
Mr. Antonios (Tony) Challita received both a Bachelor of Science degree (1977) and a Master of Science degree (1978) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton. He is a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Ohio.
Mr. Challita leads IAP Research program areas involving power electronics product development, high power semiconductor control systems and electric armaments.
Among Mr. Challita's accomplishments are patent on sliding brushes in electric machines and his membership on the technical committee for the 8th Electromagnetic Launch Symposium. He is a member of the ASME, AIAA, and the Professional Engineers Society.
Dr. Bhanu Chelluri
Dr. Chelluri received her Master of Science degree in Physics (1974) and Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering (1980) from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.
She leads programs involving processing of various materials using IAP Research's patented powder compaction processes. She has wide experience in various materials systems and their characterizations using SEM, optical microscopes, x-rays, spectroscopic characterizations, micro-hardness, and fracture toughness.
Dr. Chelluri has authored several technical papers and delivered invited talks on material processing and property issues. She is a member of the American Ceramic Society, Materials Research Society, and the Powder Metallurgy and Metallurgical Society.
Duane Newman
Mr. Newman received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton. He has also done graduate level work in Mechanical Engineering at The Ohio State University.
Mr. Newman is currently managing daily operations for IAP Research’s business and technology development activities for electromagnetic launch applications. Mr. Newman has also been significantly involved in the development of laminated stainless steel electromagnetic gun barrels for laboratory testing and the development of composite rail gun structures for tactical missions. He was project manager for the 32 MJ Lab Launcher System currently installed at NSWC–Dahlgren, which has broken several major rail gun records for muzzle kinetic energy.
He is also a group leader for IAP’s process development activities in electromagnetic forming and joining technologies and the Magnepress Systems equipment group.
He has numerous publications in the area of Electromagnetic Launchers and holds 4 patents in the area of magnetic pressing and forming technologies.
Ed Knoth
Mr. Edward Knoth received both a Bachelor of Science degree (1983) and a Master of Science degree (1997) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton.
Mr. Knoth currently manages operations for IAP Research’s business and technology development activities for powder consolidation using IAP’s patented DMC technology. Mr. Knoth leads this group in the design of powder filling and DMC consolidation tooling systems. He has several patents related to powder metal processing. Mr. Knoth has also been significantly involved in the development of composite rail gun structures for tactical missions.
Mr. Knoth serves as Vice-President for Electric Motor Education and Research Foundation (EMERF). He is a member of several professional and trade organizations: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME); Advanced Particulate Materials Association (APMA); American Society for Metals (ASM); American Ceramic Society (ACerS); The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE), and Small Motors and Motion Association (SMMA).