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Biomimetic Underwater Propulsion System Using Hybrid Synthetic Muscles

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Navy 		Award ID:
55991 		Program Year/Program:
2002 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
N023-0111 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Tao of Systems Integration, Inc.
1100 Exploration Way Hampton, VA -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2002
Title: Biomimetic Underwater Propulsion System Using Hybrid Synthetic Muscles
Agency / Branch: DOD / NAVY
Contract: N00014-02-M-0221
Award Amount: $69,999.00
 

Abstract:

Electro-Active Polymers (EAP) and Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) will be used to develop hybrid synthetic muscles to propel underwater biomimetic vehicle. EAP materials that offer excellent dynamic (high frequency) response with small strains will be integratedwith SMA actuators that provide large static deflections. The primary objective of the synthetic hybrid muscle development will be to integrate the attractive features of EPA and SMA. We will incorporate such synthetic muscle designs in a propulsion systemwith active feedback control. As a second innovation, we will use intelligent, non-intrusive micro-thin skin sensors for real-time measurement and control of the most important viscous effects in blade hydrodynamics. The Phase I effort will focus on thefollowing:1. Definition of properties required of flexible propulsion devices for naval application.2. Design, fabrication, and demonstration of sample muscles with required operating characteristics.3. Demonstration of the ability to obtain, in real time, critical hydrodynamic flow phenomena that impact blade performance.4. Identification of key issues for the Phase II R&D effort. Valuable technology for the design of underwater autonomous vehicles, small boats, racing boats, recreational,a nd commercial water vehicles. Tremendous potential for industrial water pumping with quiet and low-energy pumping performance.

Principal Investigator:

Siva Mangalam
President
7572205040
siva@taosystem.com

Business Contact:

Siva Mangalam
President
7572205040
siva@taosystem.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Tao Of Systems Integration, Inc.
471 McLaws Circle, Suite 1 Williamsburg, VA 23185

EIN/Tax ID: 541700330
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
Texas A&M University
332 WERC, 3000 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843
Contact: Carol J. Cantrell
Contact Phone: (979) 862-1696
RI Type: Nonprofit college or university