The Problem Dependence on electronic systems for military and other national security command, communications, control, computing, data processing, and intelligence continues to increase. Historically, a metallic liner or shield has provided protection by completely enclosing the electronics systems. The conservative designs typically provide more shielding than required and are very expensive to design, construct, test, and maintain. Materials included are conductive polymers and advanced coatings for use on shield components.
Materials being considered include amorphous metals and intercalated graphites.
Consideration is also being given to making concrete electrically conductive. This metal bonds to most construction surfaces. Another technique is the use of laser welding to allow efficient welding of thinner sheet metals than conventional methods. This effort includes an investigation of seam-joining techniques for thin sheet metals, such as galvanized steel, metal meshes, aluminum panels, and copper sheets. This research is expected to result in significant cost-reductions for electromagnetically shielded rooms or buildings.