DoD 2016.A STTR Solicitation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

OBJECTIVE: Develop a methodology to assess the effects of turbulence-flame interactions on chemical kinetic pathways up to extinction and blow-out, and employ this methodology to develop tractable reduced chemical mechanisms for routine, large scale gas turbine combustor simulations that accurately capture these effects.

DESCRIPTION: To assess kinetic effects, detailed chemical mechanisms for gas turbine fuel surrogates have been developed [1]. These mechanisms are required to support a range of simulation activities that include fundamental kinetics research for surrogate and alternative fuel blends, and computational evaluation of advanced turbine combustor designs. Regarding turbine combustor assessments, detailed surrogate chemical mechanisms are too large for routine application. For example, the JetSurf Version 2.0 mechanism [1] includes 348 chemical species and 2163 chemical reactions. This type of mechanism is appropriate for kinetics research in reduced dimensional computational models. However, for realistic turbine combustor assessments, this detailed mechanism is much too large for deployment within a multi- dimensional flowfield simulation, especially in the context of large-eddy simulation (LES) approaches that are commonly used. For multi-dimensional simulations, detailed chemical mechanisms are reduced to form mechanisms that are tractable for a computational application, while retaining the general behavior of the detailed mechanisms. One approach to this reduction procedure includes several steps which are: 1) Selection of the skeletal mechanism from the detailed mechanism. 2) Selection of chemical species that may be assumed to be in quasi-steady state. 3) Implementation of the quasi-steady state assumption for species and reduction of the mechanism. Step 1 of this procedure is typically accomplished through researcher insight into the fuel mixtures to be investigated and the anticipated applications. Step 2 is accomplished either through researcher insight or through reaction pathway analysis [2]. Step 3 may be accomplished through automated numerical procedures (e.g., Lu and Law [3]) to complete the generation of a reduced mechanism. The reduced mechanism is then measured for accuracy against the skeletal and detailed mechanisms for reduced order problems [4][5]. In all cases, these problems are for laminar flows that do not include the interaction of chemistry with microscale turbulence. For example, reduced mechanisms are measured for accuracy for predictions of ignition delay times in homogeneous mixtures, laminar flame properties (i.e., species distributions and flame speeds), and laminar counter flow flame properties (i.e., species distributions with strain and extinction limits). A fundamental question regarding such reduced mechanism development is “Are chemical kinetic pathways altered by the interaction of micro-scale turbulence with flame structure?” The answer to this question has profound implications for the development of accurate reduced chemical mechanisms, and this question has not been significantly addressed [6]. For many years experimental investigations have observed differences in species production for laminar and turbulent flames (e.g., super equilibrium OH production in turbulent jet flames [7]). Such differences suggest that the interaction of turbulence with the flame structure may fundamentally alter the chemical kinetic pathways, especially as flame extinction is approached. If this is indeed the case, reduced chemical mechanisms developed for application to turbulent flows cannot be created based solely on the prediction of laminar flame properties. It is of fundamental importance to the US Army to assess the effect of turbulent interactions with chemical kinetics pathway especially in the context of high performance propulsion systems that operate under extreme conditions near the blow- out limit. Computational support for the development and assessment of such systems could be substantially limited if the chemical mechanisms that are applied do not properly account for the effect of turbulence-flame interactions that alter the chemical kinetic pathways. As a result, the Army desires a methodology to assess the effect of turbulence on chemical kinetic pathways, and use this information to systematically create accurate chemical mechanisms for turbulent flame simulations. Relevant fuels or surrogate fuels of interest to the Army should be considered. Close collaboration with academia is strongly encouraged to develop or identify appropriate detailed kinetic models and in order to leverage on innovative reaction mechanism reduction procedures arising from fundamental combustion research.

PHASE I: The Phase I effort will focus on the development and demonstration of a methodology or procedure to assess the effects of turbulence-flame interactions on chemical kinetic pathways. A plan should then be formulated to use this methodology to develop a computationally-tractable chemical kinetic mechanisms for routine application within large scale gas turbine combustor simulations.

PHASE II: Implement the plan identified in Phase I to fully develop an integrated procedure to generate tractable reduced chemical mechanisms that account for turbulence-flame interactions on chemical kinetic pathways. Apply and validate this procedure to a range of kinetics problems characteristic of gas turbine combustor flows.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: For military applications, this technology is directly applicable to all high speed missile systems. This topic has direct application in both the military and commercial supersonic and hypersonic arenas. The most likely customer and source of Government funding for Phase-III will be those service project offices responsible for the development of advanced supersonic and hypersonic missile systems such as the Navy/DARPA HyFly, Air Force X-51, and DARPA Facet programs. However, it is possible that as NASA continues its access to space projects, this technology will become very important.

REFERENCES:

• H. Wang, E. Dames, B. Sirjean, D. A. Sheen, R. Tangko, A. Violi, J. Y. W. Lai, F. N. Egolfopoulos, D. F. Davidson, R. K. Hanson, C. T. Bowman, C. K. Law, W. Tsang, N. P. Cernansky, D. L. Miller, R. P. Lindstedt, A high-temperature chemical kinetic model of n-alkane (up to n-dodecane), cyclohexane, and methyl-, ethyl-, n-propyl and n-butyl-cyclohexane oxidation at high temperatures, JetSurF version 2.0, September 19, 2010 (http://melchior.usc.edu/JetSurF/JetSurF2.0)

• Tomlin, A.S., Turanyi, T. and Pilling, M.J., “Mathematical tools for the construction, investigation and reduction of combustion mechanisms” in Comprehensive Chemical Kinetics, Elsevier, pp. 293-437, 1997.

• Lu, T. and Law, C. K., “Systematic Approach To Obtain Analytic Solutions of Quasi Steady State Species in Reduced Mechanisms,” Journal of Physical Chemistry A, Vol. 110, No. 49, pp. 13202–13208, 2006.

• Sung, C.J., Law, C.K, and Chen, J.-Y., "An Augmented Reduced Mechanism for Methane Oxidation with Comprehensive Global Parametric Validation", Twenty-Seventh Symposium (International) on Combustion, The Combustion Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, pp. 295-304 (1998).

• Montgomery, C., Cannon, S., Mawid, M., and Sekar, B., "Reduced chemical kinetic mechanisms for JP-8 combustion", 40th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting & Exhibit, 2002.

• Editorial Comment, Combustion and Flame, Vol. 159, 2012, pp. 2531 – 2532.

• . Seitzman, J.M., Ungut, A., Paul, P.H., and Hanson, R.K., “Imaging and Characterization of OH Structures in a Turbulent Nonpremixed Flame,” proceedings of the Twenty-Third Symposium (Int.) on Combustion, The Combustion Institute, 1990, pp. 636 – 644.

KEYWORDS: turbulence, turbulent combustion, reduced chemical mechanisms

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: Develop an additive manufacturing technology capable of processing titanium alloys via solid state joining.

DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Army’s light weighting initiative has resulted in the expanded use of titanium alloys in fielded armament systems. Due to the price of these alloys and their associated machining costs, the titanium components are very expensive to replace. Part refurbishment is a viable option to reduce these types of sustainment costs, and typically relies on the ability to deposit more material on the part in question – perfectly suited for additive manufacturing. However, the major problem with current additive processes is that the technology relies on fusing the new material to the old through melting and solidification. This ultimately leads to a high degree of distortion that usually results in the part falling out of dimensional specification and being rejected anyway. Due to this limitation, a solid state process is desired as the lower heat input will minimize this type of distortion. Additionally, the solid state process is capable of much higher deposition rates. This opens the possibility of expanding the process beyond part refurbishment and into complete near net shape fabrication.

PHASE I: Develop a solid state joining process that is capable of depositing titanium and its alloys for component repair or a near net shape build. The process must have a minimum deposition rate on the order of 20 lb/hour using either powder or wire feedstock. An open air system is preferable but a vacuum dependent system would be acceptable. The process must also have some degree of microstructural control. A process that has the ability for in-situ grain refinement is preferable, but one that limits grain growth is acceptable. All builds shall be subject to extensive characterization and logged in the DARPA Open Manufacturing Additive Process Schema. Deliverables shall be process development documentation in conjunction with materials property data on as deposited material.

PHASE II: Streamline the process developed in Phase I. Particular attention should be given to system automation. At completion of Phase II, the system should require no user input during the build cycle – tooling pathways must be computer controlled. If necessary, a process parameter feedback loop should be implemented to ensure build quality. Deliverables shall be process development documentation, build data logged in the DARPA Open Manufacturing Additive Process Schema, and the prototype system developed under this effort.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The material developed under this effort will have a myriad of applications in the military as well as the commercial sector. Of particular interest, component repair and direct part manufacturing are the key areas of interest. Direct part manufacturing would be a true enabling technology as custom tooling would be minimal to nonexistent. This is ideal for applications where a small quantity would be required. Such technology will bring a new level of capability to military as well as commercial consumers. Thus, the ultimate objective is a solid state additive manufacturing process capable of processing titanium and its alloys so as to maximize performance while minimizing the distortion traditionally associated with these types of repair.

REFERENCES:

• W.M. Thomas, I.M. Norris, D.G. Staines, E.R. Watts, “Friction stir welding – process development and variant techniques,” Proc. SME Summit, Milwaukee, WI, USA, August 2005.

• I. Bhamji, M. Preuss, P.L. Threadgill, A.C. Addison, “Solid state joining of metals by linear friction welding: A literature review,” Materials Science & Technology 2010, Vol. 27, No. 1, January 2011, pp. 2-12.

• H. Kreye, “Melting Phenomena in Solid State Welding Processes,” AWS Welding Research Supplement, May 1977, pp. 154-s – 158-s.

• E. Brandl, A. Schoberth, C. Leyens, “Morphology, microstructure, and hardness of titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) blocks deposited by wire-feed additive layer manufacturing (ALM),” Materials Science and Engineering: A, Vol. 532, January 2012, pp. 295-307.

KEYWORDS: additive manufacturing, titanium, joining, repair, refurbishment, solid state

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: To develop longer wavelength visible diode lasers primarily aimed at green color wavelengths from 480 nm – 550 nm.

DESCRIPTION: Laser diodes are of significant interest to both the commercial and military sectors because of the compactness and potential high efficiency of their emission. Depending on their cavity designs, varying linewidths and output powers are possible for various applications. However, due to a variety of issues involving the growth of high quality epitaxial semiconductor materials in the green color optical bandgap regime (480 – 550 nm), green laser diodes have yet to be commercialized in the United States. Although much progress was reported after the DARPA VIGIL program [1-2], commercialization efforts shifted to overseas, and the wavelengths were primarily limited to 520 nm or less [3]. However, laser diodes spanning out to even longer wavelengths are of interest for applications in frequency doubling for UV laser emission in the 260 – 275 nm region [4]. The pursuit of such challenges has been studied with semipolar GaN substrates to minimize defect formation and increase the critical thickness for longer wavelength emission. Other approaches may be possible too using alloys of ZnO [5].

PHASE I: Study the growth, doping, and design of green laser heterostructures, particularly emphasizing the active region toward longer wavelengths than commercially available (520 nm – 550 nm). Feasibility analysis with supporting experimental data showing laser designs with emission powers of 100 mW at 480 nm and several mW or more across the green emission spectrum.

PHASE II: Pursue the full implementation of the ideas and initial growth runs done during phase I. Pursue growth of semiconductor alloys (likely InGaN with semipolar GaN substrates) with improved material quality and emission properties out to 550 nm. Goals would include 1 W emission power at 480 nm and 100 mW at 520 nm with at least 10 mW or more (continuous wave at room temperature) at 550 nm. Begin to evaluate reliability at various wavelengths and determine material related limitations and causes.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Continue to evaluate reliability across the wavelength spectrum to assess power output levels available and various applications of interest to military and civilian markets. Potential civilian applications include pico-projectors for miniature projection displays as well as potential use in head-lights and other lighting uses. The military uses could be several that include chemical and biological sensors that include integration with photonics integrated circuits or second harmonic generation for UV lasers from 240 – 275 nm, and the uses of UV lasers in a compact form factor are numerous from sensing to water purification to various forms of optical communications.

REFERENCES:

• James W. Raring, et. al., “High-Efficiency Blue and True-Green-Emitting Laser Diodes Based on Non-c-Plane Oriented GaN Substrates,” Applied Physics Express, 3, 112101, 2010.

• J. W. Raring, et. al, “State-of-the-art continuous wave InGaN laser diodes in the violet, blue, and green wavelength regimes” Proc. SPIE 7686,76860, 2010.

• Y. Zhao, et. al., “Indium Incorporation and emission properties of nonpolar and semipolar InGaN quantum wells,” Appl. Phys. Lett., 100, 201108, 2012.

• R. Kirste, et. al., “Properties of AlN based lateral polarity structures,” Phys. Status Solidi C, 1-4, 2014.

• K. A. Bulashevich, I. Yu. Evstratov, and S. Yu. Karpov, “Hybrid ZnO/III-nitride light emitting diodes: modelling analysis of operation,” Phys. Stat. Solidi A, 204, 1, 241, 2007.

KEYWORDS: green laser diodes, semi-polar gallium nitride substrate, non-polar gallium nitride substrate, zinc oxide alloy

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop a detector for landmines with enhanced performance based on linear and non-linear acoustic, vibrational, and electromagnetic (EM) combined effects.

DESCRIPTION: The rapid detection of buried landmines and discrimination from clutter remains a major problem for military tactical mobility, for soldier protection, and for humanitarian remediation of previously contested geographical areas. Traditional EM sensors for detecting buried landmines have used low frequencies (tens to hundreds of KHz) EMI (Electromagnetic Interference-metal) detectors and much higher frequencies (typically several GHz) for Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). Recent results (refs. 1-2) indicated that the frequency range between the standard EMI and GPR detectors may offer advantages for the detection of landmines and landmine components, either in conjunction with a traditional sensor modality or separately. Older results (refs. 3-4) indicated that linear and nonlinear vibrational responses of landmines and other metal and non-metal buried objects could have distinct signatures which could be leveraged for detection and discrimination. Meanwhile other reports (eg. ref. 5) indicated that vibrations of a buried landmine or metal components can be sensitively detected by GPR operating at several GHz or lower in frequency.

PHASE I: Demonstrate by simulation and analysis the potential enhancement to be gained by leveraging the combined EM and vibrational effects on the signatures of buried targets for the purpose of detecting landmines and discriminating from clutter. Consider the EM frequency range from tens of KHz to several GHz. Consider linear and nonlinear vibrational and EM effects on the target signatures of the buried objects and any component parts (such as fuzing mechanisms). Consider the use of multiple or swept EM and/or vibrational frequencies. Determine the potential enhancement over published performance of current landmine detection systems in use. Design a detection system roughly within the size and weight footprint of the current AN/PSS14 (ref. 6). Design a component to create the vibration at the target. This may be either contained in the sensor itself or a separate component. There is no specified footprint for the separate component, other than that it must be compatible with tactical military mobility.

PHASE II: Explore with carefully designed experiments the optimum combinations of EM and vibrational effects for detecting landmines and their components and discriminating them from clutter. Experimentally verify the key results of the analysis in phase I. Develop signal processing embodied in software to exploit the advantages in target signatures. Develop a prototype system to include sensor, a vibrational component, and signal processing software package and demonstrate it in the laboratory and in field trials. Define in detail the path to commercialization, considering producing the system in-house, using external fabrication facilities for all or part of the production, licensing all or part of the technology to government contractors for landmine detection equipment or their commercial competitors, or selling directly to government program management offices. Consider military markets or marketing to non-governmental organizations (NGO's) involved in humanitarian or other remediation of mined areas.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Develop the packaging of the system compatible with the commercialization plan being pursued. Insure the packaging conforms to the expected uses and users environment. Consider other commercial applications, such as detection of buried plastic pipes. In the construction of houses, roads, sidewalks, utility infrastructure and maintenance activities buried metal pipes can be detected and avoided, but buried plastic pipes are often inadvertently cut or destroyed. Develop markets and address them.

REFERENCES:

• Daniel C. Heinz, Michael L. Brennan, Michael B. Steer, Adam W. Melber, and John T. Cua, "High to very high-frequency metal/anomaly detector," Proc. of SPIE 9072, 907209 (2014).

• Daniel C. Heinz, Michael L. Brennan, Michael B. Steer, Adam W. Melber, and John T. Cua, "Phase Response of High to Very High Frequency Metal/Anomaly Detector," Proc. of SPIE 9454, 94540H (2015).

• . Dimitri M. Donskoy, "Nonlinear vibro-acoustic technique for landmine detection," Proc. of SPIE 3392, 211 (1998).

• Dimitri Donskoy, Alexander Ekimov, Nikolay Sedunov, and Mikhail Tsionskiy, "Nonlinear seismo-acoustic land mine detection and discrimination," J. Accoust. Soc. Am. 111, 2705 (2002).

• Joshua M. Wetherington and Michael B. Steer, "Sensitive Vibration Detection Using Ground-Penetrating Radar," IEEE Microw. and Wireless Components Lett. 23, 680 (2013).

• See the following web site: http://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/portals/105/PDMENG/Docs/MOBS/B0476.pdf

KEYWORDS: landmine detection, electromagnetic induction sensors, EMI sensors, GPR, ground penetrating radar, vibrational detection, buried object detection, manufacturing landmine detection sensors

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: To enable innovative multi-core real-time software systems to be developed without expensive, time-consuming, and hazardous modification of real-time operating system (RTOS) kernels.

DESCRIPTION: The advent of new multi-core computing platforms in recent years has brought with it the potential for deploying real-time/embedded systems with far more computational throughput than ever before. If leveraged properly, multi-core platforms could enable a new generation of “intelligent” systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and commercial robots. However, carrying out computational processing in a manner that efficiently and effectively utilizes multi-core platforms is a tremendous challenge. To a large degree, academic researchers have risen to this challenge, developing and testing a wide array of new techniques for real-time software scheduling and synchronization on multi-core platforms. These advances have far outpaced improvements in commercial real-time operating system (RTOS) offerings. Because modifying a commercial RTOS is hazardous, costly, and time-consuming for RTOS vendors and all but infeasible for RTOS users, this problem is likely to only grow in scope in the foreseeable future. In an effort to alleviate this problem, it is worthwhile to investigate methods for decoupling RTOS kernel services from real-time application scheduling and synchronization. Such a decoupling would allow application developers to make use of innovations from academia in multi-core software scheduling while still deploying software atop existing, unmodified RTOS kernels. The ultimate goal is a software package and/or library containing middleware and reusable software components that facilitate the described decoupling and that can easily be deployed by industry practitioners. Industrial practitioners would then benefit from the ability to select and deploy resource allocation techniques commensurate with their particular applications, rather than being “shoehorned” into the relatively “one-size-fits-all” traditional commercial/open-source RTOS software model.

PHASE I: In decoupling RTOS functionality from application-level scheduling functionality, a number of implementation choices must be made. In this phase, these choices should be formally categorized and analyzed using asymptotic techniques to illustrate their theoretical schedulability properties. Particularly promising techniques in terms of schedulability and synchronization when compared to results using existing RTOS should be identified.

PHASE II: In this phase, software packages to facilitate the methods of decoupling identified in Phase I will be developed and evaluated by comparing the performance of this decoupling on real-time scheduling applications to the performance of the same applications on existing RTOS. This comparison may be done in simulation but a significant performance enhancement over existing RTOS implementations needs to be demonstrated.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This project will result in reusable software components, easily deployed by developers, which enable the fielding of multi-core applications with innovative performance features. Such software components would be a valuable supplement to existing RTOS kernels and would potentially find use in myriad “intelligent” real-time/embedded systems deployed by both military and commercial interests.

REFERENCES:

• A. Block, J. Anderson, and U. Devi, “Task Reweighting under Global Scheduling on Multiprocessors”, Real-Time Systems , special issue on selected papers from the 18th Euromicro Conference on Real-Time Systems, Volume 39, Number 1-3, pp. 123-167, August 2008.

• B. Brandenburg and J. Anderson, “Optimality Results for Multiprocessor Real-Time Locking”, Proceedings of the 31st IEEE Real-Time Systems Symposium, pp. 49-60, December 2010.

• B. Brandenburg and J. Anderson, “On the Implementation of Global Real-Time Schedulers”, Proceedings of the 30th IEEE Real-Time Systems Symposium, pp. 214-224, December 2009.

• B. Brandenburg and J. Anderson, “Joint Opportunities for Real-Time Linux and Real-Time Systems Research”, Proceedings of the 11th Real-Time Linux Workshop, pp. 19-30, September 2009.

• M. Mollison, J. Erickson, J. Anderson, S. Baruah, and J. Scoredos, “Mixed Criticality Real-Time Scheduling for Multicore Systems”, Proceedings of the 7th IEEE International Conference on Embedded Software and Systems, June 2010.

KEYWORDS: Multi-core processors, real-time software systems, real-time operating system kernels, decoupling kernel services, real-time scheduling and synchronization

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop and deliver a stand-alone system for online threat detection and behavioral analysis for enhanced situational awareness.

DESCRIPTION: With the ever increasing number of social networking platforms and ensuing user-generated soft-data content, military-based intelligence is more than ever in need of a system to automate and streamline its collection, storage, analysis, and visualization capabilities and to incorporate this information into appropriate analyses for improved military intelligence assessment and soldier situational awareness.

Current intelligence gathering and analysis techniques are significantly human-labor driven for identifying, searching, discovering, and analyzing content on various web sites. Worst case, results are inefficient, incomplete, and disorganized, resulting in dubious outcomes, and in the best case are so labor intensive they can be inaccurate because they are based on outdated stale data. Recent technological and methodological developments in data science allow technically advanced users to scrape [1] massive quantities of data with modest effort from sources like Twitter and WordPress [2,3]. Likewise, advancements in processing textual data via social network analysis [4], natural language processing [5], and graph visualization for community detection [6,7] allow skilled users to explore and analyze big data. However, such advanced techniques are only accessible to highly skilled, technically savvy people. To make use of such data for enhanced situational awareness by a greater number of people, we need to bring together various methodologies to develop a comprehensive, scalable, user-friendly system to (A) collect, (B) store, (C) analyze, and (D) visualize public data.

The first challenge (collect) is to create a simplified process, allowing non-technical end-users to select from one or more public sites for data scraping based on a set of input parameters (e.g., name, timeframe, keywords, hashtags) [1]. The second challenge (store) is to create an organizational system flexible enough to store variable datatypes stemming from a plethora of data sources including yet to be created social media platforms. The third challenge (analyze) is to design and leverage existing algorithms for data analysis. Analysis capabilities must include, but are not limited to, social network analysis of single graphs and multi-graphs; flow analysis to assess information cascades throughout the network; individual-level behavior pattern analysis with the capacity to identify behavioral changes, and community detection [6,7]. Additional analysis capabilities should incorporate the latest analytic capabilities based on language analysis such as deception detection [8] and indicators of hierarchical positioning [9]. The fourth challenge (visualize) is to create scalable visualization techniques that will allow the user to explore individual profile information; fluidly visualize single or multimodal network graphs; drill through graphs to uncover the underlying data; and show how individual behavior patterns change over time (e.g., frequency of tweeting; length of blog posts) [6].

The implemented system will have a small form factor that is multiplatform, portable, and scalable. The system will provide the ability to choose multiple algorithms for analysis based on user needs. Additionally, the GUI must be turnkey, with an easy to use interface for non-technical end-users. The system will contain a searchable database with available communications from multiple sources such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and blogs, and should allow for multiple data types such as text, pictures, audio, and video. All stored data must retain relevant meta-data like sender, receiver, date, time, and geo-tags. The system should provide efficient analysis capabilities including the ability to create search profiles, custom categorizations – both emergent and pre-defined, identification of behavior patterns (e.g., an individual posts most frequently during late night hours), and identify changes in behavior patterns (e.g., individual suddenly posts in afternoon).

PHASE I: The Phase I effort will address the first two challenges by developing and demonstrating a prototype system capable of running from a portable device with an intuitive user interface that will allow for data scraping from multiple sources based on a single set of input parameters. The prototype solution must be capable of running off a stand-alone USB drive without the need to install files on the host machine; moreover, the software should not connect to central server for data storage or processing (that is, no cloud-based solutions will be accepted). The software tool should be designed in a manner to aggregate disparate data types from a variety of sources and be modular in design so it can be easily updated as social network companies release new or change APIs. The specific data to be scraped should be driven by an informed military need.

PHASE II: The Phase II effort will address the third and fourth challenges by concentrating on the design and development of analytic capabilities to create a composite picture from multiple data sources and providing informative, scalable visualization capabilities for both data and analytics. Additionally, indicate and flag changes in behavior based on communication patterns obtained through different social media inputs. In addition, Phase II will develop valid social network link prediction analytics and community structure analysis tools. The offeror must demonstrate a clear understanding of analytics relevant to military needs.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III efforts will be directed toward refining a final deployable design with sophisticated, cross-platform GUI; incorporating design modifications based on results from tests conducted during Phase II; and improving engineering/form factors, equipment hardening, and manufacturability designs to meet U.S. Army Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and end-user requirements.

REFERENCES:

• Marres, Noortje and Weltevrede, Esther. 2013. Scraping the Social? Issues in live social research. Journal of Cultural Economy, 6(3), pp. 313-335.

• Côté, Isabelle. 2013. Fieldwork in the Era of Social Media: Opportunities and Challenges. PS: Political Science & Politics, 46(03), pp 615-619.

• Boyd, Ellison. 2007. Social Network Sites: Definition, History, and Scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. 13(1), pp. 210-230.

• Pattuelli, M. C., and Miller, M. 2015. Semantic network edges: a human-machine approach to represent typed relations in social networks. Journal of Knowledge Management, 19(1), pp.71 – 81.

• Soeken, M. & Drechsler, R. 2014. NLP-Assisted Model Generation. Springer.

• Nikolaev, A. G., Razib, R., Kucheriya, A. 2015. On efficient use of entropy centrality for social network analysis and community detection. Social Networks. 40, pp. 154-162.

• Bothorel, C., Au - Cruz, J., Magnani, M., 2015. Clustering attributed graphs: Models, measures and methods. Network Science, available on CJO2015. doi:10.1017/nws.2015.9.

• Hauch, V., Blandón-Gitlin, I., Masip, J., & Sporer, S. L. 2014. Are Computers Effective Lie Detectors? A Meta-Analysis of Linguistic Cues to Deception. Personality and Social Psychology Review. pp. 1-36.

• Kacewicz, E., Pennebaker, J. W., Davis, M., Jeon, M., & Graesser, A. C., 2013. Pronoun Use Reflects Standings in Social Hierarchies. Journal of Language and Social Psychology. pp. 1–19

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to create a highly effective and accurate system that can identify stealthy wireless attacks. This topic will enhance the resiliency of Army and DoD cyber operations through better response to intrusions and more effective mitigation of attack impacts

DESCRIPTION: Wireless systems are important part of DoD operations, for both tactical and strategic applications. New capabilities such as unmanned vehicles or unmanned weapon systems are critically dependent on highly trusted and reliable wireless communications. However, due to the open communication of wireless communication, the system is subject to a wide range of external effects, ranging from environmental impact to malicious human attacks, especially silent attacks, such as carrier-sensing attacks, signal emulation, and radio interference are posing more challenges. With a much smaller footprint, many smart attacks can be easily blended in without being detected. The net consequence is that our wireless systems are seemingly working fine from network setup and operation perspective, but users/systems experience delays and information loss, leading to degraded mission execution capability.

It is critical that we establish a formal quantitative analysis models that can be used to predict, assess and analyze impact assessment of wireless systems. Such quantitative model and its associated benchmark will guide us to create effective detection systems, and design attack resilient wireless systems that can sustain critical missions. This topic seeks the development of advanced wireless quantification techniques as well as novel attack detection and defense frameworks that account for a broad scope of the attack space in a tactical network environment. The development should consist of both theoretical modeling and realistic hardware-in-the-loop experimentations with unique test and evaluation capabilities that can be provided by high fidelity radio frequency network channel emulators. The effectiveness of defense techniques should be thoroughly validated in hardware based experiments under realistic dynamic tactical scenarios.

PHASE I: Establish performance and resiliency models and quantification metrics for wireless system that are subject to stealthy attacks. Create proactive defense mechanism which include attack detection and dynamic maneuvering to identify potential threats and to mitigate their impact.

PHASE II: Develop an attack quantification and defense prototype system that can demonstrate the capability of attack detection, measurement, quantification, and proactive defense. Detection system efficiency and accuracy need to be verified not only in NS-2 type of software based simulation, but also through wireless network emulator that contains physical layer setup including true over the air RF waveforms, and that can replicate relevant and complex networking environment, such as multi-hop communication, multiple spectrum channels, radio interference, mobility, multi-path, and Doppler effects.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further develop and mature the prototype system and reach TRL-6. Demonstrate the working prototype in an operationally relevant environment. Define, finalize, and execute the transition and commercialization plans such that the detection systems can be field tested.

DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Wireless defense technology has direct application in commercial communications, such as cellular communications, Wi-Fi and mobile cloud systems, sensor and vehicular networks, and satellite communications. In addition, related cyber defense capabilities could greatly enhance performance and resilience of public safety and emergency communications systems and support interoperability of other emerging wireless systems over unlicensed spectrum.

REFERENCES:

• A. Hamieh, J. Ben-Othman, L. Mokdad, “Detection of Radio Interference Attacks in VANET”, Global Telecommunications Conference, 2009.

• J. Tang, Y. Cheng, W. Zhuang, “Real-Time Misbehavior Detection in IEEE 802.11-Based Wireless Networks: An Analytical Approach”, IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, vol. 13, pp. 146-158, 2014.

• J. Soto, S. Queiroz, M. Nogueira, “Managing sensing and cooperation to analyze PUE attacks in cognitive radio ad hoc networks”, the International Conference on Network and Service Management, 2012.

• M. Spuhler, D. Giustiniano, V. Lenders, M. Wilhelm, J. B. Schmitt, “Detection of Reactive Jamming in DSSS-based Wireless Communications”, IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, vol. 13, pp. 1593 – 1603, 2014.

KEYWORDS: wireless attacks, quantification, measurement, emulation, defense, wireless networking

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Chemical/Biological Defense

OBJECTIVE: Development of an easy to use, field-rugged drug identification kit.

DESCRIPTION: Illicit drug trafficking is a key source of financing for terrorist organizations, and as a result, the U.S. Army plays an active role in countering illicit drug trafficking. Soldiers and military police are often tasked with identifying illicit drugs in difficult and demanding field environments. Sophisticated electronic devices for detecting drugs do exist, however, these devices are typically expensive, bulky/heavy, non-ruggedized, and require a high level of training. Microarray chips for label-free detection have been investigated to improve selectivity and potentially reduce the overall size, weight, and power of the detection platform but may not be robust enough for relevant operating environments [1]. Colorimetric chemistry has been demonstrated to be an easy, cost effective approach for drug detection and identification [2], but current colorimetric field detection kits are typically limited to detecting only a single class of drugs. Advances in chemometric pattern recognition [3] have resulted in the development of sensitive and selective sensor arrays for the identification of complex mixtures of both volatile organic compounds and aqueous solutions of organic compounds [4,5]. Development of a novel detection platform that exhibits enhanced sensitivity and specificity over current test kits and avoids the need for bulky and complex instruments is desired.

The U.S Army specifically has an unmet need for a drug identification kit that is capable of detecting all major illicit drug classes in a single test as existing field tests have a number of drawbacks (multiple levels of testing required; hazardous materials contained in test matrices; subjective interpretation of data output). As there are currently no reliable fielded technologies to detect the synthetic cannabinoids, the ability to distinguish this class of drugs is of particular interest and will be a distinguishing feature for submission.

The proposed solution should be: easy to use; low cost (no more than $15 per test); lightweight; no or low power (i.e. consumer batteries); physically rugged; operable in a wide range of field conditions; exhibit a shelf life of at least 1-2 years; and require minimal user training. The proposed solution must exceed performance (sensitivity, specificity) of currently available test methods, reducing operator/analysis steps, and reduce false positives from common household and industrial materials. The proposed form factor must support ease of use, portability, meet military specifications, and ensure environmentally safe disposal of any testing materials. Ideally, the solution would interface with existing deployed communication devices (i.e. tablet, mobile device) to power solutions and report output.

PHASE I: Develop, test and/or demonstrate a detection platform capable of detecting synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. JWH-018, XLR11, AB-PINACA) and opiates (e.g. heroin, codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone). Test results are required in less than 5 min. Conduct preliminary stability testing on the detection mechanisms/chemistries to indicate potential suitability for field use. Develop a prototype concept capable of achieving all of the performance requirements listed in the description above.

PHASE II: Incorporate detection mechanisms/chemistries from Phase I into the prototype design from Phase I. The prototype must be capable of detecting all listed classes of drugs from Phase I plus phenethylamines (e.g. amphetamines, methamphetamine, MDA, MDMA, ephedrine), cathinones (e.g. Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) cathinone, butylone, methylone), and hallucinogens (e.g. LSD, mescaline, psilocin, psilocybin, bufotenine) in a single test in less than 5 min. Demonstrate use under a range of operating and storage temperatures (2-50 degrees Celsius) and humidities (10-95% RH). Demonstrate a kit shelf life of a minimum of 1 year at room temperature. Demonstrate prototype in a realistic environment.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This technology has a broad range of potential civilian and military applications. The detection platform for various classes of drugs can be extended to intelligence operations, law enforcement, and first responders.

REFERENCES:

• Klenkar, G.; Liedberg, B. A microarray chip for label-free detection of narcotics. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 391 (2008), 1679-1688

• O’Neal, C.; Crouch, D.; Fatah, A. Validation of twelve chemical spot tests for the detection of drugs of abuse. Forensic Science International 109 (2000) 189-201

• Collins, B.; Wright, A.; Anslyn, E. Combining molecular recognition, optical detection, and chemometric analysis. Topics in Current Chemistry 277 (2007) 181-218

• Lim, S.; Feng, L.; Kemling, J.; Musto, C.; Suslick, K. An optoelectronic nose for the detection of toxic gases. Nature Chemistry 1 (2009) 562-567

• Zhang, C.; Suslick, K. A colorimetric sensor array for organics in water. J. Am Chem. Soc. 127 (2005) 11548-11549

KEYWORDS: Narcotics, Illicit Drugs, Sensitive Site Exploitation, Field Kit

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Development of metamorphic buffer layers on commercially available IIIV substrates (GaAs or GaSb) for the growth of high quality III-V BULK material based long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) nBn detectors.

DESCRIPTION: Advantages from improved uniformity and increased process yields of III-V detector materials are being realized in the mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) via device structures that incorporate a unipolar barrier layer. MWIR devices incorporating these barrier structures are now becoming commercially available in high operating temperature (HOT) and HD formats.1 The devices employ an Al As(x) Sb(1-x) based alloy for the unipolar barrier to block majority carriers and surface leakage current, as well as suppress generation-recombination current.2 Incorporation of narrow gap InAs(x)Sb(1-x) in a unipolar barrier architecture with an Al(x)In(1-x)Sb barrier layer could enable realization of these advantages for bulk long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) detectors.

Unlike strained layer superlattice (SLS) structures, bulk InAs(x)Sb(1-x) has the advantage of high, isotropic hole mobility. As such, it presents an avenue to achieve longer carrier diffusion length resulting in high quantum efficiencies with n-type device architectures, such as the nBn. Another advantage of InAs(x)Sb(1-x) is the potential to produce bulk material with a spectral cutoff out to nearly 12.5 ?m. This was revealed in a recent study that showed a narrower than previously thought band gap for InAs(x)Sb(1-x). The study attributed the narrow band gap to large band bending for the InAs(x)Sb(1-x) alloy.3 Incorporating narrow gap InAs(x)Sb(1-x) into a unipolar device architecture will require the identification and optimization of a metamorphic buffer layer to transition from a commercially available substrate to the lattice constant of the InAs(x)Sb(1-x) detector material. InAs(x)Sb(1-x) absorber layers have been grown on GaSb by Wang et al.4, and GaAs by Lubyshev et al. 5 utilizing various metamorphic buffer layer schemes with encouraging results.

The relative simplicity of processing detectors based on the nBn device structure will enable rapid adoption by commercial foundries. Commercial III-V foundries including material growers should be able to use these recipes to develop advanced high resolution LWIR FPAs with enhanced performance suitable integrate with U.S. Army and DoD systems giving the tremendous advantage to U.S. Warfighters. Commercial applications of devices based on bulk InAs(x)Sb(1-x) include medical diagnostics and therapeutics, chemical and pollution sensing, materials processing, industrial process monitoring, food safety monitoring, aircraft anti-missile warning/protection and combustion diagnostics for high efficiency power generation. DoD applications include infrared countermeasures (IRCM), detect/locate hostile fire, detect/negate hostile imagers, sensors for persistent surveillance, helicopter landing during brownout, missile warning, and detection of explosive and chemical warfare agents.

PHASE I: Develop a plan to identify the best substrate and metamorphic buffer material combination(s) to reduce stress and/or strain in subsequently grown bulk InAs(x)Sb(1-x) layers. Following identification of the potential substrate/metamorphic buffer layer material system(s), develop a systematic material growth and characterization plan. The characterization plan should include techniques capable of imaging individual defect types as well as assessing the overall density of defects in the InAs(x)Sb(1-x) layer. It is strongly encouraged that the work be conducted in collaboration with a commercial epitaxy vendor to increase the potential for commercialization of bulk LWIR devices based on this effort. Demonstrate growth of bulk InAs(x)Sb(1-x) with a spectral cutoff > 11.5µm on a commercial substrate, and provide a sample to the Army for characterization.

PHASE II: Optimize the growth of the metamorphic buffer layer to minimize the density of active defects in the bulk InAs(x)Sb(1-x) to demonstrate LWIR nBn devices with a spectral cutoff > 11.5µm. Demonstrate growth of nBn device structures incorporating the optimized metamorphic buffer layer and bulk InAs(x)Sb(1-x) absorber. Collaboration with commercial infrared imager foundries for device structure development and characterization is strongly encouraged to support the commercialization of the bulk InAs(x)Sb(1-x) detector material.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The contractor shall pursue commercialization of the technology developed in Phase II for potential commercial uses in such diverse fields as law enforcement, rescue and recovery operations, maritime and aviation collision avoidance sensors, medical uses, homeland defense, and other infrared detection and imaging applications. The technology will be developed as product or growth recipes that can be licensed or transferred and utilized with limited expertise, irrespective of the commercialization route. Commercial III-V foundries including material growers should be able to use the product or recipes to develop advanced high resolution LWIR FPAs with enhanced performance suitable to integrate with U.S. Army and DoD systems. Successful demonstration of this technology will lead to insertion in systems for next generation forward looking infrared detectors, and provide important leap ahead wide area persistent surveillance systems and infrared search and track capabilities for the Warfighter including Army tactical systems like the Javelin. The successful development of high uniformity LWIR nBn detectors based on III-V material will immediately improve the performance of systems requiring advanced high performance infrared sensors by reducing size, weight, and power consumption requirements as well as cost.

REFERENCES:

• Y. Karni, E. Avnon, M. B. Ezra, E. Berkowitz, O. Cohen, Y. Cohen, R. Dobromislin, I. Hirsh, O. Klin, P. Klipstein, I. Lukomsky, M. Nitzani, I. Pivnik, O. Rozenberg, I. Shtrichman, M. Singer, S. Sulimani, A. Tuito, E. Weiss, Proc. SPIE 9070, Infrared Technology and Applications XL, 90701F (2014)

• S. Maimon, G. W. Wicks, Appl. Phys. Lett. 89, 151109 (2006)

• SP Svensson, WL Sarney, H Hier, Y Lin, D Wang, D Donetsky, L Shterengas, G Kipshidze, G Belenky Phys. Rev. B 86, 245205 (2012)

• D. Wang, D. Donetsky, G. Kipshidze, Y. Lin, L. Shterengas, G. Belenky, W. Sarney, S. Svensson, Appl. Phys. Lett. 103, 051120 (2013)

• D. Lubyshev, J. M. Fastenau, Y. Qiu, A. W. K. Liu, E. J. Koerperick, J. T. Olesberg, D. Norton Jr., N. N. Faleev, C. B. Honsberg, Proc. of SPIE 8704 870412-1 (2013)

KEYWORDS: Infrared detectors, InAs(x)Sb(1-x), long wavelength infrared (LWIR), material growth, metamorphic buffer layer, nBn, III-V antimony based material, unipolar barrier

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Natural biological immune systems protect animals from dangerous foreign pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins. Their role in the body is very analogous to that of computer/cyber security systems in computing. Although there are many differences between living organisms and computer systems, we believe that the similarities are compelling and could point the way to improved computer/cyber security in the tactical environment. The analogy with immunology contributes an important point of view about how to achieve computer/cyber security, one that can potentially lead to systems built with quite different sets of assumptions, biases, and organizing principles than in the past. A Tactical Immune System capability needs to be researched and developed to be able to accurately identify self, defend against “non-self” threats through self-healing properties, and re-align baseline definition of self once threats are eradicated.

DESCRIPTION: Immunologists have traditionally described the problem solved by the immune system as the problem of distinguishing "self" from dangerous "other" (or "non-self") and eliminating dangerous non-self. The problem of protecting computer systems from malicious intrusions can similarly be viewed as the problem of distinguishing self from non-self. Non-self might be an unauthorized user on a tactical radio, foreign or unanticipated code on a tactical node or information system, or data that cannot be verified from a confidentiality or integrity perspective - which can coincidentally negatively affect a critical mission. What would it take to build a computer immune system with some or all of the properties of a natural immune system for the tactical environment? It might have at least the following basic components: a stable definition of self, prevention or detection and subsequent elimination of dangerous foreign activities (infections), memory of previous infections (compromises/information pilferage attacks), a method of recognizing new infections, and a method of protecting the immune system itself from attack. The field of Autonomic Computing which investigates principles of self-management, self-healing, and the like serves as a viable baseline for exploring immune system principles at the tactical edge. The goal of this effort is to investigate the potential of applying the aforementioned immune system principles to a representative tactical system or set of systems comprising a network environment. This solution will provide a confident level of security for the target tactical systems without relying on a full blown network-based infrastructure for application of patches (and similar) and the recovery from new threats.

PHASE I:

• Research existing schemes (government, industry, or academia) for characterizing a Tactical Immune System (TIS) for an enterprise and tactical environment.

• Identify target tactical platforms and network environments for incorporating TIS concepts.

• Identify potential areas of applicability of TIS concepts on deployed or soon to be fielded tactical systems.

• Design proof of concept TIS for target tactical platform(s) to demonstrate its feasibility. The concept should consider best practices based on government, industry and academic standards to enable use in the Army’s Common Operating Environment (COE).

• Produce a detailed research report outlining the design and architecture of TIS, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed approach.

Phase II:

• Based on the results from Phase I, execute design of and implement a fully functioning prototype solution for an autonomic Tactical Immune System (TIS) geared towards protecting identified tactical systems.

• Provide test and evaluation results that demonstrate the value of the TIS to the target tactical platforms.

• Develop a final report for Phase II describing the specific concepts of a TIS (e.g. self designation, we were able to design, implement, and test within actual tactical environments).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS:

• Further develop prototype into a transitional product with necessary documentation and test results for a Program of Record such as the Nett Warrior (NW), Program Execution Office (PEO) Soldier for integration into their environments or target Ground Soldier Systems (GSS).

• Socialize prototype and overall concept to other US defense Programs of Record and commercial implementations to identify additional areas of applicability for TIS and associated concepts.

REFERENCES:

• http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/arc-15977-1.pdf, Artificial Immune System-Based Approach For Air Combat Maneuvering, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This technology is protected by a pending U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application (Reference No. ARC-15977-1)

• http://ti.arc.nasa.gov/m/pub-archive/archive/1082.pdf, Tactical Immunized Maneuvering System for Exploration Air Vehicles. John Kaneshige and K. Krishnakumar, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035

• http://arxiv.org/abs/1305.7144, Immune System Approaches to Intrusion Detection - A Review (ICARIS). Uwe Aickelin, Julie Greensmith, Jamie Twycross, Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems (ICARIS), 316-329, 2004

• http://spectrum.ieee.org/riskfactor/computing/it/darpa-seeks-selfhealing-networks, DARPA Seeks Self-Healing Network, by Willie Jones, Posted 25 Oct 2013

KEYWORDS: immune, pathogen, cyber security, tactical, attack, autonomic, self-healing, computer

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Develop very-high-resolution (as fine as 0.1 m) three-dimensional imaging techniques that will allow current and future Army microwave/millimeter wave synthetic aperture radars (SARs) to detect and identify targets in urban canyons, concealed under foliage, and other challenging environments using data collected with circular flight path trajectories.

DESCRIPTION: SAR is a principal sensor for collecting ISR data under all weather conditions and at all times of day from stand-off geometries. The Army currently has several microwave systems that provide valuable ISR information in open environments (i.e. environments in which the targets are not concealed under foliage or placed in areas containing many large structures). Conventional SARs fly straightline flight paths when performing their mapping functions.

Recently circular flight path SAR imaging techniques have been developed and demonstrated that can perform 360 deg imaging of targets, providing multiple aspect angle images of areas of interest that contain much greater detail than conventional, single look angle SAR images.

The objective of this topic is to extend the circular SAR imaging concept for imaging at very steep grazing angles (e.g. 70 to 85 degs). The objective of imaging at such step angles is to provide the SAR with the ability to peer into urban canyons and to penetrate some types of foliage by looking near-vertically through the branches instead of through the tree stems. For such imaging geometries, the cross-range SAR resolution remains that provided by the synthetic aperture length. However the range resolution will now provide target height information. The third dimension of range resolution, which would become a function of the elevation beamwidth of the antenna for the steep look-down geometry, must be achieved through an innovative processing technique. Such techniques could include the coherent processing of the circular trajectory data, tomography, interferometry, etc.

The microwave SARs that are currently used or that are being contemplated by the Army have only a single receive aperture. The algorithms and imaging techniques that are to be developed must be compatible with such systems. Also, while multiple orbits can be flown about an area of interest to form the NadirSAR images, operational constraints will favor those concepts that can provide the three-dimensional imagery in the minimum time.

Finally, there is currently no collected data available to support this effort. While the use of synthetic data is permissible, stronger research proposals would include data collections using SARs that can be made available and suitably modified for NadirSAR imaging.

PHASE I: The objectives of the Phase I program are to: 1) verify through simulation, analysis, etc., a concept for forming NadirSAR images, and 2) generate a Phase II program plan for simulating and/or collecting and processing the data. The Phase I effort should establish the fidelity of the simulation, the SAR parameters, the navigation requirements for the aircraft, and other such key factors relevant to the Phase II program.

PHASE II: The objectives of the Phase II program are to: 1) simulate and/or collect the NadirSAR data, 2) quantify the quality of the imagery that is formed (e.g. resolution, MNR, artifacts), and 3) demonstrate the ability to form three-dimensional SAR images of targets that are hidden in urban canyons, concealed under foliage, and placed in other challenging conditions. The demonstration of real-time imaging is not required.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: NadirSAR should be a very useful capability for both military and civilian applications. The enhanced microwave SAR capabilities will allow military requirements such as detecting targets concealed under foliage to be achieved with existing systems, thus removing the need for additional, low-frequency SARs. Relatively minor modifications to existing equipment to support steep grazing angle imaging will probably only require minor hardware changes. Civilian support missions could include disaster relief (e.g. imaging rubble piles after earthquakes, searching for victims in forest and jungle areas), or detecting illicit/terrorist activities being conducted in challenging environments.

REFERENCES:

• Cantalloube, H.M.J., "High resolution SAR imaging along circular trajectories”, Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2007. IGARSS 2007. IEEE International

• Xiao Xiang Zhu, “Demonstration of Super-Resolution for Tomographic SAR Imaging in Urban Environment”, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, IEEE Transactions on (Volume:50, Issue: 8)

• Carrara, Walter G. (1995) "Spotlight Synthetic Aperture Radar: Signal Processing Algorithms", Norwood, MA: Artech House

KEYWORDS: Synthetic Aperture Radar, Circular Imaging

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Biomedical

OBJECTIVE: Develop a new miniaturized multi-order (MSn) mass spectrometer that is man-portable and capable of detecting and sequencing peptides derived from biological agents including bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

DESCRIPTION: Currently our ability to detect biological threats in the field relies heavily upon immunological based assays which have limited robustness, specificity, and often generate false positive results. Although mass spectral techniques exist which have high sensitivity, high selectivity and are broadly applicable for detection and identification, the research grade instrumentation used has a large physical and logistical footprint making it impractical to bring into the field. Several efforts have been made over the last decade to miniaturize mass spectrometers for the detection of chemical warfare agents (CWA)3, toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), and illicit drugs4. From these investments, several portable mass spectrometry (MS) systems have been successfully commercialized demonstrating both the feasibility and utility of a miniaturized mass spectrometer. At present there is a need to develop a new portable multi-order mass spectrometry system that can sequence peptides derived from biological agents including bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Prototypes/designs of portable backpack systems have been published and tested, but a fully functional system with the specifications needed for peptide sequencing have not been realized1,2. This system should have a broad mass range (such as 300-1600 m/z), adequate mass resolution (~3000 >1.0 Da, FWHM; Full Width at Half Maximum), reasonable dynamic range with moderate sensitivity (detecting sub-ug amounts in complex matrixes) and it should be capable of performing multiple data dependent MS/MS scans. This type of new instrumentation should be flexible in design so that it can be coupled with the current state-of-the-art in sample preparation and/or liquid chromatography, ESI/ambient ionization, and data processing algorithms. Furthermore, the analysis and data handling systems should be designed in a way that, once completely mature, could be operated by a non-expert with minimal training. Should a system be successfully designed it could easily replace the current state-of-the-art MS-based chemical detection primarily due to its superior capabilities. Potential customers for a commercialized system span a wide range of government agencies and commercial entities including the military, the department of homeland security, first responders, and hospitals.

PHASE I: During Phase I performers will provide evidence that each of the principle components are physically validated or have been shown to work as proposed in a different instrument systems. This includes each critical component potentially including but not limited to the sampling, sample preparation, chromatographic, atmospheric MS inlet, ion optics design, mass analyzers, pumping system, and electrical/computer system (i.e. sampling through data interpretation). In addition, preliminary evidence using a simulation program such as SIMION should be provided supporting the feasibility of the overall marriage of all components. Initial efforts during the Phase I of this program should be focused on generating evidence that all components of the proposed system work together in unison. Less attention needs to be given to the strict logistical requirements of this breadboard instrument including weight and power requirements. However, performers that demonstrate the potential to acquire data that results in sequenced peptides from a complex mixture such as a tryptically digested cellular lysate will be preferred for transition from Phase I to Phase II.

PHASE II: Candidates that are awarded a Phase II proposal shall further develop the instrument into a pre-production prototype that can be tested in a relative environment outside of a laboratory setting. The pre-production prototype shall strive to meet the following criteria:

• A complete system weighing approximately 40 lbs
• Total volume/size is amenable to being carried on a backpack or a suitcase no larger than a “carry-on” bag. Battery pack could be designed so that it is in a separate case. Capable of operating or charging with solar power is a plus! Having the power supply designed as a separate module could allow for easy “upgrades” as the design (instrument and power supply) evolves and matures.
• Minimal power requirements so that it is capable of running on battery power at least for a brief period of time. This is preferred, but not required.
• MS resolution of ~3000 FWHM
• Capable of multiple data dependent MS/MS scans
• Sensitive enough to detect infectious dose quantities

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Should the breadboard pre-production prototype successfully meet all criteria set forth during the Phase II effort, multiple prototypes shall be constructed and distributed to at least three different laboratories for independent validation. These independent groups could span both academia, government, and another potential commercial transition partners with significant resources and customer base amendable to launching a successful a production and marketing campaign. It is expected the bulk of the software development will be performed in this phase. Up to this point it is acceptable that the instrument control and data analysis be performed by highly trained personnel. However, in the final product sample gathering, preparation and analysis as well as spectral interpretation will need to be simplified for use after moderate training (2 weeks). Additionally, this phase can be used to improve logistical characteristics such as weight and power consumption. For example, weight could be reduced by replacing heavier but more inexpensive materials with lighter but expensive ones (stainless steel parts with titanium). This product would fulfill needs across a wide customer base including medical facilities, first responders, and private practices to aid in diagnosis. It would be extremely beneficial across all branches of the military for both threat detection and diagnosis. The FDA and EPA would find a high resolution mass spectrometer very useful for compliance regulations.

REFERENCES:

• Chen, Chien-Hsun, et al. "Design of Portable Mass Spectrometers with Handheld Probes: Aspects of the Sampling and Miniature Pumping Systems." Journal of The American Society for Mass Spectrometry 26.2 (2015): 240-247.

• Hendricks, Paul I., et al. "Autonomous in situ analysis and real-time chemical detection using a backpack miniature mass spectrometer: concept, instrumentation development, and performance." Analytical chemistry 86.6 (2014): 2900-2908.

• Dumlao, Morphy, et al. "Real-time detection of chemical warfare agent simulants in forensic samples using active capillary plasma ionization with benchtop and field-deployable mass spectrometers." Analytical Methods 6.11 (2014): 3604-3609

• Hall, Seth E., and Christopher C. Mulligan. "Application of Ambient Sampling Portable Mass Spectrometry Toward On-Site Screening of Clandestine Drug Operations." (2014).

KEYWORDS: Miniaturized, mass spectrometer, bio-detection, portable, chemical detection, MSMS, BW

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Using open source data, characterize population identities and interrelationships in terms of beliefs, values, interests and practices, and detect, quantify, track and provide analytical tools.

DESCRIPTION: To protect national interests and effectively plan, coordinate and execute military operations, support training and foster partnerships, the U.S. military must better understand populations involved in or impacted by operations. Well-publicized challenges of operating in and amongst the peoples across the globe, including but not limited to the Middle East, Africa, Eurasia, and Southeast Asia, and the consequences of our military operations have highlighted the criticality of better understanding and incorporating cultural, behavioral, and demographic considerations in plans. These considerations are critical for: (1) meaningful assessments of progress towards tactical, operational and strategic objectives; (2) supporting analysis of changing population patterns to discover emerging issues or evolving relationships; (3) guiding decisions about maneuver through one area or another; (4) understanding key leaders and constituent stakeholders; (5) site selection and design considerations for contingency bases; (6) finding better partnership methods or opportunities; and many other issues.

The U.S. Army Operating Concept [1] states that, "to compel enemy actions requires putting something of value to them at risk," (p. iii) and that, "future enemies will act to remain indistinguishable from protected populations," while "Army forces [must] possess cross-cultural capabilities that permit them to operate effectively among populations" (p. 18). The Army must enable effective integration of multinational efforts, in contested environments (p. iv). The concept emphasizes the significant impact of, "Increased velocity and momentum of human interaction and events requires forces capable of responding rapidly in sufficient scale to seize the initiative, control the narrative, and consolidate order" (p. 11). The "Army Vision - Force 2025" [2] provides that "Reduce surprise" is a key line of effort, and continues noting, "Small unit leaders will be decentralized... and required to process large amounts of information... [and] the Army should exploit ways to reduce... cognitive burdens to enhance Soldiers' ability to perform in these challenging environments" (p. 6).

When fully addressed, this challenge requires historical, as well as up-to-date, dynamic and interacting population data, in order to support analytical tools that can help expose insights into population drivers and relationships. The resulting capability will also support the U.S. Army Functional Concept for Engagement [3], which notes the importance of, "understanding the relationships between actors and influencers, their allegiances and behaviors, and trends that shape their interaction, will be critical to understanding the complexity of the operating environment" (pg 10).

Relevant data about diverse beliefs, values, interests and practices, associated with identities, groups and collectives could conceivably be derived from any number of potential unclassified sources to include surveys, experimental data, biophysiological data, books [4], print and broadcast media [5], social media [6], peer-reviewed publications [7], economic and agricultural data, subject matter expertise, blogs, interviews, opinion columns, general websites, photographs, aerial imagery, massively multiplayer online games, chat forums, or many other resources. The U.S. Army requires such data be accessible, historical and current, fused, modeled, and made meaningful to Army personnel at the appropriate echelons with suitable, innovative analytic tools. Appropriate representational forms could include dynamic maps [8], network graphs [9], other conventional, novel or combinatorial forms, to include integration potential with other relevant mission data.

While 'big' social and cultural data offers promise for analysis and situational understanding [10], it also imposes significant challenges. Architectural and collection issues, updating data, data storage and processing requirements, privacy considerations, incongruities of data forms and scales, source material trustworthiness and reliability, and vastly varied availability of data are just some of the challenges impacting this topic. Although population impact planning presents a canonically wicked problem [11], analysis of groups and their associated beliefs, values, interests and practices has been demonstrated to be valuable for specialized military and intelligence analyses [12, 13], as well as within the private sector especially for marketing, advertising and product design. Such analyses has conventionally been successfully conducted by skilled experts on very narrow, focused topics.

This topic seeks to provide automated or semi-automated innovative approaches to organizing and exposing meaning from messy data, with tools to support collection and processing of big open source data, and yield meaningful focused analytical products.

PHASE I: In order to successfully address this topic, Phase 1 proposals are expected to address challenges including: (1) a means for identifying, collecting, updating and storing appropriate raw data for a topic of study using secure protocols; (2) mitigating incongruities across data sources and processing data into appropriate data representations with useful scoring methods; (3) how to inference across data and approximate information about identities, groups, organizations, networks and collectives, along with associated beliefs, values, interests and practices; (4) representations and analytics that make the data and derived information sensible; (5) measures of success and improvement for such data, tools and analytical findings.

Phase 1 deliverables are expected to include: (a) a documented conceptual design characterizing the technical method, services, tools and techniques to be implemented to collect data, perform processing and provide user-facing analytics; (b) outline and document exemplary sources, data, analytical examples and mock-up solutions for militarily-relevant topics; (c) define metrics and performance goals to be used for assessing progress towards accurate and appropriate processing (including validation and verification strategies) as well as estimating confidence, uncertainty and relevance for processed data; (d) document and report findings of pilot studies into the proposed conceptual design and technical implementation including metrics and initial performance estimates.

PHASE II: At the end of Phase II, a budget activity 6.2 effort, the expected result will be the construction and demonstration of a prototype with a technology readiness level of between 4 and 5. It is expected the prototype will have demonstrated relevance through limited user tests with Army stakeholders, and is expected to require additional funding for further military development and integration. Expected Phase II deliverables include: (a) an experimental prototype that has been demonstrated as functional, feasible and relevant on Army research and development networks with a diverse range of open sources; (b) detailed specifications for further development requirements including proposed additional sources, computer and human interfaces, algorithm enhancements resulting in improved computational processing and reduced cognitive load; (c) analyses of experiments to assess functionality and feasibility of the prototype, along with metrics to assess U.S. Army relevance and performance; (d) documented initial integration plans; and (e) technical documentation of the prototype, configuration, machine and user interfaces, data, extensibility and known limitations of the prototype (e.g., processing or storage capacity, coverage, etc.).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: At the successful conclusion of Phase III, the capability is expected to have commercial use for international marketing and business, especially market and social network analysis, and potentially organizational culture [14]. It is also expected to result in a capability relevant to multiple program offices across the Department of Defense and have applications for the intelligence community. The capability is expected to support fusion across multiple intelligence sources, and include future extensibility through maximized use of open data models and software standards, and provide application programming interfaces to efficiently support the evolving information environment. The ultimate capability is expected to capture, quantify and model information (past and present, vetted and unvetted) about the many types of affiliations with which people in a region (physical, conceptual and virtual) may identify, and how those identities relate with respect to beliefs, values, interests and practices.

REFERENCES:

• Department of the Army, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. "The U.S. Army Operating Concept ¨C Win in a Complex World." TRADOC Pamphlet 525-3-1. 31 October 2014. http://www.tradoc.army.mil/tpubs/pams/TP525-3-1.pdf.

• Department of the Army, Headquarters. "The Army Vision - Strategic Advantage in a Complex World." 11 May 2015. http://usacac.army.mil/sites/default/files/publications/TheArmyVision.pdf.

• Department of the Army, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. "The U.S. Army Functional Concept for Engagement." TRADOC Pamphlet 525-8-5. 24 Feb 2014. http://www.tradoc.army.mil/tpubs/pams/tp525-8-5.pdf.

• Jean-Baptiste Michel, et al. "Quantitative Analysis of Culture Using Millions of Digitized Books." Science. 14 January 2011. Volume 331, no 6014 pp 176-182. DOI: 10.1126/science.1199644.

• Kalev Leetaru. "Culturomics 2.0: Forecasting large-scale human behavior using global news media tone in time and space." First Monday. 5 September 2011. Volume 16, no 9. http://journals.uic.edu/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/3663/3040.

• Frederico Botta, et al. "Quantifying crowd size with mobile phone and Twitter data." Royal Society Open Science. 27 May 2015. DOI: 10.1098/rsos.150162.

• Kalev Leetaru, et al. "Cultural computing at literature scale. Encoding the cultural knowledge of tens of billions of words of academic literature." D-Lib Magazine. September/October 2014. Volume 20, no 9/10. doi:10.1045/september2014-leetaru.

• Joseph Kerski. "Geoawareness, Geoenablement, Geotechnologies, Citizen Science, and Storytelling: Geography on the World Stage." Geography Compass. 28 Jan 2015. Volume 9, Issue 1, pp 14-26. DOI: 10.1111/gec3.12193.

• Maximilian Schich, et al. "A network framework of cultural history." Science. 1 August 2014. Volume 345, no 6196 pp 558-562. DOI: 10.1126/science.1240064.

• Jonathon Kopecky, et al. "Social identity modeling: past work and relevant issues for socio-cultural modeling." Proceedings of the 19th Conference on Behavior Representation in Modeling and Simulation. 24 March 2010.

• Rittel, H., and M. Webber. 1973. "Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning," Policy Sciences. Volume 4, pp 155-159.

• MG Andrew Mackay, et al. "The Effectiveness of US Military Information Operations in Afghanistan 2001-2010: Why RAND missed the point." Defence Academy of the United Kingdom ¨C Central Asia Series. Volume 12/02a. 14 December 2012.

• Arturo Munoz. "U.S. Military Information Operations in Afghanistan - Effectiveness of Psychological Operations 2001-2010." RAND Monograph. 30 April 2012.

• Blake E. Ashforth and Fred Mael. "Social Identity Theory and the Organization." Academy of Management Review. Volume 14, number 1, pp 20-39.

KEYWORDS: Human, Identity, Fusion, Analysis, Narrative, Human Geography, Social, Networks, Open Source, Sociocultural, ABI, Behavior, Modeling, Big Data

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Biomedical

OBJECTIVE: To develop and demonstrate a wearable device that can monitor circadian rhythm cycles, determine daytime napping and provide a deterrent to the latter. This device will continuously collect physiological signals, and integrate them in order to estimate circadian rhythm. There may be a companion light modulation component to alter the portion of the light spectrum that regulates the circadian rhythm. The entire package will utilize a smart device which can enable health professionals to carry out further evaluations and repair the disrupted cycle.

DESCRIPTION: Terrestrial species have adapted to the Earth’s 24-hour pattern of daylight and darkness by evolving biological rhythms, called circadian rhythms, which repeat at approximately 24-hour intervals. For humans, circadian rhythms are regulated and generated by a master clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in the hypothalamus in the brain. Lack of synchrony between the master clock in SCN and the external environment, referred to as circadian misalignment, can lead to circadian disruption, with potential detrimental consequences ranging from increased sleepiness and decreased attention span during the day, lower productivity, gastrointestinal disorders, to long-term health problems such as increased risk for cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders. Some of these problems are closely associated with Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At issue for PTSD in Service members is an increase in daytime napping, with the resultant inability to obtain a deep REM sleep (a restful necessity) at night. The insomnia and resultant exhaustion, likely contribute to many of the key issues seen in PTSD (metabolic syndrome, anger, etc.). Circadian rhythm reset is not likely to solve all aspects of PTSD, but could restore this key pathway which has far-reaching involvement with the HPA axis, metabolism, etc. A safe method to solicited to diminish napping, and provide other therapies (such as light adjustments, etc.) as well as to enable health professionals to determine more specific aspects of the circadian disruption. The ideal system will undoubtedly have multiple components, but be relatively user-friendly. Clinical trials using PTSD cases may be possible to test the successful device when it has been optimized. COTS devices currently exist for wearable devices that monitor activity, galvanic skin responses, temperature and other physiologic conditions which are useful especially for PTSD cases. Those devices would supply collected data to a smart device to integrate information and define circadian status. Other COTS devices such as Philips light panel that provides blue light to affect circadian rhythm, offer alternatives for effective regulation of circadian rhythm and avoidance of circadian misalignment. Detection of daytime napping and a strategy to interfere in that process is not currently available. The integration of the various aspects cited would have potential to be an aid in reversal of one of the debilitating aspects of PTSD. The goal of this STTR topic is to leverage the large body of research literature on circadian rhythm and couple it to the advance in wearable/embedded device technologies to develop an integrated circadian rhythm regulation device.

PHASE I: Given the short duration of Phase I, this phase should not encompass any human use testing that would require formal IRB approval. Phase I should focus on system design for rapid realignment of circadian rhythm to the external environment and to develop a strategy for detection and disruption of daytime napping. At the end of this phase, a working prototype of the device(s) and the application(s) should be completed and some demonstration of feasibility, integration, and/or operation of the prototype. In addition, descriptions of data syncing concept, interoperability concerns, and data storage and tracking should be outlined. Phase I should also include the detailed development of Phase II testing plan.

PHASE II: During this phase, the integrated system should undergo human subject testing for evaluation of the operation and effectiveness of utilizing an integrated system and its capability to aid the PTSD cases to avoid daytime napping and achieve real-world outcomes of circadian rhythm regulation, sleep, and alertness. Accuracy, reliability, and usability should be assessed. This testing should be controlled, rigorous. Statistical power should be adequate to document initial efficacy, feasibility and safety of the device. This phase should also demonstrate evidence of commercial viability of the tool. Accompanying the application should be standard protocols and procedures for its use and integration into ongoing programs. These protocols should be presented in multimedia format.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The ultimate goal of this topic is to develop and demonstrate a wearable device that can be utilized as a personal circadian rhythm regulation device by synthesizing physiological signals into a circadian rhythm estimate and adjusting circadian light input based on the estimate. This device should also seamlessly integrate with other peripheral device(s), web-based and Smartphone applications, and provide additional feedback and monitoring tools for long term health assessment. The final system will be integrated into other Army informational systems such as ArmyFit and AHLTA. In addition the system may be marketed to commercial consumers for improving general health of shift workers.

REFERENCES:

• Zhang J., Wen, J.T., Julius, A., “Optimal circadian rhythm control with light input for rapid entrainment and improved vigilance,” 51st IEEE Conference on Decision and Control (CDC), pp. 3007--3012, Dec. 10-13, 2012

• Smith, M. R., & Eastman, C. I. (2012). Shift work: health, performance and safety problems, traditional countermeasures, and innovative management strategies to reduce circadian misalignment. Nature, 4, 111-132.

• Mott C., Dumont G., Boivin, D.B., and Mollicone, D. Model-based human circadian phase estimation using a particle filter. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 58(5):1325– 1336, 2011.

KEYWORDS: Health, Circadian Rhythm, Wearable Device, Technology, Military Health, Activity, Sleep, Alertness

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: To manufacture large scale production run of Flame Resistant (FR) combat printed nonwoven base uniform material for wear test trial on one specific combat item such as the main body fabric of the combat shirt. (Basic material A of GL-PD-10- 02E; Shirt Combat, Flame Resistant dated 19 March 2015).

DESCRIPTION: Except for limited knitted material constructions, all of the military clothing is constructed of woven type materials since the inception of the US military. Nonwoven type constructions for clothing applications are relatively new. Recent developments demonstrate that they are a viable alternative to woven constructions for some military applications with a potential material cost savings of up to 25 percent. Generally, woven based materials require as much as 15 processing steps during manufacturing as compared to only 5 steps for nonwoven manufacturing. Additionally, there are numerous nonwoven manufacturing processing options such as needle-punching, hydroentanglement (HE), melt-blown processing, ultrasonic bonding, Spun-bonding or combination of each to provide unique functional characteristics to the material. Nonwoven materials possess inherent mosquito (vector) protection due to the torturous path characteristic of how the fibers are arranged in the material.

PHASE I: During this research and development phase the contractor shall demonstrate scientific approach feasibility by providing the following:

• A minimum of three viable solutions for a 5.2-5.9 ounces per square yard shirt weight FR nonwoven material, minimum bursting strength of 25 lbs., minimum air permeability of 240 CFM, dimensional stability of 1.0/-7.0 % after 5 washing cycles, maximum after flame of 2 sections, maximum afterglow of 15 seconds, and maximum char length of 5 inches after 25, 50 and 100 laundering cycles.
• The best performing materials would be down selected for preparation into a Phase II full manufacturing run.

PHASE II: Based on the results from Phase I, the best material candidates would be selected for large manufacturing and prototype demonstration capability as follows:

• Provide a minimum of 750 linear yards, 60 inch wide, flame resistant (FR) nonwoven material, OCP camouflage printed, water-repellent treated and enhanced hand and drapeability comparable to Basic material A of GL-PD-10-02E; Shirt Combat, Flame Resistant dated 19 March 2015.

• Full verification lab testing for physical properties and FR will need to be performed (vertical flame and thermal manikin tests) as applicable on each material type.

• Upon verification of both physical and FR properties. A minimum of 100 Army combat shirts in the standard sizing tariff shall be provided as a deliverable to the PM for user evaluations.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Nonwovens offer a vast opportunity for both military and commercial applications in numerous lines of outdoor clothing. For military applications: combat uniforms of all types, i.e., combat vehicle crewman (CVC), uniforms for pilots, ground troops, and other protective items such as coveralls (Navy is currently testing a protective coverall for shipboard welding). For commercial applications: hunting uniforms, utility work clothing, disposable clothing and super low cost FR and non-FR children’s wear. This product would also be ideal for children/adults living in Africa and Philippines who face the threat of disease borne mosquitoes because the nonwoven fabrics provide some vector protection due to their fiber construction properties.

REFERENCES:

• http://www.nonwovens-industry.com/issues/2006-05/view_features/development-of-nonwoven-fabrics-for-military-/

• http://www.technicaltextile.net/articles/nonwoven-textiles/detail.aspx?articleid=5001

• http://www.engr.utk.edu/mse/Textiles/Spunlace.htm

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Combat_Shirt

• http://nanosyntex.com/nonwovens.htm

KEYWORDS: Nonwovens, Water-Repellent (WR), Hydroentangled (HE), Spunbonded, Flame Resistance (FR), Combat uniforms

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Research and development of new ultra-fast spintronic radar detectors and spectrum analyzers based on arrays of metallic or metal/insulator nano-scale magnetic diodes. These novel devices have the potential to become practical microwave detectors for military applications. They can be scaled down to ultimate nanometer sizes, they have a very low power consumption, natural frequency selectivity, ability to process very noisy external signals and are not vulnerable to ionizing radiation.

DESCRIPTION: The proposed spintronic radar detectors and spectrum analyzers will be essential in future anti-radar and wireless interception and active interference (jamming) systems of ground combat vehicles. The objective of this project is to develop the theory of operation and the design of a novel ultra-fast spectrum analyzer and frequency detector based on randomized arrays of nano-sized spin-torque microwave diodes. The device can be used for anti-radar activities, counter-terrorist operations, military intelligence and other battlefield applications. As the result of this research and development effort, prototype nano-sized spintronic spectrum analyzers will be developed, tested and delivered to TARDEC. The operation of the proposed spintronic spectrum analyzer is based on the recently discovered spin-torque diode effect in magnetic multilayered nanostructures [1-4]. The spin-torque microwave diode (STMD) is nano-sized, naturally frequency-selective, radiation hard and could work in a passive regime with no power consumption. Required specifications are the following: capable of determining the carrier frequency of the incoming radar signals in less than 200 ns; an operational bandwidth of several GHz; frequency resolution better than 50 MHz; and tuneability from 3 to 20 GHz.

PHASE I: Develop theory of regular and randomized linear arrays of spintronic radar detectors and theory of correlation-based spectrum analysis of incoming microwave signals in such arrays. The first milestone will be the theoretical demonstration that the spectral analysis of the incoming signals in coupled arrays of STMD could be performed in less than 500 ns.

PHASE II: Use mathematical modeling and simulation to optimize the spectrum analyzers’ working characteristics, such as power sensitivity, frequency resolution and time interval of frequency analysis. The final milestone will be the optimized design of the device and delivery of a prototype spintronic radar array of 6 or more detectors, fabricated on a single chip, covering the frequency interval of 2 – 10 GHz.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Continue to improve the nanofabrication process, using the electron-beam lithography, to achieve 20 - 40 spintronic radar detectors on a single chip. Evaluate reliability across the microwave spectrum to assess power output levels sufficient for energy harvesting and various applications of interest to military and civilian markets. Spintronic devices are not sensitive to ionizing radiation and could be used in space and on a battlefield. Evaluate possible civilian applications in automotive industry, including ultra-fast side-impact radars and control of autonomous vehicles.

REFERENCES:

• J.C. Sloncziewski, “Current-Driven Excitation of Magnetic Multilayers”, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 159, L1 (1996).

• . L. Berger, “Emission of Spin Waves by a Magnetic Multilayer Traversed by a Current”, Phys. Rev. B 54, 9353 (1996)

• J.C. Sloncziewski, “Excitation of Spin Waves by an Electric Current”, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 195, L261 (1999).

• M. Tsoi et al., “Generation and Detection of Phase-Coherent Current-Driven Magnons in Magnetic Multilayers”, Nature 406, 46 (2000).

KEYWORDS: spintronics, radar detectors, metamaterials

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE: Develop flexible, low-cost packaging techniques for large-scale, integrated optoelectronic systems based on heterogeneously integrated photonic and electronic chips.

DESCRIPTION: Today, the military and commercial application spaces for silicon photonics are expanding very rapidly. The first wave of commercial products are aimed at the telecommunications and data communications spaces, but applications in sensing, analog data processing, coherent systems, laser ranging, and many other areas are rapidly emerging. A key innovation in recent years in the electronics industry has been the development of through-silicon vias and low-parasitic interposer technologies. These technologies open a path toward very inexpensive fabrication of electronic-photonic systems utilizing generic foundry CMOS and RF CMOS. The silicon photonic chips can be fabricated using trailing-edge technologies, while the electronics is built using commonly available generic processes, without any front-end modification.

At the same time, packaging of circuits involving coupling external light into passive components such as resonators, filters, waveguides, etc., as well as coupling external light into active devices such as modulators, face tremendous challenges due to unavailability of a standard fiber-chip packaging interface. Tremendous insertion losses resulting from traditional fiber-chip coupling strategies lead to establishment of a poor power budget, and therefore, pose a significant risk to photonic lightwave circuit (PLC) commercialization and to its large-scale utilization in diagnostics. Innovative fiber-to-chip packaging strategies, including but not limited to efficient grating couplers, inverse tapers, polymeric couplers, etc., are needed to put silicon photonics at the forefront of rapidly evolving markets. Of significant importance is also the challenges that have emerged for co-packaging of high performance lasers with silicon photonic circuits, and inexpensive fiber coupling of these chips. At the moment, the laser and fiber attach strategies that are inexpensive require substantial risk and are difficult to operate at high power, while the low-risk solutions provide very little optical power and are very expensive. Strategies that efficiently bring light from high performance lasers directly to the device's input are highly sought with easy attachment and detachment of semiconductor laser and detector arrays.

The technical areas to investigate include (1) new architecture designs for the integration of the photonic and electronic chip (including 3D or alternatives to 3D stacking approaches), new material composition and platforms, and new design for the optoelectronic chip package; (2) ultra-low parasitic bonding between foundry CMOS or RF-CMOS and silicon photonic components, with high interconnect density, low cost, and high yield; (3) wafer-scale (wafer-wafer or die-wafer) bonding technology; (4) electronic-photonic co-design environment suitable for system integration at a large scale, including very complex electronic-photonic systems; (5) low-cost packaging strategy for this bonded chip that provides the capability of adding efficient solid state optical sources to the platform, ideally based on off-the-shelf technology; (6) low-cost and efficient pigtailing strategy for the bonded chip with focus on reducing the insertion loss; (7) flexible, low-cost strategies to create a package that can handle many RF inputs and outputs, many optical IO's, and many DC IO's; and (8) military specific strategies, such as hybrid microwave-photonic packaging platform. All approaches taken should keep mixed technologies in mind and leverage off-the-shelf CMOS and existing foundry-based silicon photonic processes and focus on low cost, automated processes which will enable high-speed optoelectronic chips. The effort should identify at least one military transition partner with a need for a technology demonstrator in this technology, and develop the design of this demonstrator.

PHASE I: Develop and demonstrate plausibility of an approach that meets the above metrics, for building and packaging bonded electronic-photonic systems on-chip. Develop a test chip design with a large number of interconnections between photonic and electronic chip in order to test performance in Phase II. Develop and demonstrate efficient fiber-to-chip coupling strategies.

PHASE II: Fabricate the circuit developed in Phase I, and test it to validate the tool flow developed in Phase I and work with the military transition partner. Establish performance and feasibility of the platform. Demonstrate fiber pigtailing and laser attachment. Experimentally validate against the ability to survive military environmental specifications.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Military applications include RF signal processing, radar, imaging systems, high speed communications, and onboard sensor networks.
Commercial applications: High performance computing, telecommunications, networking, data processing.

REFERENCES:

• L. Zimmermann, P. G. Battista, T. Tekin Tolga, et al., “Packaging and Assembly for Integrated Photonics-A Review of the ePIXpack Photonics Packaging Platform,” IEEE J. Sel. Quant., 17, 645-651, (2011).

• “CMOS integrated optical receivers for on-chip interconnects,” S. Assefa, C. Schow, F. Xia, W. M. J. Green, A. Rylyakov, and Y. Vlasov.

• 3D silicon integration. Knickerbocker et al., 2008.

• Impact of 3d design choices on manufacturing cost. Velenis, D. et al., 2009.

• R. Halir, P. Cheben, S. Janz, D-X. Xu, I. Molina-Fernandez, and J.G. Wanguemert-Perez, "Waveguide grating coupler with subwavelength microstructures," Opt. Lett. 34 (9), 1408 (2009).

• A. H. Pham, M. Chen, and K. Aihara, LCP for Microwave Packages and Modules, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 2012.

KEYWORDS: Optoelectronic packaging, large scale integrated optics systems, monolithic integration, hybrid integrated-circuit packaging, photonic integration, heterogeneous integration, fiber optic coupling, silicon-on-insulator, SOI, 3D integration, IC packaging, photonics packaging, mixed technology, silicon photonics, foundry, low cost, automated processes, packaging, RF photonics, microwave photonics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop & flight-test instrumentation & diagnostics to measure pressure, temperature, density and velocity fluctuations, and particulates at 100-200kft altitude. This is sorely needed to relate ground testing to flight conditions for hypersonics.

DESCRIPTION: Today to design a hypersonic vehicle we rely mostly on ground testing due to the extremely high costs of flight testing. However, one of the major technical challenges for a successful design is knowing a-priori the unsteady and mean pressure and temperature profiles over the vehicle. These profiles affect the drag, heating and structural loads on the vehicle so a successful design hinges on knowing them accurately.

Although a lot of progress has been made to characterize the unsteadiness on flow conditions, especially on pressure and density fluctuations, achieved on both “noisy” and “quiet” hypersonics tunnels on ground testing facilities, a key link is missing. That is, we don’t have a direct comparison between what the atmosphere’s natural disturbances are (pressure, density, temperature, and velocity fluctuations) and what we are producing on our most advanced hypersonic tunnels. Therefore, we are making assumptions on how to correlate our ground testing results to actual flight conditions without thorough validations.

This project will advance the state of the art on how to measure the atmosphere’s natural disturbances by developing and flight-testing different kinds of instrumentation or diagnostics to measure pressure, temperature, density and velocity fluctuations, and particulates at 100-200kft altitude. One of the big challenges will be to have the instrumentation work at high altitude and have sampling rates of 10+kHz. The other challenge will be to accommodate enough band-with for telemetry. Sensitivity to measure fluctuations down to about 1% or less from the mean values on the variables of interest will be key. Also robustness of the instruments or diagnostics will play a critical role. The test flight platform will also be critical to the success of the program. For example, if low cost high attitude balloons could be used, it could represent a lot of savings over suborbital rockets.

At the end of the program the expectation is to have at least one flight test to prove that the instrumentation and diagnostics performed as expected and that the data is of enough quality (e.g. signal to noise ratio, sensitivity, sampling rate) that it can be used to help improve our designs of ground testing facilities and better understand the data they can produce.

PHASE I: Paper design of the instrumentation and diagnostics to be used with clear descriptions of the projected capabilities. Selection of the flight platform is also expected. Realistic costs to build and test the instruments and diagnostics on the ground is also required. As much as possible, the contractor should do bench tests to prove the feasibility of the instrumentation/diagnostic concepts.

PHASE II: Build and test on the ground the instrumentation and diagnostics designed on phase I. Verify all the specs for the instrumentation & diagnostics developed. Al least 1 iteration for fixing "bugs" encountered during testing. Finalize the design of the flight platform, how the telemetry will be handled & how the instrumentation will be integrated to the platform. Finalize the location for the flight and justify why the launch location and flight path are relevant to the objectives of the program

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Fly at least once the developed instrumentation and diagnostics. Retrieve data and compare against the initial specs. Create a plan for fixing any encountered problems. Based on the flight data, develop a plan to any logical improvements on the instrumentation and diagnostics.

REFERENCES:

• Thomas Juliano, Steven Schneider. 2012. Instability and Transition on the HIFiRE-5 in a Mach 6 Quiet Tunnel. 40th Fluid Dynamics Conference and Exhibit.

• Katya Casper, Steven Beresh, John Henfling, Russell Spillers, Brian Pruett, Steven Schneider. 2012. Hypersonic Wind-Tunnel Measurements of Boundary-Layer Pressure Fluctuations. 39th AIAA Fluid Dynamics Conference.

• Steven P. Schneider. (2012) Development of Hypersonic Quiet Tunnels. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets 45:4, 641-664.

• Steven Schneider. 2012. The Development of Hypersonic Quiet Tunnels. 37th AIAA Fluid Dynamics Conference and Exhibit.

• Jr. John D. Anderson. 2006. Hypersonic and High-Temperature Gas Dynamics, Second Edition. AIAA Education Series.

KEYWORDS: noise measurements on the atmosphere, atmosphere unsteadiness, initial disturbances for hypersonic vehicles, hypersonic

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: To endow large composite structures of air vehicles with multifunctional capabilities to sense, diagnose and determine their state of health at any time on-demand by developing flexible sensor network and its embedded integrated circuits.

DESCRIPTION: Recent advancements in sensor technology have led to a vision to embed sensor arrays inside airframes to achieve multifunctional capabilities to sense, diagnose, and determine their state of health at any time on-demand. In particular, the use of a network of piezoelectric sensors and actuators to interrogate and monitor the health of structures has become a promising technology for such applications. However, massively distributed array of multiple types of sensors will require a carrier layer made of flexible polymer allowing large deformation and the resistance to harsh environment. Resulting flexible sensor network should span very large areas and easily be integrated into the composites with negligible impact on the mechanical performance of airframe. In order to make the networks functional, the sensors need to be connected to sensor interface circuits, which are high-voltage analog/mixed-signal circuits. Due to the high voltage requirement (30-50 volts inputs), current PCB implementation of the interface circuits are bulky and heavy and cannot be embedded into composite materials. While research activities have been reported on miniaturizing such interfaces into an integrated circuit (IC) and building a system around it, more technology development efforts are needed to tailor and enhance the design for actual deployment. The goal of this solicitation is to develop a highly expandable, lightweight and flexible sensor network and its embeddable interface application specific IC. Proposer teams shall demonstrate capabilities to design, fabricate and test the systems.

PHASE I: Perform proof-of-concept analysis and experiments that demonstrate the feasibility of a highly expandable, lightweight and flexible sensor network and its embeddable interface application-specific IC (ASIC). Develop the methodologies and processes for their implementation and usage on large composite structures.

PHASE II: Design, fabricate and test a prototype of flexible sensor network and its embeddable interface ASIC and deliver the required hardware and software. Demonstrate the feasibility of autonomous health monitoring in a simulated operational environment and validate system performance. Develop the baseline methodologies for their integration into actual aircraft.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Assess the integration of newly developed autonomous health monitoring system into actual aircraft to ensure their successful operations. Begin the transition process for commercialization of technology into high-volume applications in civil infrastructure (oil/gas pipelines, bridges, buildings).

REFERENCES:

• G. Lanzara, J. Feng and F.-K. Chang, "Design of Micro-Scaled Highly Expandable Networks of Polymer Based Substrates for Macro-Scale Applications," Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 19, No. 4, 2010.

• G. Lanzara, N. Salowitz, Z. Guo and F.-K. Chang, "A Spider-Web-Like Highly Expandable Sensor Network for Multifunctional Materials," Advanced Materials, vol. 22, No. 41, 2010.

• N. Salowitz, Z. Guo, Y. Li, K. Kim, G. Lanzara, F.-K. Chang, “Bio-Inspired Stretchable Network Based Intelligent Composites,” Journal of Composite Materials, Vol. 47, No. 1, 2013.

• Y. Guo, C. Aquino, D. Zhang and B. Murmann. “A Four-Channel, ±36 V Piezo Driver Chip for a Densely Integrated Structural Health Monitoring System,” 9th International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring, 2013.

KEYWORDS: flexible sensor network, embedded integrated circuits, structural health monitoring

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S):

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative technology needed to create a one-person-mobile telescope, mount and camera able to track nearly all cataloged space debris, then use it to investigate whether foreign objects assessed to be debris are indeed such.

DESCRIPTION: By 16 June 2015, there were 6,853 satellites listed as orbiting foreign debris in the world-standard United States Satellite Catalog (SatCat), considered a complete list of space objects down to 10 cm[1]. Much debris is released during launch and payload deployment, part is of unknown origin. Some launches disperse large quantities of debris in the transfer to geo-orbit; a nation could easily hide an active payload with the chaff and at apogee circularize its orbit into the geostationary belt with low chance of detection, as noted by some[2]. Knowing the behavior of items in Earth orbit is essential for U.S. Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Object Identification (SOI), for space security. A concern is that many objects have not been examined optically, only tracked by radar. Radar detects metal rods well, but composite or faceted materials can yield a deceptive cross-section and a flawed behavior assessment. The ISCAD approach will visually inspect each "debris" item to ensure that it is behaving like debris, by tumbling and not maneuvering (e.g., any motion requiring powered flight). So far, ground-based telescopic surveys have centered on geostationary orbit; observing low Earth orbit (LEO) space debris is a low priority for the Space Based Space Surveillance and Advanced Technology Risk Reduction spacecraft missions.

This research complements NASA's Meter-Class Autonomous Telescope (MCAT)[3], which will spend much of its time observing debris at low inclination. ISCAD will spend much time observing debris in sun-synchronous orbits, including all foreign debris there. Of an estimated 2,559 sun-synchronous-orbit foreign debris, nearly 1,000 are never visible to MCAT's tropical latitude. A mobile system operating in dark skies at temperate latitudes will be able to capture nearly all of these objects, and can track poorly-lit or low-albedo (approximately 0.1) debris with the proposed design.

The optics must be sufficiently large and the sensor suitably sensitive to detect debris as faint as 17th median magnitude with a sky brightness of 21-plus magnitudes per square-arcsecond (e.g., an 80-cm mirror and EMCCD camera is capable of tracking approximately 5-cm diameter objects, depending on the orbit). Optics can be wide-angle, since some low-orbit debris may have along-track positional uncertainties up to 5 deg. This suggests a design with fast focal ratio, i.e., short focal length relative to aperture size. This does not require a view angle of 5 deg; along-track search-capable software can acquire an object using a narrower (about 0.5 deg) view angle. The mounted telescope should fit within a 7-ft x 7-ft footprint and overhead clearance of <7-1/2 feet in travel mode to be fully transportable. The sensitive high-speed camera must be capable of recording rapid (25 Hz plus) variations, with the camera and mount able to operate in temperatures of 0 deg F. The mount must be capable of tracking an object through the zenith at speeds up to 4 deg/sec, be durable but light enough for self-propulsion, and able to travel up to 100 m from storage to clear horizon on unpaved roads at 7-percent grade, without requiring re-alignment. The Phase I effort will identify design alternatives and, based on the requirements noted herein and development/fabrication cost estimates, determine the best design for the telescope optics, mount, and camera to achieve the requisite tracking goals. The optics and mount will advance technology well beyond present state-of-the-art.

PHASE I: Produce and report telescope-mount-camera design(s) able to track all debris in the SatCat, per the Description, following objects across the entire sky and staying on target through the zenith, across the meridian, and past the celestial pole, uninterrupted. Ensuring stability requires performing finite-element modeling of system vibrations, overshoot, and structural stress.

PHASE II: Use the Phase I design to assemble a prototype telescope, mount, camera, and single computer for controlling both mount and camera, for testing against technical performance parameters identified in Phase I and the Description. The system must be capable of operating in temperatures as low as 0 deg F. Mount control software must acquire satellites without use of an auxiliary telescope. Also, evaluate this product for commercial value to the astronomy community if under $100K production cost.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Use a Phase II system for dark-sky "seasonal" studies of debris and compare data to a foreign satellite MCAT subset; study whether items act like debris, reporting anomalous behavior. Explore a mount design patent application & identify a manufacturing partner for lowest cost & maximum reliability.

REFERENCES:

• "Satellite Catalog," United States Strategic Command, 16 June 2015.

• Space Daily 12 April 2015 Russian Space "Russia 'busts satellite spy ring': space commander Oleg Maidanovich quoted from "Space Special Forces" film. Http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Russia_busts_satellite_spy_ring_space_commander_999.html

• MCAT Project Description: http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/measure/optical.html#MCAT

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Design/demonstrate a ground-based electro-optic sensor for space situational awareness that performs much like a Space Surveillance Network sensor and is rapidly-constructed at low-cost. Application includes rapid reconstruction of an SSN sensor.

DESCRIPTION: The Air Force operates a network of custom-built electro-optic (EO) sensors distributed about the globe for maintaining space situational awareness (SSA, which includes missions such as catalog maintenance, wide-area search, space-object custody) objects in near-geosynchronous orbits (GEOs). These EO sensors are subject to outages due to maintenance or due to damage caused by natural disaster, which might render them non-operational for long periods (multiple months). Meanwhile, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components exist that mimic some properties of the Air Force sensors, such as 1-meter telescopes on accurately-pointing computer-controlled mounts, and in case of outage these COTS components could be integrated and put in the field rapidly (within weeks). Likely, these substitute sensors would fall short of the performance delivered by the custom-built sensors since they are not optimized for the SSA mission parameters. With proper planning, however, EO sensor "packages" could be optimized so that COTS components could be acquired, undergo tailored modifications, and be rapidly-integrated-tested-fielded such that they could supply a militarily-useful fraction of the capability lost during down-time for the custom-built sensors. Such packages could be called "commercially derived," i.e., using COTS components to the greatest extent possible but allowing for a small number of modifications. The goal of this project is to design and demonstrate a ground-based EO sensor which is tailored to accomplish one or more SSA missions, and which consists as much as possible of commercially-derived components. In addition, a plan must be developed to task the sensor and to deliver its data products back to the requestor in a timely fashion. Developing a plan for this tasking-processing-exploitation-dissemination (TPED) procedure is an equally important goal, since the sensor will be acting in place of an SSA sensor already in or planned for the space surveillance architecture which accomplishes TPED. Successful proposers will to the greatest extent possible show:

• Ability to design a commercially-derived EO sensor and accompanying facility that replicates the performance of a current or planned EO space-surveillance sensor to the greatest extent possible. Performance of a Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance System sensor and the Space Surveillance Telescope is highly desirable, and performance metrics to replicate include, but are not limited to, metric-track accuracy, sensitivity, number of objects observed, number of tracklets collected, and low photometric uncertainty. Proposer may assume that the objective site has electricity and Internet.
• Ability to rapidly put into the field a sensor; this includes acquiring-modifying-integrating the parts, and then testing the integrated system and setting up in the field (target <5 weeks).
• Ability to produce a sensor with necessary facility and software with low-cost (target <$1M)
• Ability to design and implement a tasking-processing-exploitation-dissemination (TPED) procedure for the sensor that is usable by the customer.
• Ability to accurately predict and model telescope hardware performance as well as photometric performance. Also, be able to show traceability of requirements from a prototype sensor to an objective sensor that the Air Force would put into the field.
• Understanding of the cost of software. Also, show understanding for the man-hours and time required for integrating COTS software and conducting verification and validation of the computer and integrated software subsystems.
• Access to a dark-site for performance testing against a list of GEOs.
• Ability to provide follow-on use by the Air Force under a cooperative agreement to be arranged in the future.

PHASE I: Produce commercially-derived design(s) for a ground-based optical sensor(s) tailored to accomplish an SSA mission. Confine the band-pass between near-UV and near-IR. Document the COTS and custom software. Analyze the performance compared to a sensor used now or planned for space surveillance. Develop a TPED plan using these sensors. Assess expected cost and work-time from purchase to setup.

PHASE II: Select a design for a prototype sensor with customer input. Refine design, and construct and demonstrate the prototype. Collect SSA data using the prototype, compare to theoretical performance, and update the performance model. Demonstrate a version of the TPED plan using the customer as a surrogate space operator. Describe potential future improvements and estimate the cost of these improvements. At effort close, propose cooperative agreement to make sensor available to Air Force for research.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Demonstrate rapid assembly of one or more prototypes; then deploy and operate the prototypes to conduct an SSA mission for no less than one month using the related TPED procedure. Analyze the performance of the sensors using metrics in Description. Prepare DT&E report on the prototype for Air Force.

REFERENCES:

• Faccenda, W.J. et al., 2003, "Deep Stare Technical Advancements and Status," Mitre Corporation.

• AFSPC/A3C, 2013, “Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) System Operating Concept,” Air Force Space Command

• AFSPC/A3C, 2010, “Operating Concept for Space Surveillance Telescope (SST)”, Air Force Space Command.

KEYWORDS: SSA, space surveillance, sensor, GEO, RSO, custody, low-cost, rapid, electro-optic, GEODSS, SST, TPED

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a method of measuring, directly or indirectly, the three-dimensional distribution of turbulent fluid (air) density in wind-tunnel experiments at subsonic, transonic and supersonic conditions.

DESCRIPTION: The structure of the density field in a turbulent air flow directly affects the optical properties of the associated air volume, an effect which can degrade the ability to acquire imagery or propagate a laser through that volume. Traditionally, these optical properties of air have been exploited to obtain qualitative information about the structure of the flow through techniques such as schlieren and shadowgraph photography. Other measurements using small laser beams, Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors, or Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS) have provided some quantitative measurement of the optical properties; however, these methods generally consist of two-dimensional measurements, representing integrated quantities in the direction of optical propagation. Alternatively, the Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF)[3] method provides instantaneous flow density information in a single plane, similar to particle image velocimetry (PIV) which typically measures velocity in a single plane. Recently, volumetric methods such as plenoptic PIV[2] or tomographic BOS[1] have expanded these diagnostic capabilities to three dimensions. This topic seeks a method and apparatus to characterize the three-dimensional density field, independent of the direction of optical propagation. The resulting characterization of the density field could be used to validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and design aerodynamic or flow control mitigations to minimize the effect on optical propagation.

As a reference, the objective instrument should be designed to work in a supersonic blow-down wind-tunnel test section (Mach 2.0, Reynolds number of 4 million per foot) with a 1-square-foot cross-sectional area. The instrument should be capable of resolving fluid density features at least as small as 5 mm within a 100 mm x 50 mm x 12.5 mm volume. The uncertainty of the density measurements should be within 10-15 percent.

PHASE I: Develop the instrument concept and associated analysis techniques. Conduct a laboratory experiment to demonstrate the ability of the instrument concept to measure the instantaneous 3D distribution of density in a turbulent air flow (e.g., an open jet or heated, turbulent flow). Show, through analysis, that the concept can be scaled to practical wind-tunnel applications in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and build a prototype instrument. Conduct wind-tunnel experiments (preferably both subsonic and supersonic) to demonstrate the instrument performance. Corroborate the density measurements using established quantitative techniques. Show, through analysis, that the instrument can be scaled to the government application in Phase III. The government application will be similar to the reference case described above with the specific parameters set at the beginning of Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Demonstrate the prototype instrument, or a modified version of it, in a supersonic wind tunnel traceable to the government application specified in Phase II. Deliver the instrument hardware, analysis tools and user documentation to the government.

REFERENCES:

• Hartmann, U, Adamczuk, R., and Seume, J., "Tomographic Background Oriented Schlieren Applications for Turbomachinery," AIAA Paper 2015-1690.

• Fahringer, T.W., and Thurow, B. S., "Comparing Volumetric Reconstruction Algorithms for Plenoptic-PIV."

• Reid, J. Z., Lynch, K. P., and Thurow, B. S., "Density measurements of a turbulent wake using acetone planar laser-induced fluorescence," AIAA Journal, Vol. 51, No. 4 (2013), pp. 829-839.

KEYWORDS: aero-optics, aero-effects, schlieren, PIV, tomography, holography, flow-diagnostics, planar-laser-induced-florescence, wind-tunnel instrumentation, fluid-dynamics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop a model for the multimedia data stream required for next-generation field-of-light display (FoLD) systems to project full-parallax video-rate 3D images without eyewear. Demonstrate the model on a FoLD system in a command center environment.

DESCRIPTION: Collection, storage, transmission, and viewing of 3D data by a variety of DoD sensor systems has increased dramatically over the past 15 years and even more rapid growth is anticipated. The Air Force has identified a requirement for true 3D visualization systems to increase productivity of operators dealing with the 3D data deluge. The Air Force further requires the data be viewed without special eyewear on a new class of display, a so-called Field-of-Light Display (FoLD) visualization system.

A variety of prototype FoLD systems have been developed that each uses a unique, proprietary approach to transmit and visualize the same 3D data. The government (DARPA, IARPA, Air Force) has sponsored several efforts to foster the development of FoLD systems. Each effort has recreated the underlining software to ingest 3D content for delivery to their device. Lack of a common streaming media model has emerged as a barrier creating FoLD systems acceptable within a command center environment.

Government leadership is required. The focus of commercial standards bodies has been exclusively on the Stereo 3D (S3D) class of 3D display. The S3D class requires special eyewear and is, for a variety of reasons, not acceptable in a command center environment. S3D has caused eye fatigue and nausea in certain viewers due to a conflict in the accommodation and vergence cues it provides to the human visual system. The nausea can be reduced, but not eliminated, if the viewer is stationary and the content is tailored pixel by pixel (which is possible in movies over several months of post production but wholly impractical in a command center). Furthermore, S3D has limited value for parallax correct viewing since the perspectives are simulated from imagery that was captured from only one or two points of view (POV). These human interface limitations of S3D have prevented its adoption to address the 3D data deluge in Air Force command centers.

The emerging new FoLD class of 3D visualization system offers non-eyewear full parallax viewing and perspectively correct visualization for multiple persons. The FoLD class comprises several types including lenticular, volumetric, and holographic. Furthermore, many existing 3D capture methodologies based on Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors, or plenoptic cameras, capture a 3D environment that can be viewed correctly from many perspectives only on a FoLD visualization system.

Today the burden of integrating a FoLD system into an application space or environment is placed, over and over, on each software application developer. The emerging hardware technologies have yet to unite behind a common model for streaming a 3D scene description. Proprietary 3D display hardware and software formats limit the adoption and interchange of 3D visualization devices.

The next step in the evolution of 3D visualization is the creation a common streaming model for 3D data--including a scene description protocol and transmission format--that is display technology agnostic. The standard should define a streaming 3D scene that can be viewed on any 2D, S3D or FoLD visualization system and allow such flow and POV control as is required by the host application or content. Current and future display prototypes in any class (FoLD, S3D, and 2D) could then create an optimal visualization from the same streaming scene description.

PHASE I: Define display-technology agnostic, 3D streaming model for FoLD systems that is similar to existing 2D protocols. Establish definitions for streaming 3D content, audio content, compression, metadata, encryption, key frames, and error recovery. Integrate protocol and definitions into the model. Organize and conduct workshop open to all government and industry to publicize results.

PHASE II: Revise streaming model to address industry comments at the workshop and publish as a technical report to be entitled "Draft Data Streaming Model for Field-of-Light Display (FoLD) Visualization Systems." Brief the report at multiple scientific and engineering meetings, including SMPTE, IEEE, and SID. Conduct a second workshop and revise the technical report. Document performance tradeoff analysis of choices made in a final report. Develop a software tool to implement the model.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: True 3D displays have multiple military and civilian applications including modeling, geospatial representations, design and exploration. Data interface standards will be required to expedite the optimization and commercialization of these display technologies.

REFERENCES:

• (a) Klug M, Burnett T, Fancello A, Heath A, Gardner K,O’Connell S, Newswanger C. A Scalable, Collaborative, Interactive Light-field Display System. Society of Information Display Symposium Digest of Technical Papers 2013 pp. 412-415; (b) Zscape holographic motion displays, http://www.zebraimaging.com/products/motion-displays.

• (a) V. Michael Bove, "Engineering for Live Holographic TV," SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal, pp. 56-60 (Nov/Dec 2011); (b) S. Jolly et al, Computational Architecture for Full-Color Holographic Displays Based on Anisotropic Leaky-Mode Modulators, MIT Media Lab, SPIE (2015).

• Stephan Reichelt, Ralf Haussler, Gerald Futterer, and Norbert Leister, "Depth cues in human visual perception and their realization in 3D displays," Proc. SPIE 7690, 76900B (2010); http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.850094.

• Levent Onural, Fahri Yaras, and Hoonjong Kang, Bilkent Univ. (Turkey), "Digital Holographic Three-Dimensional Video Displays", Proc. IEEE 99(4), pp 576-589 (2011). Http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5709964&isnumber=5733920.

• (a) Pierre-Alexandre Blanche, "Toward the Ultimate 3D Display", SID Information Display 28 (2&3), pp. 32-36 (Feb/Mar 2012); (b) Sechrist, Steve, “TVs, 3-D, and Holograms at Display Week 2014,” Information Display 30 (5), 14-18 (2014).

KEYWORDS: streaming model, field of light display, FoLD, full parallax, accommodation-vergence congruence, air operations center, holography, hogel, voxel, depth planes

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Develop interactive and immersive training capabilities for operational system designers to increase operational system resiliency.

DESCRIPTION: This topic focuses on interactive and immersive training capabilities intended to ultimately reduce costs associated with mitigating cyber vulnerabilities in Air Force weapons systems. Airmen performance in the operational world is dependent on system capabilities and performance. Today’s operational system designers must find an appropriate balance in terms of a system’s functionality and its security. The concepts of resiliency and persistence apply not only to airmen but also the systems that they operate. Mitigation of system vulnerabilities is costly and time consuming. Further, engineering changes and modifications to hardware after it has reached a mature design level is also very expensive and can potentially delay the fielding of an operational capability for a significant period of time. Therefore, promoting a greater understanding of potential threats and vulnerabilities is essential. In addition, providing an increased capability to conduct real-time, what-if analyses to improve operational system design is warranted. The goal of this effort will be to create interactive and/or immersive training capabilities to improve design and evaluation capabilities for operational system designers. The desired training capability would be useful for engineers and designers working on new system designs and those working on upgrades/modifications/updates to currently existing systems and subsystems. The environment will provide guidance, references, and visualizations associated with the design activity and will facilitate engineers' and designers' process to better identify threat potentials, gaps in technology form and function, and areas where the designs can be enhanced to robust the resiliency of the designed system. Further, the tools should assist operational system developers in the identification of design issues, as well as the application of best practices.

PHASE I: Identify and define best practices/applications related to the mitigation of operational system vulnerabilities and effective training approaches. Develop use cases and provide storyboarded examples. Design interactive and immersive training capabilities for operational system designers to increase operational system resiliency.

PHASE II: Develop, test and demonstrate the tool set in the content domain identified in Phase I. Implement the tools in a training exemplar and conduct user and training impact assessments. Refine tools and the exemplar, identify a domain to evaluate the generalizability and reuse of content and instructional approaches, and conduct initial evaluations.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Improve weapons system resiliency to cyber threats through tools for engineer training or through test cases identified in collaboration with Air Force experts. The tools permit a broader use in engineering education to minimize cyber vulnerability across system types.

REFERENCES:

• National Research Council. Trust in Cyberspace. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 1999.

• United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. (2007a). Report on Implications of Cyber Warfare Volume 1: Executive summary and annotated brief (SAB-TR-07-02). Washington, DC: Department of the Air Force, SAF/AQB

• United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. (2007b). Report on Implications of Cyber Warfare Volume 2: Final Report (SAB-TR-07-02). Washington, DC: Department of the Air Force, SAF/AQB.

• United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. (2008). Report on Defending and Operating in a Contested Cyber Domain: Executive Summary and Annotated Brief (SAB-TR-08-01). Andrews AFB, MD: Department of the Air Force, SAF/AQB.

KEYWORDS: cyber vulnerability, operational system design, immersive training, interactive training

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a set of performance/coordination metrics for evaluating training effectiveness for Air Support Operations Centers (ASOC) for use in command and control (C2) training systems.

DESCRIPTION: Team coordination directly affects team performance[2]. As teams increase in size and complexity, the ability to derive accurate team coordination and performance metrics becomes increasingly difficult. However, it is critical to accurately evaluate team and individual coordination and performance in training simulators that require interactions among members to effectively evaluate progress associated with continued training.

This effort will research and develop evaluation capabilities within a team trainer involved in C2 problems (e.g., the ASOC). An ASOC is a heterogeneous team that provides organization and support to close air support (CAS) missions and is composed of three to nine individuals. An ASOC organizes and manages CAS missions between assets in the air and those on the ground. This requires not only coordinating with air and ground assets, but also across ASOC unit members.

The Joint Theater Air-to-Ground Simulation System (JTAGSS) was implemented to support individualized, as well as team, training. JTAGSS is planning to integrate constructive agents as synthetic teammates[1] capable of playing different ASOC positions. Synthetic teammates provide flexibility in training when crews are not at full capacity and/or instructor resources are limited. Synthetic teammates must perform the role of the real-world individual and must coordinate with both real and other synthetic teammates. Poor individual performance (including synthetic teammates) and poor coordination have been demonstrated to lead to poor team performance[2]. Metrics are critical for not only evaluating human training effects, with or without synthetic teammates, but also for evaluating synthetic teammates’ performance; specifically, determining if it is on par with human performance. Metrics of performance must be at both the individual as well as the team level. The goal of this effort will be to research, develop, and validate metrics for assessing team and individual performance and coordination in team trainers, such as a simulated ASOC.

Results from this effort will provide a set of tools for evaluating team performance within DoD, industry, and academic team settings. These tools will enable evaluation of team coordination and how it relates to objective or subjective performance ratings/criteria.

PHASE I: Study current complex, heterogeneous team operations to determine three products: 1) a validated team coordination score that is executable in software, 2) a validated team performance score that is executable in software, and 3) a paper accepted to a relevant scientific conference.

PHASE II: Study individual positions within the same team trainer identified in Phase I in order to develop: 1) a validated set of individual coordination scores (one for each position on the team) that is executable in software, 2) a validated set of individual performance scores that is executable in software, 3) a paper submitted to a relevant journal, and 4) a paper accepted to a relevant scientific conference.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Develop a general performance coordination method for use in other large-scale coordinated activities such as but not limited to: large-scale consequence management, space C2, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications.

REFERENCES:

• Ball, J., Myers, C., Heiberg, A., Cooke, N. J., Matessa, M., Freiman, M., & Rodgers, S. (2010). The synthetic teammate project. Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, 16(3), 271–299. doi:10.1007/s10588-010-9065-3.

• Cooke, N. J., Gorman, J. C., Myers, C. W., & Duran, J. L. (2013). Interactive team cognition. Cognitive Science, 37, 255–285. doi:10.1111/cogs.12009.

KEYWORDS: coordination metric, performance metric, team performance, team coordination

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Develop commercially viable, distributed sensing and control systems--leveraging on-chip security mechanisms in state-of-the-art embedded processors--to serve as a technology demonstrators for dual-use in Air Force battlefield applications.

DESCRIPTION: A quiet revolution in embedded system design is occurring within the embedded and mobile processing spaces. A new class of System on Chip (SoC) architectures has emerged which tightly couples field-programmable gate array (FPGA) logic, high-performance processing cores, and hardware-based cryptographic accelerators, all within the physical chip boundary. These SoCs also include on-chip RAM and rich peripheral functionality, including high-performance networking capabilities. Commercially available products, such as the Xilinx Zynq and Altera HPS, are being rapidly adopted into a broad range of embedded systems applications including automobile driver assistance, factory automation, consumer electronics, military radios, medical imaging, broadcast cameras, and both wired and wireless communications (including routers and switches).

The devices represent a game-changing new opportunity to protect against tampering and computer network attacks on the battlefield by leveraging cryptographic acceleration and the tightly coupled FPGA logic to implement adaptive, hardware-level security and resilience mechanisms. Now is the time to explore how these innovations can be utilized in complete end-to-end distributed sensing and control systems. This topic aims to explore this concept within the framework of the Internet of Things (IoT) with the goal of developing exemplars for robust and security conscious technologies for infrastructure protection. The technologies to be developed shall comprise both a secure end-point technology--that leverages these advanced embedded systems designs--and the ability to communicate via the Internet to produce situational awareness associated with a physical process.

The particular process to be observed and controlled is to be determined from a market/business study to be completed within Phase I. However, its salient characteristics must include the need for security--to protect private personal information--and resilience--to provide robust operation in the presence of faults, errors, and computer network attacks. The technology to be developed must therefore couple both novel embedded systems hardware design at the end-point with the use of software prototypes based on open-source and/or Internet standards. Systems should seek to use open-source operating systems and tools where appropriate and where these tools facilitate technology transfer to Air Force/DoD partners.

The Phase II must result in an end-to-end system capable of providing useful information to the consumer, and when set in a military context, to the Air Force. The technology plan should include descriptions of which advanced technology concepts shall be incorporated and at what stage of the project.

PHASE I: Phase I shall focus on developing a commercially viable product, business, technology development, and test plan. Early proof-of-concept prototype development associated with particular road-blocks is encouraged.

PHASE II: Phase II shall develop a full, end-to-end distributed system prototype and deploy the technology on the Internet. It is intended that the technology will demonstrate the use of novel embedded systems concepts and describe how they improve system security and/or resilience. The prototype shall include secure end-point, communication, analytics, and feedback components for a commercial application.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The contractor shall work with a DoD customer to develop a specific embedded system. The intent is to take core components on the technology, such as a particular technique or mechanism, and apply it within a military context or application, rather than re-deploy the system as a whole.

REFERENCES:

• J. Dahlstrom and S. Taylor, “Migrating an OS Scheduler into Tightly Coupled FPGA Logic to Increase Attacker Workload,” MILCOM 2013, pp 986-991, Nov 2013. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=6735752. .f.

• R. Dobai and Sekanina, L., “Towards Evolvable Systems based on the Xilinx Zynq platform," 2013 IEEE International Conference on Evolvable Systems (ICES), Apr 2013, Singapore. Http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?reload=true&tp=&arnumber=6613287&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fxpls%2Fabs_all.jsp%3Farnumber%3D6613287.

• V. Kizheppatt, ZyCAP: Efficient Partial Reconfiguration Management on the Xilinx Zynq,” IEEE Embedded Systems Letters, Vol 6, No. 3 Sept 2014. http://www.ntu.edu.sg/home/sfahmy/files/papers/esl2014-vipin.pdf.

• Altera, “Cyclone V Device Handbook, Vol 3.” http://www.altera.com/literature/hb/cyclone-v/cv_5v4.pdf

• Xilinx, “Zynq-7000 All Programmable SoC, Technical Reference Manual.” http://www.xilinx.com/support/documentation/user_guides/ug585-Zynq-7000-TRM.pdf.

KEYWORDS: Internet of Things, security, resilience, fault-tolerance, embedded systems, IoT

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a new generation of small-footprint hypervisors that provide novel security and forensic mechanisms while resisting reverse-engineering through diversity: every instance of a hypervisor should present a unique attack surface.

DESCRIPTION: In recent years, hypervisors have become the mainstay of cloud computing allowing multiple operating systems to execute concurrently on shared hardware, thereby providing unprecedented improvements in resource utilization. Unfortunately, they have gradually expanded in their capabilities and are now as large and vulnerable as the operating systems that operate on top of them. They were never designed with security and forensics as a primary goal: Much like monolithic operating systems and networks, they evolved with security as an afterthought. Adversaries have consequently developed techniques to detect the presence of popular hypervisors--including VMWare, VirtualPC, Hydra, Xen, and QEMU--and adjust their attacks to handle their presence.

Modern computer network attacks, by operating at the kernel-level, are able to hide their behavior, making forensic investigation of their ingress, operation, and attribution extremely difficult. This in turn makes the development of mitigations and countermeasures time-consuming and error prone. These problems are exacerbated by the lack of support in memory management hardware for the two-way mapping between guest-virtual, virtual-, and physical-memory addresses. This makes it costly and difficult for a hypervisor to explore the internal structure of an application that executes on top of an operating system that sits above the hypervisor. In addition, due to the complexities of bootstrapping, no capability yet exists to resist reverse-engineering through hypervisor diversification, i.e., changing the structure of the hypervisor to remove exploitable addresses that are shared between instances of the hypervisor. Finally, hardware support for hypervisors, similar to VTx/VT-d/VT-c, has begun to emerge only recently in the commodity processors used for embedded systems. Thus the security opportunities afforded by the isolation properties of these technologies, in the presence of extreme resource constraints, has yet to be explored in the embedded realm.

This topic seeks to generate a radical new generation of hypervisor designs that blur or eliminate the distinction with the operating system kernel, utilizes a small-footprint (attack surface) to operate in scarce resources, takes active steps to avoid detection, and/or utilizes diversity to ensure that each instance of a hypervisor is unique. The goal is to leverage hardware-supported guest-virtual isolation to increase security and provide forensics. This requires a fundamental change in the overall structure of operating system internals using the protections afforded by hypervisors as a new method to protect what are normally considered user- and kernel- level components. For example, individual device drivers might be located within designated virtual machines or replicated to provide resilience without kernel intervention. Some guest-virtual machines might be used solely for security and forensics, with associated methods for reserving resources and scheduling these virtual machines separately. A challenge with this approach is that the use of a small-footprint may limit the level of diversity achievable. The ability to execute existing commercial and/or open-source operating systems within such a radical new structure is of particular concern in maintaining DoD’s long-term legacy software investments.

PHASE I: Phase I should involve a collaborative effort to establish a baseline, small-footprint hypervisor. This technology should have the capability to execute an operating system and schedule user processes on a generic commodity processor. A technology development plan that will allow the hypervisor to be diversified and new security technologies integrated should also be developed in Phase I.

PHASE II: The primary goal research in Phase II is to develop a proof-of-concept (TRL 3) diversified hypervisor that is able to operate on both a general purpose (e.g., Intel/AMD) and embedded processor (e.g., ARM). The hypervisor should be able to execute a legacy commercial or open-source operating system and utilize novel security functions in separate guest virtual machines. As part of Phase II, the contractor will also develop a transition partnership with an appropriate DoD partner.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The contractor will work to mature the technology for DoD applications (TRL 4). These efforts shall be associated with the defense of embedded systems and/or mobile devices, forensic investigation of network intrusions, cross-domain operations, or other DoD designated activities.

REFERENCES:

• R. Denz, and S. Taylor, “A Survey on Securing the Virtual Cloud,” Advances, Systems, and Applications, Volume 2, Issue 1 on 6 November 2013. http://www.journalofcloudcomputing.com/content/pdf/2192-113x-2-17.pdf.

• R. Paleari, L. Martingnoni, G.F. Roglia, D. Bruschi, “A fistful of red-pills: how to automatically generate procedures to detect CPU emulators,” Proceedings of the 3rd USENIX conference on Offensive technologies. Http://roberto.greyhats.it/pubs/woot09.pdf.

• Peter Ferrie, “Attacks on Virtual Machine Emulators,” Semantec Advanced Threat Research. Http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/reference/Virtual_Machine_Threats.pdf.

KEYWORDS: diversity, hypervisor, virtual machines, forensics, cyber defense

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: To develop algorithms, methods and approaches that discover unanticipated events/targets of interest whose signatures are captured via an array of sensing modalities.

DESCRIPTION: The environment in which DoD intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems operate is changing dramatically due to the explosion of digital solid state hardware, advancements in arbitrary Radio Frequency (RF) waveform generation, software defined RF, cognitively controlled systems, the Internet of Things, and advanced tactics in Camouflage Concealment and Deception (CC&D) (to name a few). Any combination of these things is making it extremely difficult for a single stove-pipe exploitation system (e.g., SIGINT) to operate and produce meaningful results without degradation due to conditions such as Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) environments, co-channel dense spectral environments, distributed CC&D and poor collection geometries (refer to Ref. 1-4 , for examples).

This project seeks to overcome the deficiencies of a single stove-piped exploitation approach by harnessing the entire signature pallet, of an event, across all available sensors simultaneously. To maximize this potential, this project pushes for a revolutionary paradigm shift towards jointly combining/fusing sensor data upstream, or weakly processed data. The significance of processing the data in its rawest form, jointly in appropriate high dimensional mathematical manifolds, is that it allows the algorithm to improve event detection, uncover events often lost in the current data product paradigm, be amenable to autonomous operation, and separate events from advanced interference threats and CC&D conditions. This idea matches the Air Force vision for increased autonomy and the need for automated multi-sensor fusion and sensing as a service.

PHASE I: Identify advanced mathematical approaches for combining disparate heterogeneous sensors data for the purpose of unanticipated event/target detection and characterization in heterogeneous data. A few specific use case examples, along with benchmark level stove-pipe performance, will be developed in order to show a comparative advantage of the newly developed methods.

PHASE II: Further refine and develop the methods and algorithms used for joint heterogeneous data fusion. In particular, consider implementation aspects to allow the algorithm(s) to work across a distributed collection of sensors. Identify processing, channel capacity and latency requirements for developed algorithms. Consider a benchtop experiment, exploiting COTS equipment, to demonstrate the ability to perform such methods over a distributed network.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Develop and conduct an experiment on actual distributed sensing platforms in a realistic use case environment. Compare performance to the expectations from earlier phases. Commercial applications may include fields such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and automotive.

REFERENCES:

• Demars, C., Roggemann, M., and Zulch, P., "Multi-Spectral Detection and Tracking in Cluttered Urban Environments," Proceedings of the 2015 IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, 7-14 March 2015.

• Vankayalapati, N., Kay, S., Ding, Q., "TDOA Based Direct Positioning Maximum Likelihood Estimator and the Cramer-Rao Bound," IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, Vol. 50, No. 3, pp. 1616-1635, July 2014.

• Guerci, J.R., Bergin, J.S., Formundam, L., Zulch, P.A., "Terrain Encoded Geo-Location of Emitters," Proceedings of the 57th Meeting of the Military Sensing Symposium (MSS) Tri-Service Radar Symposium, Monterey, CA., 27-30 June 2011.

• Bergin, J., Techau, P., Guerci, J., and Zulch, P., "Advanced Air Surveillance Radar Modes and Tactics," Proceedings of the 55th Meeting of the Military Sensing Symposium (MSS) Tri-Service Radar Symposium, Boulder, CO., 22-26 June 2009.

KEYWORDS: heterogeneous data fusion, structure of data, unanticipated event detection

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop volumetric, high-repetition-rate techniques to increase the spatial dimensionality of quantitative flame-position and turbulent-velocity-field measurements of unsteady combustion processes in high-pressure combustors.

DESCRIPTION: Combustor and turbine component performance and lifetime are highly sensitive to unsteady temperature, pressure, and velocity perturbations and the coupling of these parameters to heat release. As the pressure and temperature in current and next-generation combustion systems continue to rise, unsteady combustion processes such as thermoacoustic instabilities[1] and blowoff[2] continue to be critical engineering challenges for optimized high-pressure combustor design and operation. These transient processes place strict design requirements on combustor and turbine components, and if not accurately assessed in the design process, can result in over-designed and over-cooled parts, thereby increasing system cost and reducing performance. Predictive modeling and simulation of these behaviors for optimizing system and component design require quantitative high-speed combustion chemistry and fluid dynamics measurements for elucidating flame anchoring and stability physics. Measurements are required under relevant aero-thermodynamic conditions (up to 10 atm, 2200 - 3500 degrees F) to understand the influence of elevated pressure and velocity perturbations on chemistry-turbulence interactions in flame-propagation- and auto-ignition-dominated flames[2]. There is currently minimal understanding of the coupling of these two critical combustion mechanisms which can lead to unsteady flow inside the combustor and at the combustor exit.

Flame propagation is dependent on the velocity field near the flame, the fluid dynamic strain-rate, and the turbulence dynamics. In addition to the velocity field, which necessitates measuring the velocity gradients in all three spatial dimensions, the proposed effort requires measurement of the spatial and temporal evolution of the reacting flame front. Therefore, the proposed effort should develop and apply a three-dimensional technique for high-speed measurements of the velocity field and its gradients synchronously with flame-front orientation. Current state-of-the-art velocimetry techniques provide quantitative information but are limited to small measurement volumes/planes (< 10 mm per side), lines, or points by available techniques[3, 4]. Execution over large measurement volumes (>10 mm per side) becomes particularly challenging at the high repetition rates required (10 to 100 kHz) because the resolvable spatial scales are severely limited by the spatial dynamic range of the measurement techniques. Extension to elevated pressure is required (up to 10 atm), making particle-based velocimetry techniques difficult to implement, because of window and hardware fouling, and seedless techniques as potential alternatives. However, extension to three dimensions is essential for any proposed approach. The characterization of flame propagation processes necessitates the measurement of the spatio-temporal evolution of the flame position synchronous with the velocity field and strain rate. Possible approaches include planar or tomographic laser-induced fluorescence or tomographic chemiluminescence imaging[5]. Purely line-of-sight measurements will not provide sufficient spatial resolution for the required analyses.

The technical merit of the proposed measurement should be demonstrated in an elevated-pressure combustion rig of practical interest, with simultaneous measurements of the spatiotemporal evolution of the flame position. Accurate resolution of relevant temporal and spatial scales must be demonstrated for understanding the influence of flame anchoring physics on unsteady processes including combustion instabilities and blowoff. These measurements will lead to a physics-based understanding of dominant flame stabilization modes at elevated pressures (up to 10 atm) for validation of advanced modeling and simulation approaches. The results of this program will be an improvement to the diagnostics available for three-dimensional combustion measurements, and flame anchoring physics analyses that will be valuable for combustor research and development for predicting performance and enhancing operability, reliability, and sustainability.

PHASE I: Demonstrate high-speed (>1 kHz), three-dimensional velocity measurements along with simultaneous flame orientation measurements in an atmospheric-pressure laboratory scale reacting turbulent flow (2200 - 3500 degrees F). Demonstrate the potential for extension of the technique to confined, elevated pressure combustion systems.

PHASE II: Further develop and apply the technology demonstration in Phase I to an elevated-pressure (up to 10 atm), swirl-stabilized combustion system of practical interest and relevance to combustors. Develop, apply, and deliver hardware and advanced physics-based data analyses software for understanding unsteady combustion processes in high-pressure combustion systems.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: High-repetition-rate three-dimensional measurement technologies can be used in development and procurement programs for the collection of high-quality quantitative data for validation of design, operation, and performance of military and commercial gas-turbine combustors and turbine test facilities.

REFERENCES:

• Poinsot, T.J., Trouve, A.C., Veynante, D.P., Candel, S.M., and Esposito, E.J., "Vortex-driven acoustically coupled combustion instabilities," Journal of Fluid Mechanics, Vol. 177, pp. 265–292 (1987).2).

• Lieuwen, T.C., Unsteady Combustor Physics, Cambridge University Press (201

• Elsinga, G.E., Scarano, F., Wieneke, B., and van Oudheusden, B.W., "Tomographic particle image velocimetry," Experiments in Fluids, Vol. 41, pp. 933–947 (2006).

• Danehy, P.M., Bathel, B.F., Calvert, N.D., Dogariu, A., and Miles, R.P., "Three-component velocity and acceleration measurement using FLEET," 30th AIAA Aerodynamic Measurement Technology and Ground Testing Conference, Atlanta GA (2014).

• Böhm, B., Heeger, C., Gordon, R.L., and Driezler, A., "New Perspectives on Turbulent Combustion: Multi-Parameter High-Speed Laser Diagnostics," Flow, Turbulence and Combustion, Vol. 86, pp. 313–341 (2010).

KEYWORDS: combustion instabilities, lean blowoff, velocimetry, high-speed combustion diagnostics, laser-induced fluorescence, tomography

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop new physics-based turbulent combustion models for predicting the onset of lean blowout in propulsion systems operating at Air Force relevant conditions including high pressures, high-speed compressible flows, and high turbulence intensities.

DESCRIPTION: Many existing modeling and simulation approaches have been developed for and applied to turbulent combustion systems operating at steady-state under ideal laboratory conditions. The laboratory conditions typically include atmospheric pressures, low speed incompressible flows (i.e., low Mach numbers), low turbulence intensities (i.e., low Reynolds numbers), and gaseous fuels. Current and next-generation Air Force combustion systems operate with high pressures, high-speed compressible flows (i.e., high Mach numbers), high turbulence intensities (i.e., high Reynolds numbers), and multi-component liquid fuels. Large eddy simulations (LES) and turbulent combustion models [1-2] for these more relevant operating conditions require the development of new physics-based models or significant improvements to existing models such as the flamelet progress variable (FPV) [3], linear eddy model (LEM) [4], or transported probability density function (PDF) [5] approaches.

Significant attention should be focused on evaluating and quantifying the effects of model assumptions at both the resolved scales and unresolved subgrid scales (SGS). Specific model assumptions that should be evaluated include but are not limited to the following: low Mach numbers, constant pressures, presumed PDF closures, presumed scalar mixing closures, a prior tabulated chemical kinetics, preferential diffusion, and consistency with the direct numerical simulation (DNS) limit. The models must be applicable to pre-mixed, non-pre-mixed, and partially pre-mixed combustion regimes. The models must be capable of predicting the onset of lean blowout at operating conditions relevant to Air Force propulsion systems including pressures from 10-30 atm and temperatures from 2200 to 3500 degrees F. The LES results must be evaluated using relevant experimental data such as those being acquired at the Air Force Research Laboratory Aerospace Systems Directorate Turbine Engine Division.

The models must be made modular by specifying standardized application programming interfaces (APIs) which enable the models to be utilized as libraries in turbulent reacting flow codes relevant to Air Force and original engine manufacturer (OEM) applications of interest. The interfaces must be independent of code-specific data structures in order to maintain generality. The availability of conventional LES models and finite-rate chemical kinetics can be assumed to exist in the reacting flow codes, but all other aspects of the turbulent combustion models must be enabled through the new modules.

PHASE I: Evaluate the effects of turbulent combustion model assumptions on the simulation results for the intended operating conditions and combustion regimes. Demonstrate the potential of the turbulent combustion models for statistically stationary turbulent combustion systems. Develop prototype APIs with standardized interfaces that are well-documented.

PHASE II: Further develop and improve the turbulent combustion models with particular emphasis on predicting the onset of lean blowout. Perform detailed verification and validation by using experimental data sets such as those being acquired at the Air Force Research Laboratory Aerospace Systems Directorate Turbine Engine Division. Demonstrate the models as APIs in turbulent reacting flow codes relevant to the Air Force and OEMs.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Turbulent combustion processes are highly relevant to the performance of military propulsion systems such as gas turbine engines, augmentors, rockets, and scramjets and non-military power and propulsion systems such as aircraft engines, automotive engines, and land-based power generation devices.

REFERENCES:

• Pope, S.B., "Turbulent Flows," Cambridge University Press (2000).

• Poinsot, T. and Veynante, D., "Theoretical and Numerical Combustion," R.T. Edwards (2005).

• Pitsch, H., Desjardins, O., Balarac, G. and Ihme, M., "Large-Eddy Simulation of Turbulent Reacting Flows," Progress in Aerospace Sciences, Vol. 44, pp. 466-478 (2008).

• Kerstein, A., "A Linear Eddy Model of Turbulent Scalar Transport and Mixing," Combustion Science and Technology, Vol. 60, pp. 391-421 (1988).

• Pope, S.B., "Small Scales, Many Species and the Manifold Challenges of Turbulent Combustion," Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, Vol. 34, pp. 1-31 (2013).

KEYWORDS: modeling and simulation, large eddy simulations, turbulent combustion, reacting flows, lean blowout

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop spectroscopic test platforms for quantitative, interference-free, spatiotemporally resolved measurements of temperature and species concentrations in turbulent combustors at pressures and temperatures relevant to Air Force propulsion systems.

DESCRIPTION: An understanding of fundamental combustion processes at elevated pressures relevant to Air Force propulsion systems is critical for the validation of predictive models and the development of advanced propulsion systems. Combustion proceeds through a multitude of elementary reaction steps, each of which involves various time and length scales ranging from atomic excitation to turbulent transport. Since most technologies of interest to Air Force applications operate at Reynolds numbers that are inaccessible to direct numerical simulation (DNS), even with petascale computational power, the kinetic and transport models of combustion remain critical. However, many models are not well validated and have large discrepancies due to incomplete and inaccurate reaction mechanisms. Many reaction rates are estimated using scaling laws that are not experimental validated under realistic turbulence and high-pressure conditions; as such, in many cases only a lower or upper bound can be estimated.

From an experimental point of view, most atomic and radical intermediate species (OH, CH, CO, H, and O) are transient, highly temperature dependent, and persist at low concentrations in the flame. These conditions pose significant challenges for quantitative measurements. Although there has been significant progress in the development of kinetic and transport models, experimental data on local temperatures and key rate-controlling (atomic, radical, and intermediate) species measured in laminar and turbulent flames at pressures relevant to Air Force applications (10-30 atm) are rare and qualitative, leading to large uncertainties in the models. Measurements that may be quantitative at atmospheric pressures may fail to provide quantitative data at elevated pressures because of interferences from a range of incoherent and laser-dependent processes, including collisional quenching, photoionization, stimulated emission, saturation and Stark shifting, photolytic production of atomic species, and broadband fluorescence interferences from other flame species[1-2]. Other techniques based on line-of-sight absorption or emission measurements may provide limited spatiotemporal resolution but the path integrated nature of these diagnostics can preclude detailed validation of locally varying physicochemical processes under turbulent conditions[3].

Novel, robust, quantitative, interference-free, spatially resolved, high-speed diagnostic methods are highly desired for benchmark measurements of temperature and key rate-controlling species in gas and liquid fueled combustion processes at elevated pressures (10-30 atm) to extend the current state-of-the-art capabilities[4-5] to conditions of relevance to Air Force applications. Such measurements require well-defined boundary conditions and well characterized uncertainties for model validation, necessitating close coordination between experimental diagnostics and reactor design. It is anticipated that a spectroscopic test platform integrating advanced diagnostics will be required to achieve the desired measurements at elevated pressures. By demonstrating and utilizing novel diagnostic tools, researchers are expected to build a benchmark database that can be used to verify predictive turbulent combustion models at elevated pressures.

PHASE I: Demonstrate and document quantitative, spatiotemporally resolved interference-free experimental measurements of temperature and key rate-controlling species (OH, CH, CO, H, and O) concentrations in flames at elevated pressures relevant to Air Force propulsion systems (up to 30 atm).

PHASE II: Demonstrate and document quantitative, interference-free measurements of temperature and key rate-controlling intermediate species in standard laboratory-scale turbulent burners that can be used to build a benchmark database for combustion model validation at elevated pressures. Discover and document scaling laws for temperature and these intermediate species in canonical turbulent gas and liquid-fueled combustors at elevated pressures (10-30 atm).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Availability of the quantitative measurements of high-pressure combustion will be used for engineering design and development of gas-turbine engines, hypersonic propulsion systems, industrial burners, and combustion test facilities.

REFERENCES:

• P.M. Allison, Y. Chen, M. Ihme, and J.F. Driscoll, “Coupling of flame geometry and combustion instabilities based on kilohertz formaldehyde PLIF measurements,” Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, Vol. 35, Issue 3, (2015)

• C.S. Cooper and N.M. Laurendeau, “Quantitative measurements of nitric oxide in high-pressure (2–5 atm), swirl-stabilized spray flames via laser-induced fluorescence,” Combust. Flame, Vol. 123, p.175, (2000).

• C.S. Goldenstein, R.M. Spearrin, J.B. Jeffries, and R.K. Hanson, “Scanned-wavelength-modulation spectroscopy near 2.5 µm for H2O and temperature in a hydrocarbon-fueled scramjet combustor,” Applied Physics B, Vol. 116, Issue 3, (2014).

• J.R. Gord, T.R. Meyer, and S. Roy, “Applications of Ultrafast Lasers for Optical Measurements in Combusting Flows,” Annual Review Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 1, p. 663, (2008).

• M.P. Thariyan, A.H. Bhuiyan, S.E. Meyer, S.V. Naik, J.P. Gore and R.P. Lucht, “Dual-pump coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering system for temperature and species measurements in an optically accessible high-pressure gas turbine combustor facility,” Measurement Science and Technology, Vol. 22, Num. 1, (2011).

KEYWORDS: laser diagnostics, high-pressure combustion, interference-free measurements, high-speed measurements, temperature, rate-controlling species

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Mitigate impacts of increased control system complexity while enabling high reliability, reduced validation costs, and advanced propulsion system performance.

DESCRIPTION: Over the past 40 years, the introduction of electronic controls in high-performance turbine engines has led to a steady rise in complexity of the engine control systems. Studies have shown that the reliability of engine and controls have consistently improved as tasks formerly accomplished by mechanical means on the engine were pushed to software control and highly integrated electronics. Current state-of-the-art (SOA) large engine controls employ linearized models that implement proportional integral derivative (PID) algorithms, optimization using Kalman filters for efficiency/performance, and greater use of multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) control to accommodate increasing variable engine features and sensors. SOA MIMO technology is generally not PID based, but depends on the individual application. Future large and medium scale propulsion designs, in addition to incorporating variable engine features (geometry), will require controlling and integrating large power generation/extraction, as well as, controlling thermal management of the components. The engine control is expected to be linked to other electronic systems on the aircraft and becomes the primary control at specific mission segments to achieve performance, high efficiency, and low cost. The observed trend toward increasing engine reliability is not expected to be maintained as the introduction of variable cycle (VCE) and more fuel efficient engines require additional mechanical actuation and flow control devices. Projected electronic hardware and software complexity will also continue to increase as integration of electrical power and thermal management systems are fully implemented. Significant research challenges in both high reliability architectures as well as cost effective, accurate validation that captures the system actual expectations will require development of new approaches for design tools beyond the current SOA for controls. Research activities should focus on development of control system modeling tools employing hierarchical abstraction/composition such as use of VHDL used in logic chip design and Ptolemy II used in embedded system simulation. Leveraging these modeling/simulation approaches will lead to lower complexity designs with higher reliability and greater robustness for future advanced propulsion systems. Development of tools that employ algorithms that evaluate top level control functions integrating fault protection and closed loop control can potentially eliminate growing software architecture complexity is of interest. Applicability of new adaptive control techniques in the simulation tools are appropriate. Research into approaches that reduce uncertainty in the control design/modeling approach concurrently with the engine design are also significant and appropriate.

PHASE I: Develop control system software tool using hierarchical-based approach that enables improved reliability, robustness, and reduced costs for advanced engine systems with variable or novel integrated features. Show the feasibility of achieving new capabilities through simulation. Compare the results to SOA control approaches.

PHASE II: Develop and refine the Phase I concept by design and implementation prototype software code. Demonstrate the control capability through FADEC or flight control (FC) closed-loop simulation with relevant hardware and controls models.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Fully develop the control capability by implementing the concept in an engine/aircraft quality prototype system (hardware and software) that meets the requirements for an advanced engine/aircraft application.

REFERENCES:

• West, Adam and Dvorak, Daniel, L., "NASA Study on Flight Software Complexity," NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, March 2009.

• Ying, Susan, "Foundations for Innovation in Cyber Physical Systems," Workshop Report, Energetics Inc., Columbia Maryland, NIST, January 2013.

• Chapuis, Dennis, "Automotive and Aerospace Electronics, Similarities, Differences, Potential for Synergies," SAE Convergence of Systems Symposium, 2011.

• Becz Sandor, "Design System for Managing Complexity in Aerospace Systems," 10th AIAA Aviation Technology and Operations Conference, 13-15 September 2010, Fort Worth, TX.

KEYWORDS: control systems, propulsion, reliable controls, mathematical algorithms, optimal control, adaptive control, model based reference control

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Develop reliable, low-weight, affordable, electronic integrated circuit (IC) level packaging and assembly for embedded, high-temperature electronic components. Emphasis on affordable high temperature electronics control systems.

DESCRIPTION: Turbine engine controls are increasingly constrained by improvements in turbine engine technology. This constraint is primarily associated with the thermal environment on the engine system. The development of distributed controls can help alleviate this constraint by relocating the most complex electronics, those directly involved in control law processing, to a more benign environment where they can be protected more effectively and with less impact on system level metrics. The remaining electronics, those primarily associated with input/output (I/O) functions and local loop closure, would remain in the hot engine environment.

To extract the greatest system-level performance benefit, the engine-mounted electronic components will need to be implemented with an emphasis on very low-weight technologies. This implies a very high degree of circuit integration to minimize volume and the use of passive methods to provide for thermal control. Unfortunately, higher integration tends to lead to a concentration of heat in electronic circuits. When coupled with a low-quality heat rejection sink, i.e., a small difference in temperature between source and sink, this can lead to problems in reliability. Improvements over the state-of-the-art (SOA) technology should focus on semiconductor die to package interface materials, use of solder alloys, as well as, hermetic and polymer packaging. Improvements to assembly of package to printed wiring board (PWB) board, as well as, choice of optimal packaging designs for harsh environment PWB.

Heat rejection is not the only issue which needs to be addressed by IC packaging and assembly technology. Engine operating environments tend to exhibit high-vibration and high-shock load. Typical vibration and shock test levels specified for the intended integrated circuit environment are up to 50g peak and 75g for shock. Vibratory test frequencies are in the range of 2hz to 3Khz. Guidance can be found in military standards 202, 883 and 810. There is also exposure to other electronics failure-inducing stresses, such as humidity, contaminants, and low pressure. Components are subject to 95-percent relative humidity for multiple cycles to determine suitability. The immediate packaging of integrated circuit electronics is the first line of defense. Conceivably, improved packaging technology could also contribute to increased robustness in other areas such as electromagnetic and radiation susceptibility.

Packaging and assembly technology for very high reliability ICs has traditionally been based on the use of ceramic materials for reasons described above. Due to the significant cost of this type of packaging and assembly, and often the lack of availability of ceramic packaging and assembly from commercial sources, plastic IC packaging and assembly has been used extensively in practice. There are also other undesirable aspects of ceramic technology such as increased weight. The cost/benefit of ceramic packaging and assembly is not completely accepted. Emphasis on affordable high temperature electronics that operate at temperatures between -55 to 225 degrees C will enable new control system capability while reducing development and acquisition costs at the engine system level. SOA bulk silicon CMOS, IC products can operate at 100 degrees C for military applications and up to 150 degrees C for unique applications. High-temperature silicon-on-insulator (SOI) semiconductor products are emerging that can operate at 30 percent higher temperatures for specific applications, such as oil drilling instrumentation with limited cyclic durability.

It is expected that the increase in temperature capability of electronic circuits used in engine-mounted distributed components will exacerbate this issue and warrants additional investment and innovative solutions. New IC packaging and assembly technologies which address the fundamental requirements for the protection and reliable operation of electronic integrated circuits are needed for both commercial hybrid vehicle controls, and military active and high efficiency control, such as for the combustion, fuel, and turbine systems.

Provide benchmark information which will enable a comparison of packaging and assembly material in terms of cost, and environmental performance as it relates to thermal conductivity, humidity, contaminants, vibration, and shock. Provide data related to innovations regarding other qualities which contribute to improved performance and reliability of high temperature electronics for the distributed engine control application.

PHASE I: Evaluate novel low-cost IC packaging materials and assembly techniques for extreme-temperature electronics which address the fundamental needs described above. Demonstrate IC packaging capabilities' potential reliability and manufacturing improvements over the SOA using simulation and laboratory testing.

PHASE II: Demonstrate the overall performance of high-temperature electronics with new extreme-temperature packaging and assembly. Incorporate existing high-temperature ICs into the new packaging materials and assembly, using newly developed processes, and perform benchmark tests. Document the result of testing in terms of the complete range of environmental factors expected in distributed engine applications.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Demonstrate advanced high-temperature IC packaging and assembly technology by implementation in a smart node component. Fabricate smart node hardware for a turbine engine rig or demonstrator engine.

REFERENCES:

• Gallagher, C., Shearer, B., and Matijasevic, G., "Materials selection issues for high operating temperature (HOT) electronic packaging," High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Conference (1998), doi: 10.1109/HTEMDS.1998.730695.

• Grzybowski, R.R., "Advances in electronic packaging technologies to temperatures as high as 500 degrees C," High-Temperature Electronic Materials, Devices and Sensors Conference (1998), doi: 10.1109/HTEMDS.1998.730699.

• Savrun, E., "Packaging considerations for very high temperature microsystems," Proceedings of IEEE, Vol. 2, pps. 113- 1143 (2002), doi: 10.1109/ICSENS.2002.1037274.

• Bowers, M., Lee, Y.J., Joiner, B., and Vijayaragavan, N., "Thermal characterization of package-on-package (POP)," Semiconductor Thermal Measurement and Management Symposium, 25th Annual IEEE (2009), doi: 10.1109/STHERM.2009.4810781.

• Neudeck, P., "SiC Field Effect Transistor Technology Demonstrating Prolonged Stable Operation at 500 degrees C," Materials Science Forum, Vol. 556-557, pps. 831-834 (2007).

KEYWORDS: high temperature electronics, packaging, high temperature assembly, integrated circuits, controls, FADEC

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Insertion of advanced commercial controls technologies into turbine engine controls in order to reduce development and acquisition costs. Customize advanced sensing and control COTS hardware and software components in high temperature/vibration.

DESCRIPTION: Current turbine engines are controlled by Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) systems typically centralized computing resources. Sensors that sense the controlled variables are typically individually wired to the FADEC, resulting in heavy, cumbersome wiring harnesses.

To remedy this situation, distributed nodes can be employed along with lighter fiber-optic data busses and sensor systems. The current state-of-the-art (SOA) for electrical/optical transceivers limits their qualification to a maximum operating environment of 85 degrees C. SOA opto-electronic devices are often fabricated using gallium arsenide (GaAs) materials due to their superior capability in high frequency operation as well as optical emitters/detector capability. However, their thermal conductivity is significantly reduced compared with silicon electronics, limiting reliability and temperature capability beyond 85 degrees C applications. Present limitations to electrical/optical transceiver temperature scaling must be investigated. Illustrate and demonstrate a path that would enable creating a high temperature electro-optical transceiver The typical minimum operating rage for introduction into a FADEC requires an operating range of -55 to 125 degrees C. Ideally, a sensor capable of a wider operating range would be desirable as the move to mount electronics on the core of the engine becomes a feature discriminator. This transceiver should inherently support the wide operating temperature range, as additional cooling methods degrade power efficiency and reliability. Work with a FADEC designer to concur on overall part requirements.

Implementation of intelligent propulsion concepts requires advanced enabling components technologies (including optical and electronic hardware as well as software packages) such as smart sensors, communications protocols, networking and associated components needed to increase capability in next-generation propulsion systems. To keep costs under control, it is desirable to employ standardized commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components as much as possible. However, many advanced COTS components were designed for ground-based applications and do not meet, in their present form, the requirements of airborne gas turbine engine propulsion systems.

Appropriate modifications to key COTS components are sought that would make them flight-worthy in engine propulsion environments. Evolving COTS components that make use of silicon carbide (SC) and Galium Nitride (GaN) materials for environmental performance capability of opto-electronics devices is a potential approach to improve the SOA. Solid-state electronic cooling methodologies and circuit design applied to silicon- or GaAs-based COTS components are potential lower cost solutions to improve the SOA using COTS technology. Investigation of very small lightweight vapor cycle technology for electronics may be appropriate. Integration of the electronic components to take advantage of existing fuel component design is a potential method for advancing the capability of COTS for the harsh environment. Modifications may incorporate energy, weight and size saving features, hardening against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and vibration and lifetime extension of components currently used in the older legacy assets. For active components, it is especially desirable to take advantage of innovative energy consumption reduction and/or energy harvesting approaches. It is critical to consider packaging and interface constraints, including data security, as well as ruggedization and standard requirements for avionics applications. Both legacy (centralized control) and next-generation (distributed control) engine systems can benefit from life-extended COTS and modified COTS components.

This research and development program would provide practical and cost-effective solutions, specifically addressing deficiencies in current engine sensing and control component technologies, as well as networking challenges that confront modified COTS component integration into fiber-optic backbone for existing aircraft. Robust standardized COTS-based components technologies are sought capable of operating in demanding avionics environments. Critical attributes include high reliability, high performance, long life, and lower maintenance cost for extreme temperatures and vibration environments.

For sensors used in turbine engines, it is desirable to extend the operating capability to temperatures beyond 1,200 degrees F and vibrations tolerance in excess of 500g RMS.

PHASE I: Identify advanced optical & electronic COTS components that will enhance engine operation for modernized propulsion systems. Investigate the desired modifications using COTS components & develop a conceptual approach for achieving environmental capability. Demonstrate the increased performance using a modeling and simulation as well as laboratory testing of relevant optical & electronic devices.

PHASE II: Design and demonstrate a harsh environment opto-electronic data bus transceiver with a relevant package size for an engine smart module or FADEC application. Demonstrate the improved capability of the COTS-based component and demonstrate its effectiveness on test stand engines in collaboration with an engine or airframe original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Transition into commercial and military applications.

REFERENCES:

• Sample of Current State of the Art Optical Transceivers, Avago Technologies, http://www.avagotech.com/pages/en/optical_transceivers/.

• Panel Session on "Transition in Gas Turbine Engine Control System Architecture: Modular, Distributed, Embedded," 45th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, 2-5 Aug 2009, Denver, CO

• "Status, Vision, and Challenges of an Intelligent Distributed Engine Control Architecture," SAE 2007 AeroTech Congress & Exhibition, 17-20 Sep 2007, Los Angeles, CA, 2007-01-3859.

• "Vision for Next Generation of Modular Adaptive Generic Integrated Controls (MAGIC) for Military/Commercial Turbine Engines," 43rd AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, 8-11 Jul 2007, Cincinnati, OH

• Lewis, T.J., "Distributed Architectures for Advanced Engine Control Systems," AGARD/PEP 86th Symposium on Advanced Aero-Engine Concepts and Controls, 1995, Seattle WA.

• Wick, D.G., "Realizing Distributed Engine Control Subsystems Through Application of High-Temperature Intelligent Engine Sensors and Control Electronics," SAE Technical Paper 2000-01-1363, 2000, doi:10.4271/2000-01-1363.

KEYWORDS: propulsion systems, jet engine, avionics COTS components, high temperature sensors, smart sensors and control, avionics data networking. optical, transceiver, small form factor pluggable, SFP, fiber optic, EO, electro-optical, high temperature, FADEC

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Platforms

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Develop novel runtime integrity protection techniques for embedded real-time computing applications.

DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) continually designs, acquires, and deploys best-in-class, highly complex and capable embedded systems.

Current embedded system engineering focuses on functional and fault-tolerance requirements that rarely include mission assurance in a cyber-contested environment. As Stuxnet and other custom cyber exploits have proven to the embedded systems community, nations can, have, and will continue to use cyber techniques to achieve their national security objectives, to include delivering combat effects against the highest-value embedded systems.

In most cases, legacy software and software already well in development was not engineered in accordance with state-of-the-art software assurance practices. In general, software already deployed to systems may not deserve the trust or confidence placed in it. Recent studies have shown that legacy software may not be assured to high enough degrees for its mission application. In essence, software produced has historically demonstrated significant weaknesses in security.

Runtime integrity verification techniques are a cyber-defense-in-depth approach to enhancing the mission assurance properties of an embedded computing system. Importantly, unlike theorem provers and other formal verification methods, runtime integrity verification techniques can be effectively employed against software that was not engineered to formal methods requirements. This facilitates more widespread employment in legacy and near-term embedded computing system architectures.

As is the case with contemporary mobile devices, many types of real-time embedded computing systems are severely resource constrained, power limited, and highly latency-sensitive; yet are subject to customized attack types for which signature and heuristic based malware detection approaches afford no meaningful protection. State-of-the-art embedded software and computing architectures have lagged behind enterprise architectures in the deployment of runtime integrity technologies due to a perceived lack of cyber threats and current techniques that are too invasive for computing resource performance constraints.

We seek to mature and deploy novel lightweight runtime integrity protection techniques optimized for this embedded system environment. The developed integrity protection service will advance the state-of-the-art by both preventing the launch of tampered with or modified applications and preventing the proliferation of any out-of-bounds content that is generated by an application.

Phase I demonstrations will be conducted on a commercially available prototype development board in an unclassified environment.

PHASE I: Study and develop a proof-of-concept of an approach for software runtime integrity protection within the context of a selected, resource constrained, real-time embedded computing system.

As a capstone deliverable, demonstrate the proof-of-concept runtime protection technique on an embedded computing system prototype development board.

PHASE II: Adapt, mature, and optimize the runtime integrity protection concept developed in Phase I to an assigned DoD embedded computing system, real-time operating system, and associated mission software (items provided as GFE).

As a capstone deliverable, demonstrate the runtime protection technique as hosted within the provided embedded computing environment

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Conduct a cyber-vulnerability assessment of the runtime integrity protected embedded system verses an experiment control featuring no runtime protections.

Provide runtime integrity engineering support to government RED team cyber assessment of the runtime integrity protected system architecture.

REFERENCES:

• McGraw, Gary. Gary McGraw on software security assurance: Build it in, build it right. [Online] [Cited: 04 10, 2015.] http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/opinion/Gary-McGraw-on-software-security-assurance-Build-it-in-build-it-right.

• The Science of Mission Assurance. Jabbour, Kamal and Muccio, Sarah. 5, 2011, Journal of Strategic Security, Vol. 4, pp. 61-74.

• Microsoft Research. Microsoft Research. Code Contracts. [Online] Microsoft. Http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/contracts/.

KEYWORDS: cyber, software assurance, embedded system cyber security, cyber resiliency, root of trust, cyber vulnerability mitigation, runtime security, active cyber defense, software engineering, integrity check, runtime verification, monitoring, fault protection, dynamic analysis, symbolic analysis, trace analysis

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Create room-temperature ionic liquids that are robust, non-volatile, transparent, rad hard, and atmospherically tolerant for use in electrolytes for reversibly electroplating films with specific optical, emissive and electrical properties on demand.

DESCRIPTION: This topic seeks to engage small businesses and academia to create robust, non-volatile, transparent, radiation-hardened, and atmospherically tolerant room-temperature ionic liquids for use in electrolytes for running reversible electroplating reactions that can establish and remove metallic films with specific optical, emissive, and electrical properties by tailoring the structure and thickness of the electrodeposited layer through modulation of the applied voltage at the working electrode. Such liquids are of interest since their properties could allow reversible electroplating techniques, capable of tuning or regenerating functional surfaces, to be deployed on orbital platforms. This can allow for in-flight modification of functional surfaces, such as mirrors or thermal emitters, to meet new operational needs or the restoration of functional surfaces if they are ever damaged.

Developing room-temperature ionic liquids with the aforementioned properties is the focus of this topic since the unique characteristics of ionic liquids suggest they can be used to make effective space compatible electrolytes and the properties sought are needed to support applications of interest. The negligible volatility of ionic liquids means they will not evaporate if exposed to the vacuum of space and their robustness suggest they can tolerate exposure to orbital radiation and provide large electrochemical windows to drive electrochemical reactions. Atmospheric tolerance is sought since this simplifies handling requirements and transparency is sought to allow the capabilities provided by the ionic liquids to be used in areas within a field of view of an optical application.

Work sought in this topic will focus on creating new room-temperature ionic liquids with the following nine properties. First, ionic liquids created in this effort will be capable of solvating metal ions. Of particular interest is the solvation of metals capable of forming highly reflective mirrors such as silver, aluminum, tin, copper, and gold. Second, the liquids developed will be suitable for use as the solvent in an electrolyte solution which can be used to run reversible electroplating reactions. Third, reversible electroplating reactions run in solutions created with these ionic liquids will be capable of reliably generating and removing highly reflective metallic mirrors. Fourth, the liquids developed will allow mirrors to be electroplated and removed at least 100 times, ideally over 100,000 times, without degrading common transparent electrically conductive electrodes, such as indium tin oxide doped glass. Fifth, electroplating reactions run with these liquids will allow the generation of mirrors with consistent properties on demand. Sixth, the liquids created will be capable of accommodating high metal ion migration rates so that any process to form or remove mirrors can complete quickly. Seventh, the liquids created will be capable of withstanding extended exposure to the Earth’s atmosphere. Eighth, the liquids developed will be able to tolerate exposure to hostile conditions found in an orbital environment. Ninth, the room-temperature ionic liquids created in this effort will be reasonably transparent over a broad spectrum of light. The wavelengths of light where it is particularly desirable for the ionic liquid to be transparent are those in the visible and infrared spectrum.

While a proposer for this topic must have the resources to complete the proposed work independently, access to governmental laboratory facilities will be available to help verify synthetic procedures, characterize molecules, evaluate electrochemical performance, assess electrodeposited layers, and check radiation tolerance as necessary in consultation with the government.

PHASE I: Synthesize novel room-temperature ionic liquids that are reasonably transparent across broad spectrums of light and can be used to create electrolyte solutions from which highly reflective mirrors can be generated and removed via reversible electrodeposition. Ideally these liquids will be non-toxic, robust, atmospherically stable, and tolerant of hostile conditions found in an orbital environment.

PHASE II: Quantify the robustness of ionic liquids created in Phase I against exposure to the Earth’s atmosphere, determine the stability of the ionic liquids after repeated reversible electroplating cycles, assess the consistency in the properties of mirrors generated via electroplating, evaluate the extent to which the liquids can tolerate hostile conditions found in an orbital environment, and enhance desired properties by modifying the structure of the ionic liquids or dissolving chemicals into them.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Transition the room-temperature ionic liquids created in this work into commercial products for use as non-volatile solvents, components in electrolyte solutions for electrochemical processes, or novel catalysts which work by holding molecules in reactive orientations.

REFERENCES:

• Abbott, A. P. et. al., Electroplating Using Ionic Liquids. Annual Review of Materials Research 2013, 43, 335-358.

• Araki S., et. al., Electrochemical Optical-Modulation Device with Reversible Transformation Between Transparent, Mirror, and Black. Advanced Materials 2012, 24 (23), OP122-OP126.

• Hallett, J. P., et. al., Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids: Solvents for Synthesis and Catalysis. 2. Chemical Reviews 2011, 111 (5), 3508-3576.

• He, P., et. al., Electrochemical Deposition of Silver in Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids and Its Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Effect. Langmuir 2004, 20 (23), 10260-10267.

• Giridhar P., et. al., “Electrodeposition of aluminium from 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium chloride/AlCl3 and mixtures with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride/AlCl3”, Electrochimica Acta 2012, 70, 210-214.

KEYWORDS: ionic liquid, electrolyte, chemistry, reversible, electroplating, electrodeposition, electrochemistry, mirror, synthesis, spacecraft, space, room temperature ionic liquid

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Focusing specifically on inferring space object energy parameters and states that could be used to classify the type of object.

DESCRIPTION: The fundamental values that could be used to understand any given space object are in terms of the object’s energy and momentum states. In some instances, conservation of energy and momentum principles can be used to easily bound the physical behavior of an object. The simplest energy to infer on a space object is perhaps its orbital energy, which if not maneuvering, is fairly constant over short time periods. Furthermore, in reality there are other energy states that one could attempt to infer, such as rotational energy states, and those that further depend on the interaction of the space environment with the object, such as reflected energy, absorbed energy, and thermally radiated energy. These last types of energy could be represented as vectors as well. All of these types of energy, combined, can reveal the type of object that is being observed and can bound its possible states of behavior. One could envision developing a database where space objects are tracked based upon these various types of energy and momentum parameters. Changes in energy and momentum states should be simpler to infer and could serve as a mechanism for indications and warning of hazards or threats. The fundamental requirement for this activity to be successful is to explore methods that can be used to track, infer, and quantify the ambiguity in these various types of energy (i.e., orbital, rotational, reflected, absorbed, and radiated). Rocket bodies, for instance, may have specific energy and momentum “signatures” or “fingerprints” that are unique. These energy and momentum states will be highly dependent on the object’s physical characteristics (e.g., size, shape, materials, orbit, orientation, etc.) but perhaps even functional characteristics (e.g., mission, capabilities, etc.). The manner in which we collect data also has a contribution to the inferred energy and momentum states, and thus sensor tasking methods to contribute to this inference should also be pursued and investigated.

PHASE I: Identify the possible sensors and combinations that could be employed for space object energy state inference and quantification, and derive the mathematical relationships between those sensors and space object parameters of interest to infer. Design and develop estimation techniques to infer all of the energy states of interest (i.e., orbital, rotational, reflected, absorbed, and radiated).

PHASE II: Develop/update the technology based on Phase I to provide a prototype demonstration of the technology in a realistic environment using actual sensor data, with errors and biases as well as realistic processing speeds in complex scenarios. This may fit in supporting various Air Force Research Laboratory R&D programs and flight experiments.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Integrate algorithm enhancement technology into a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) programs of record, such as JSpOC Mission System (JMS). Partnership with traditional DoD prime contractors is encouraged to facilitate successful transition and integration into an operational environment.

REFERENCES:

• DeMars, K., Hussein, I., Früh, C., Jah, M., Erwin, R., (2014). Multiple Object Space Surveillance Tracking Using Finite Set Statistics. AIAA Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Accepted (12/3/2014).

• J. Stauch, M. Jah, J. Baldwin, T. Kelecy, K. Hill, (2014). “Mutual Application of Joint Probabilistic Data Association, Filtering, and Smoothing Techniques for Robust Multiple Space Object Tracking,” Invited, AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, San Diego, CA, August, AIAA 2014-4365.

• C. Früh, M. Jah, E.Valdez, T. Kelecy, P. Kervin, (2013). “Initial Taxonomy and Classification Scheme for Artificial Space Objects,” Proceedings of the 2010 AMOS Technical Conference, Maui, Hawaii

• Linares, R., Jah, M. K., Crassidis, J. L., and Nebelecky, C., (2014). Space Object Shape Characterization and Tracking Using Light Curve and Angles Data. AIAA Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 13-25.

• Wetterer, C., Linares, R., Crassidis, J., Kelecy, T., Ziebart, M., Jah, M., P. Cefola., (2014). Refining Space Object Radiation Pressure Modeling with Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Functions, AIAA Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 185-196.

KEYWORDS: multi-sensor, space, tracking, fusion, algorithm, taxonomy, energy

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a higher- efficiency, frame-rate, and resolution alternative to current hardware-in-the-loop scene projectors by advancing IRLED array emitter technology.

DESCRIPTION: The state-of-the-art in infrared scene projection uses micro-machined resistor arrays to playback dynamic calibrated movies of target scene phenomenology. These devices, while a proven and mature technology, are limited in frame-rate and dynamic range, and the yield prohibitively drives cost when array size is increased beyond 512x512 pixels. These limitations continue to drive alternative technologies, most notably infrared light emitting diode (IRLED) arrays. IRLED arrays generate photons through transition of electrons between energy states, as opposed to temperature driven blackbody radiation from micro-resistors. Challenges in the maturation of the IRLED technology include pixel design for photon generation efficiency (elimination of waste heat), band broadening to ensure a wider application range, extension to longer wavelengths (8-12 microns), read-in integrated circuit (RIIC) design, monolithic pixel array/RIIC design, multi-color pixels, and pixel size. The goal of this topic is advance the state-of-the-art of IRLED array technology, addressing the fundamental limitations and challenges for this technology. In particular, it is desired that the design of pixel active area should efficiently generate MWIR photon flux levels in a one micron band representative of blackbody emission up to 2000 Kelvin and with pixel response times on the order of 4 ms or less. For the end application, in a closed-loop test environment, sensor integration time and spatial mapping may change unpredictably. Because of this, a temporally uniform photon flux during the frame time is desired, as opposed to temporal modulation schemes that would require tight synchronization of the sensor/projector combination. Pixel pitch, based on array yield considerations and compatibility with optical requirements, should be sized to nominally 24 microns. Technology should be scalable to array sizes of 2048x2048 or greater. It is required that the products of this SBIR are testable devices that demonstrate advances in the state-of-the art and the potential for direct scalability up to sizes compatible with end use applications. Products from this SBIR will be evaluated in Air Force Research Laboratory's KHILS facilities to establish performance metrics including efficiency, dynamic range, temporal response, and output stability.

PHASE I: Investigate, formulate, and fabricate IRLEDs demonstrating design alternatives for active materials and enhanced pixel characteristics. Deliver device samples to AFRL for further characterization.

PHASE II: Down-select and produce pixel arrays scalable to production arrays sizes and compatible with RIIC design options. Quantitatively characterize advances in the state-of-the-art and establish a plan to transition the technology to commercial activities.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Transition technology into programs developing production arrays for distribution to DoD facilities and commercial test sets for fielded sensors.

REFERENCES:

• High performance photodiodes based on InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattices for very long wavelength infrared detection, Hoang, A. M. and Chen, G. and Chevallier, R. and Haddadi, A. and Razeghi, M., Applied Physics Letters, 104, 251105 (2014), OI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4884947.

• Gallium free type II inAs/InAsxSb1-x superllatice photodetectors, Schuler-Sandy, T. and Myers, S. and Klein, B. and Gautam, N. and Ahirwar, P. et al., Applied Physics Letters, 101, 071111 (2012) DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4745926.

• “Effective and apparent temperature calculations and performance analysis of mid-wave infrared light emitting diodes for use in infrared scene projection,” Golden, E. M. and Rapp, R. J.,Proc. SPIE Vol. 7663, 766304 (Apr. 23, 2010).

KEYWORDS: Galium Free, Ga-Free, Infrared Light Emitting Diode, IRLED Array, Infrared Scene Projection, Gallium Antimonide, GaSb, MWIR Detectors

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Produce validation data for transient aerothermoelastic effects in high-fidelity coupled fluid-thermal-structure CFD modeling and simulation tools from a ground test of a full-scale curved panel in hypersonic flow.

DESCRIPTION: The extreme environmental conditions experienced in hypersonic flight can cause structural deformations and unsteady responses. Furthermore, the heating rates and maximum temperatures can vary significantly over the surface of a vehicle. Temperature gradients can also exist through the vehicle skin. This topic aims to fund an experiment that characterizes the fluid-thermal-structure coupling of a full-scale curved panel at hypersonic speeds. Similarity laws should be taken into consideration for aerodynamic pressure, aerodynamic heat transfer, conduction, stresses, and deflections; trade-offs between scaling to realistic flight conditions and obtaining a transient response should be discussed.

A validation-quality dataset of a coupled fluid-thermal-structure experiment of a full-scale curved panel is sought. In particular, curved panels that are subsections of conic or bi-conic test articles are desired and documented sufficiently for reproduction in a physical or numerical experiment. The panel should be designed to incorporate state-of-the-art integrated sensors for the measurement of its structural response (e.g., accelerations, deflections) as well as provide information about the surface quantities relevant to the aerodynamic (e.g., pressure, skin friction) and thermal environments (e.g., surface temperature, heat flux, temperature gradients).

Flowfield visualization in the vicinity of the panel at multiple azimuthal locations is needed for CFD validation. High-speed PIV is preferred, but Schlieren and other shockwave visualization methods are also desired. Furthermore, the upstream flowfield must be characterized sufficiently for follow-on modeling and simulation validation as well (e.g., freestream turbulence intensity, inlet asymmetries, and boundary layer effects). Test facilities that use air as the working fluid are preferred, but inert gases are also acceptable.

PHASE I: Design aerothermoelastic experiment including geometry, materials, instrumentation, test facilities, and parameter space of interest. Produce test plan capable of obtaining physical quantities required to characterize the transient response of test article, including test facility boundary conditions, and identify hardware and instrumentation required to measure those quantities accurately.

PHASE II: Demonstrate that measurements taken are sufficient to fully characterize the aerothermoelastic response of panel. Demonstrate that test procedures and methodologies are applicable to general class of this configuration. Deliverables include documentation of as-tested experimental design, experimental findings,conclusions, and all data required to independently reproduce validation data in a similar facility. Demonstrate and deliver models and documentation at an Air Force facility.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Follow-on test funded by US DoD or prime contractors using the methodology is desired to verify its applicability to more general or point designs. USAF encourages the patent and licensure of any or all technology derived from this effort and to seek collaboration with prime contractors.

REFERENCES:

• Zuchowski, B., “Predictive Capability for Hypersonic Structural Response and Life Prediction, Phase 1 – Identification of Knowledge Gaps,” Air Vehicles Integration and Technology Research (AVITAR), AFRL-RB-WP-TR-2010-3069, 2010.

• Thornton, E. A., Dechaumphai, P., “Coupled Flow, Thermal, and Structural Analysis of Aerodynamically Heated Panels,” Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 25, No. 11, pp. 1052-1059, 1988.

• Calligeros, J. M., Dugundji, J., “Similarity Laws Required For Experimental Aerothermoelastic Studies Part 2 – Hypersonic Speeds,” Office of Naval Research, Technical Report 75-2, DTIC AD253970, 1961.

• Brooks, J. M., Gupta, A. K., Smith, M. S., Marineau, E. C., “Development of Particle Image Velocimetry in a Mach 2.7 Wind Tunnel at AEDC White Oak,” AIAA Paper 2015-1915, 53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, 2015.

KEYWORDS: Aerothermoelasticity, hypersonic, wind-tunnel testing, flow visualization, structural dynamics, high-temperature materials, flutter, limit-cycle oscillation, fluid-thermal-structure interaction

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: To produce a lower cost molecular beam epitaxy machine and transfer chamber that will allow significant materials development and dissimilar materials integration prior to material down selection in a development scheme.

DESCRIPTION: Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) has become a standard technique for producing high quality material reproducibly for electronic and optical devices. Current trends in device development often require merging properties from multiple material systems to achieve the desired characteristics. Often these material combinations cannot be made in the same chamber due to incompatibilities in their growth. Currently, the cost of material development using MBE is prohibitively high, costing well over a million dollars for a new machine. The objective of this project is to reduce cost and risk in future materials research programs using MBE.

Research aimed at providing future capabilities for AF systems requires studies of different material systems to determine the best solution and growth studies to optimize the material properties beyond its existing state. The initial system cost as well as operation costs often limits the amount of research being performed by MBE. By reducing the cost associated with MBE, more material systems can be studied. Early in research it is difficult to determine the ultimate material for an application since many factors come to play in this choice. Without an appropriate level of research, an accurate determination between the many proposed solutions is not possible. Gaining the ability to fund more research should not only allow more researchers to participate in a material choice but also allow more material options to be explored for a potential solution. This increased level of research will allow a better, more informed decision. This topic therefore not only reduces the cost per machine but also reduces the risk of picking a solution before the various factors have been evaluated.

Current research versions of MBE machines cost on the order of $1M for a system and much more for large production systems. This situation is aggravated when one considers integration of various materials each requiring a different MBE system to avoid cross contamination. For Multi-chamber systems the combined cost is the cost per chamber plus the transfer arrangement. The large cost of these systems is the major cause prohibiting more material systems to be investigated by MBE. In this SBIR topic, the goal is to produce a quality MBE machine which is significantly cheaper (~$250K) and smaller to perform fundamental materials research using similar effusion cell technologies as used on larger scale machines. Reducing the machine size has several advantages for a materials research environment. Material usage, power requirements, liquid nitrogen (LN2) usage, and required laboratory space will all be reduced. The change in area in scaling from a 3” or larger MBE environment to 1” would suggest by nearly an order of magnitude reduction in these costs. Keeping similar cell technologies should allow a more direct path for scale up to larger systems. In addition, a lower cost of small research MBE machines should stimulate the use of MBE for research aimed at producing new and novel material combinations. Even though a high percentage of these research efforts will not necessarily transfer to larger scale environments, this fundamental research will provide more opportunities for larger research and production style machines. In the production environment, the initial machine cost and operation cost is not nearly so prohibitive and will allow the scale-up of the technology developed on a small scale research machine that has produced the high quality material needed.

PHASE I: Determine production and operation cost of a small 1” MBE with specifications similar to production machines highlighting difference in cost from standard systems. Evaluate the feasibility of the small research MBE concept for at least III-V, Oxides, and II-VI systems. Minimize individual system footprint while making a cluster configuration for heterogeneous integration possible.

PHASE II: The small scale MBE machine will be produced as well as the chamber allowing the merging of various MBE systems together to demonstrate heterogeneous growth capability. The system performance will be validated and used in an agreed upon research effort. The growth will demonstrate the small scale machine can produce the high quality and uniformity seen in production system. The system will then be transferred to AFRL/RX for additional appropriate sample growths.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The newly developed small scale MBE machine will be developed and placed on market. This strategy will be used in future material growth developments to keep cost down in the development of new MBE growth capabilities.

REFERENCES:

• M. Henini (ed.), Molecular Beam Epitaxy: From Research to Mass Production (Elsevier, Oxford, UK 2013).

• Robin F. C. Farrow (ed.) Molecular Bea Epitaxy: Applications to Key Material (Elsevier, Oxford 1995).

• Gertjan Koster, M Huijben, Guus Rijnders (eds.) Epitaxial Growth of Complex Metal Oxides: Techniques, Properties and Applications (Elsevier, Oxford 2015).

• https://faebianbastiman.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/molecular-beam-epitaxy-initial-outlay/.

KEYWORDS: Molecular beam epitaxy, epitaxial growth, heterogeneous integration, electronics, optoelectronics, cost reduction

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate a preceramic polymer yielding a refractory metal boride and/or carbide to be used in the manufacture of ceramic matrices for the processing of ceramic matrix composites that can withstand temperatures in excess of 1600 degrees Celsius.

DESCRIPTION: Silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composites (SiC/SiC CMCs) are being utilized for turbine engine and structural aeroshell components capable of withstanding temperatures of 1300-1400 degrees Celsius. Their lower density, higher hardness, and improved thermal and chemical resistance when compared to metallic systems at the same temperature make CMCs attractive candidates for a range of propulsion and airframe applications. However, the requirement for higher Mach number and thus higher use temperatures for the development of hypersonic vehicles is driving the need for new materials and material systems with requisite lifetimes for thermal protection and propulsion components. Increasing the use temperature and/or lifetime of these materials will require that CMCs be manufactured from higher temperature capable matrices. Ceramics such as refractory metal carbides and borides (e.g., ZrC, HfC, TaC, ZrB2, HfB2, etc.) are candidate materials for these applications because of their high thermal conductivity and the high melting temperatures of both the base material and the solid oxidation product.

Conventional SiC matrix processing routes often require the use of preceramic polymers that rely on the ease of infiltration of a liquid or dissolved solid polymer that can be converted to a ceramic material after pyrolysis.[1] The polymers are often loaded with SiC powder to decrease the required number of re-infiltration steps and maximize final CMC density. Polymers can also be loaded with refractory carbide or boride powder, but powder loadings are limited to between 30 and 40 volume percent in order to maintain a slurry with viscosity to penetrate fiber weaves and tows.[2] Commercial sources of SiC preceramic polymers exist, but variants of other stoichiometric carbides and borides are scarce domestically. Limited fundamental work [3-5] has been conducted to prepare and analyze refractory metal carbide and boride precursors.

The goal of this topic is to synthesize novel chemistries and prove the capability of the preceramic polymers to form refractory carbide and/or boride ceramics. Characteristics of the polymer that are important to determining their viability in matrix processing include but are not limited to thermoset or thermoplastic behavior; solubility of the polymer in solvents and its compatibility with other preceramic polymers; and curing mechanisms including melting temperatures, cross-linking temperatures, and crystallization temperatures. Post-pyrolysis products should be understood with regard to degree of crystallinity, stoichiometry, and yield.

PHASE I: Identify a proof of concept for a preceramic polymer precursor that forms a refractory carbide and/or boride ceramic other than a Si-based ceramic upon pyrolysis with ceramic yields in excess of 60 volume percent. Demonstration of proof of concept must include X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy of the resulting material to verify chemical composition and crystalline structure.

PHASE II: Demonstrate and optimize a preceramic polymer for matrix processing with further characterization of the polymer including rheology, molecular structure, and cure mechanisms. Fabrication, characterization, and high temperature (>1600 degrees Celsius) oxidation testing of a CMC is expected.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Scale-up preceramic polymer for sale to the community of CMC developers, suppliers, and end users. Preceramic polymers are used in the DOD and commercial industry for production of CMCs and coatings for thermal protection systems, aircraft engine components, and nuclear shielding applications.

REFERENCES:

• R. Jones, A. Szweda, and D. Petrak, “Polymer Derived Ceramic matrix Composites,” Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 30(4), 569-575, (1999).

• C. Leslie, H. Kim, H. Chen, K. Walker, E. Boakye, C. Chen, C. Carney, M. Cinibulk, and M. Chen, “Polymer-Derived Ceramics for Development of Ultra-High Temperature Composites,” in Innovative Processing and Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics and Composites II: Ceramic Transactions, 243 (2014).

• S. Schwab, C. Stewart, K. Dudeck, S. Kozmina, J. Katz, B. Bartram, E. Wuchina, W. Kroenke, and G. Courtin. “Polymeric Precursors to Refractory Metal Borides,” Journal of Materials Science, 39(19), 6051-6055 (2004).

• L. Sneddon, G. Larry, and S. Yang, “Chemical Routes to Ceramics with Tunable Properties and Structures: Chemical Routes to Nano and Micro-Structured Ceramics” F49620-03-1-0242, AFOSR (2005).

• K. Inzenhofer, T. Schmalz, B. Wrackmeyer, and G. Motz, “The Preparation of HfC/C Ceramics via Molecular Design,” Dalton Transactions 40, 4741-4745 (2011).

KEYWORDS: polymer-derived ceramic, carbide, boride, ceramic matrix composite, preceramic polymer

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Improve mechanical properties of aerospace advanced composite materials using new and novel carbon fibers now available in pilot quantities. Demonstrate translation of these properties through fabrication and testing of a demonstration article.

DESCRIPTION: The US Air Force desires to improve properties of organic matrix composite (OMC) materials used in structural applications on high performance aircraft. While there have been significant advancements in matrix materials over the past twenty years, innovations in carbon fibers have been much slower. New carbon fibers using novel starting materials, such as carbon nanotubes, are now available in pilot plant quantities, and demonstrate improved mechanical, electrical, and/or thermal properties. However, for the most part, these fibers have only been tested in fiber form and not incorporated into composite materials. The improvements in carbon fiber properties will only become useful as structural materials if they are translated into composites. It is desired that the properties of OMCs made with novel carbon fibers will be higher than those of state-of-the-art composite materials (e.g. IM7/977-3) in mechanical, thermal, or electrical properties, or provide a unique combination of these properties.

In this effort, the offeror will make composite materials from novel carbon fibers using an aerospace-quality matrix material, and test those composites to determine the mechanical and physical properties. Thermosetting resins are preferred, unless a higher strain-to-failure resin would better take advantage of the properties of the fibers. In order to produce high-quality composites which take advantage of the properties of the novel carbon fibers, the fiber-matrix interfacial region will have to be optimized by appropriate surface treatment and sizing. OMC processing techniques for the novel carbon fiber composites will be developed. These processing techniques should be compatible with current industrial manufacturing processes such as prepreg lay-up, automated fiber placement, etc. The process will be demonstrated by fabricating sample flat panels during both Phases I and II. Mechanical and physical testing in Phase I should include, at a minimum: uniaxial tensile properties; shear properties (e.g. short beam shear or bending); electrical and thermal conductivity. Microstructural analysis of the composite is also required. An initial model will be created which relates starting materials and processing conditions to the final composite mechanical and physical properties.

In Phase II, the offeror will further optimize the surface treatment and sizing technique as well as the manufacturing process to create high-quality structural composites. More thorough mechanical and physical testing will be performed and will include a wider range of properties, with emphasis on interfacial and fiber dominated properties. The offeror will demonstrate the ability to make high-quality composites by selecting and fabricating a demonstration component. The selected component will take advantage of the properties of the novel carbon fiber OMCs and will have a geometry representative of state-of-the-art aerospace composite components. The offeror will design, produce, and test this component to validate the modeling and determine if properties achieved in sample panels translate into a typical component geometry. The quality of Phase II composites will be verified with non-destructive inspection (NDI). The offeror will also develop a business analysis of the novel composite material, including but not limited to, comparing properties and costs to state-of-the-art composite materials, determining the next steps for property improvement, and analyzing target applications.

PHASE I: Select an aerospace-quality matrix material. Develop and demonstrate surface treatment and sizing techniques to ensure translation of carbon fiber properties into the composite. Demonstrate ability to process the OMCs by producing at least two flat 4 x 4 inch OMC panels. Conduct initial microstructure characterization and perform mechanical and physical testing of the panels at ambient conditions.

PHASE II: Optimize surface treatment, sizing & processing. Produce at least 5 flat 10 x 10 inch test panels. Create initial model linking materials and processing to microstructure and properties. Design and carry out a test plan to obtain a wide range of mechanical & physical properties including some in hot/wet condition. Select, design, produce, and test demonstration component. Perform NDI of test panels and demonstration article. Conduct initial business analysis for novel carbon fiber composites.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Continue to optimize translation of properties of the novel carbon fibers into OMC materials and components. Demonstrate components for these OMCs with the unique combination of properties. Transition new materials to commercial and military aerospace customers, as well as other sectors.

REFERENCES:

• Sahin, K. et al., “High strength micron size carbon fibers from polyacrylonitrile-carbon nanotube precursors,” Carbon, v 77, p 442-53, Oct. 2014.

• Behabtu, N., et al., “Strong, Light, Multifunctional Fibers of Carbon Nanotubes with Ultrahigh Conductivity,” Science, v 339, n 6116, p 182-6, 11 Jan. 2013.

• Cornwell, C. F. and Welch, Charles R., “Very-high-strength (60-Gpa) carbon nanotube fiber design based on molecular dynamics simulations,” Journal of Chemical Physics, v 134, n 20, May 28, 2011.

KEYWORDS: novel carbon fibers, organic matrix composites

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Develop low defect laser and rapid thermally crystallized germanium tin (GeSn) and silicon germanium tin (SiGeSn) layers on silicon substrates for mid-wave infrared (MWIR) detectors and integrated Si-based optoelectronic devices.

DESCRIPTION: Conventional mid-infrared materials based on III-V (i.e, gallium indium antimony, or GaInSb) and II-VI (i.e, mercury cadmium tellurium, or HgCdTe) materials are relatively expensive and incompatible with silicon-based integrated circuit processing. Silicon germanium (SiGe) technology is pervasive for electronic applications, but the indirect energy gap prevents extensive applications in optoelectronics. Recent progress on germanium tin (GeSn) and silicon germanium tin (SiGeSn) source materials[1] and the demonstration of a direct energy gap for certain compositions[2] promises significant optical performance, similar to the III-V compounds, but compatible with silicon complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device processing. Extremely high quality thin films and initial proof-of-concept emitters and detectors have been demonstrated[3] on Ge substrates, but corresponding films on Si substrates suffer from high defects levels[4] due to the lattice mismatch of high Sn content SiGeSn alloys necessary for direct energy gap devices. Growth of GeSn and SiGeSn emitters and detectors on Si substrates are critical for mass production of large form factor MWIR detectors and integrated optoelectronic devices using standard CMOS production equipment and large-diameter Si wafers.

Recently, it has been shown that excimer laser heating can be used to produce graded low-defect SiGe layers on Si substrates, i.e., a pseudo SiGe substrate[5]. Therefore, it should be feasible to apply excimer laser or rapid thermal crystallization of GeSn or SiGeSn epitaxial layers in order to produce low-defect layers for MWIR detectors and integrated Si-based optoelectronic devices. Ultimately, a process technology could be developed to form low defect SiGeSn pseudo-substrates on Si wafers tailored to specific optoelectronic device applications and wavelengths. Laser crystallization of amorphous Si into polycrystalline Si by explosive crystallization on glass substrates using industrial excimer line lasers is widely used in the display industry for high mobility thin film transistors (TFTs); thus, if successful this technology could be rapidly scaled and industrialized.

PHASE I: Demonstrate low thermal budget excimer laser and rapid thermal crystallization synthesis of GeSn or SiGeSn layers with tin concentrations [Sn]>10% on Si and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates. Demonstrate at least 100x reduction in defect density compared to typical vacuum deposition. Provide experimental evidence for improved optical absorption, IR emission and narrower X-ray rocking curves.

PHASE II: Fabricate and characterize infrared emitters and detectors operating within the spectral range of 2 to 5 um on low-defect crystallized GeSn and SiGeSn layers on Si or SOI substrates. Demonstrate on-wafer integration of photonic and electronic device functionality. Demonstrate at least 2x device performance improvement over corresponding devices formed on layers grown by other techniques where no recrystallization has been performed.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Device quality GeSn and SiGeSn films will be used to make infrared (IR) device structures as required by military and commercial customers including those who manufacture integrated circuits and IR optical emitters and detectors.

REFERENCES:

• J. Kouvetakis and A.V.G. Chizmeshya, “New classes of Si-based photonic Materials and Device Architectures via Designer Molecular Routes,” J. Mater. Chem., v. 17, pp. 1649-1655, 2007.

• Matthew Coppinger, John Hart, Nupur Bhargava, Sangcheol Kim, and James Kolodzey, “Photoconductivity of Germanium Tin Alloys Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxyâ,” Appl. Phys. Lett. 102, 141101 (2013).

• R. Roucka, J. Mathews, C. Weng, R. Beeler, J. Tolle, J. Menendez, and J. Kouvetakis, “High-Performance Near-IR Photodiodes: A Novel Chemistry-based Approach to Ge and Ge/Sn Devices Integrated on Silicon,” IEEE J. Quantum Electronics, v. 47 (2), pp. 213- 222, Feb. 2011.

• J. Taraci, S. Zollner, M. R. McCartney, J. Menendez, M. A. Santana-Aranda, D. J. Smith, A. Haaland, A.V. Tutukin, G. Gundersen, G. Wolf, and J. Kouvetakis, “Synthesis of Silicon-based Infrared Semiconductors in the Ge-Sn System Using Molecular Chemistry methods,” J. Am. Chem. Soc., v. 123 (44), pp. 10980-10987, 2001.

• C. Y. Ong, K. L. Pey, K. K. Ong, D. X. M. Tan, X. C. Wang, H. Y. Zheng, C. M. Ng,and L. Chan, “A Low-cost Method of Forming Epitaxy SiGe on Si Substrate by Laser Annealing,” Appl. Phys. Lett. 94, 082104 (2009).

KEYWORDS: laser crystallization, rapid thermal annealing, excimer lasers, SiGeSn, SiSn, GeSn, silicon, germanium, silicon-germanium-tin, buffer layers, molecular beam epitaxy, MBE, CVD, chemical vapor deposition, emitters, detectors, Group IV photonics, silicon photonics, optoelectronic devices, device fabrication, growth, heterostructures, radiative recombination, quantum efficiency, semiconductor characterization, superlattices, infrared

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop theoretical models that quantify and characterize the individual information contributions from multiple sensor modalities. Address diverse sensing modalities involving texture, color, materials, and geometry within the fusion problem.

DESCRIPTION: Increased complexity, high bandwidth trends in addressing the automatic target recognition (ATR) problem result in high dimensional target signature models. A wide variety of nuisance and environmental issues can make reliable performance in the field challenging. Both of these issues can combine to present unrealizable algorithm training requirements. The introduction of multiple sensing modalities is often proposed as a means to address the problem of dimensionality and reliability. Sensor modes such as radar, electro-optic (EO), infrared, and ladar each excite a unique combination of target attributes such as texture, color, materials, and geometry for example. Theoretical models are needed to quantify and characterize the independent and/or dependent information contribution arising from various sensing modalities within the fusion context. The Mutual Information (MI) measure can be used to characterize the degree of statistical independence of sources of information contributions. Entropy and MI are analytically connected to the probability of error and the Neyman Pearson criteria allowing for the rate of noise infiltration to be related to the rate of degradation in system performance. The Feature Mutual Information (FMI) metric is based on the MI of image features. Greater traceability of independent sources of information across sensor type could afford more principled methods in the design of joint target feature sets. The learning of joint feature sets based on quantified information contributions (as in bits of information) from each sensor type will lead to a more performance-based fusion design. Real-world constraints limit the number of samples available for learning joint feature sets. Information based learning methods for joint feature designs must provide optimal information extraction conditioned on the number of training samples. The incremental training of maximum information joint feature sets should afford minimal information loss while quantifying system performance in the finite sample regime. The incremental learning of optimal joint features can be further constrained by several properties favorable to the automatic target recognition (ATR) fusion problem. The invariance of learned joint features to selected nuisance conditions such as target pose angle or target registration are of interest. Also, the constraint of sparsity and statistical independence within learned joint feature sets affords advantages in design and implementation. A unified information based approach which embraces all of the above is desired to address the joint feature fusion problem for application to Air Force sensing areas.

PHASE I: Develop theoretical models that quantify/characterize the individual information contributions from multiple sensor modalities within the ATR fusion problem. Develop information-based feature extraction methods that constrain joint feature solutions based on sparsity and invariance to selected nuisance parameters. Benchmark training complexity versus target uncertainty due to nuisance issues.

PHASE II: Demonstrate the information fusion methods developed in Phase I using designed target experiments with controlled measurement multi-sensor data sets. Perform design trade studies on multiple sensor modalities and joint feature designs. Develop system metrics for benchmarking system classifier/feature complexity and information gain. Establish and test hypotheses relating multi-sensor design, target phenomenology, and information gain.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Apply the demonstrated methods and metrics of Phase II to the sensor/feature design within a transitional program. Evaluate viable alternatives analysis for the subject application program using operational sensor data. Evaluate algorithm complexity and information gain.

REFERENCES:

• J. Malas and J. Cortese, “The Radar Information Channel and System Uncertainty,” IEEE proceedings to the 2010 IEEE Radar Conference, Washington DC, Month 2010.

• L. Paninski, "Estimating Entropy on m Bins Given Fewer Than m Samples," IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, Vol. 50, Issue: 9, Sept. 2004

• L. G. Valiant, "The Hippocampus as a Stable Memory Allocator for Cortex," Neural Computation, Vol. 24, No. 11, Pages 2873-2899, Nov. 2012.

• V. Velten, “Geometric Invariance for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Sensors,” Algorithms for Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery V, E. Zelnio, ed., v. 3370, SPIE Proceedings, Orlando, FL, April 1998.

• S. Gupta, K.P. Ramesh, and E. Blasch, "Mutual Information Metric Evaluation for PET/MRI Image Fusion," Proceedings of IEEE National Aerospace Conference, pages 305-311, 16-18 July, 2008.

KEYWORDS: information theory, fusion, joint, features, multi-sensor, invariance, automatic target recognition, ATR

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE: Develop components such as optical isolators, modulators, switches, amplifiers, collimators, couplers, fan-outs for use in fully integrated, high-density, wide-bandwidth, space-division-multiplexing optical fiber links and infrared sensing systems.

DESCRIPTION: Space-division-multiplexing (SDM) fiber links can provide a significant enhancement in the fiber capacity.[1][2] In addition, a technology based on SDM links provides unique capabilities to sensing systems, allowing light-weight, accurate 3D shape sensing in real time.[3]

SDM systems in conjunction with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) have great potential to reduce the size, weight, and power consumption in both optoelectronic and sensing systems. While fiber manufacturing technology has matured to the level of being able to provide fibers of different configurations supporting multiple spatial channels, implementation of fully integrated SDM links requires a variety of SDM components. Further development of SDM technologies is slowed by a lack of commercially available basic optical and optoelectronic components. Among these components are SDM-compatible optical isolators, modulators, switches, amplifiers, collimators, multi-channel PIC fiber couplers, and fan-outs.

While some of these components are available for single-core fibers and some bulk-optics-based analogs are available at the research level, fiber-based SDM components are necessary for fully integrated optoelectronic and sensor systems. For example, integration of multi-channel modulators and detectors with SDM fibers are needed for multi-channel SDM transceivers, SDM switches are needed for software-defined networks, fiber fan-outs are needed to access individual cores in SDM links and in 3D shape-sensing systems, fiber amplifiers supporting multiple spatial channels are required to support long-range SDM links and isolators are necessary for virtually any system where back-reflection needs to be suppressed. The Air Force is interested in devices operating in the full infrared (IR) spectral range. These devices will require development of new methods of creating optical fiber assemblies, incorporating nonlinear and/or electrically controllable materials into these assemblies and novel methods of controlling the device's functionality with electric or magnetic fields. Proposed research is expected to move emerging SDM components from academic research labs to the marketplace and fulfill Air Force demand. Fiber-based components should meet Air Force requirements for low insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and polarization sensitivity. Polarization maintaining devices are also of interest. While the fully integrated SDM system may take a few more years to be completely developed and implemented, the solicited SDM components should provide immediate benefits in cost, weight, size, and power efficiency.

The will be no government-furnished equipment in the Phase I of this project.

PHASE I: The Phase I effort will demonstrate feasibility of an approach to achieve the objective goals in one or more SDM components suitable for use with the present fiber infrastructure.

PHASE II: The Phase II effort will develop operational components and characterize their performance in a prototype system using both the present fiber infrastructure and an SDM link.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: SDM components: isolators, circulators, modulators, collimators, and optical switcher, will be validated against the Air Force requirements for the weight, size, power efficiency, and ability to perform under harsh environment. Commercialization of the above components will be accomplished.

REFERENCES:

• D. Dai and J.E. Bowers, "Silicon-based On-chip Multiplexing Technologies and Devices for Peta-bit Optical Interconnects," Nanophotonics 3(4-5), 283-311 (2014).

• D. J. Richardson, J. M. Fini, and L. E. Nelson, "Space-division Multiplexing in Optical Fibres," Nature Photonics 7, 354-362 (2013).

• J.P. Moore, M.D. Rogge, and T.W. Jones, "Photogrammetric Verification of Fiber Optic Shape Sensors on Flexible Aerospace Structures," Avionics, Fiber-Optics and Photonics Technology Conference (AVFOP), 2012 IEEE, 9-10, 11-13 Sept. (2012).

KEYWORDS: isolator, modulator, coupler, multiplexing, infrared

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Biomedical

OBJECTIVE: To develop a preliminary framework for a bio mathematical model to explain how human tissues interact / behave at their boundaries; develop a mathematical framework for translating this tissue interaction / behavior into predictive mathematical / biomechanical models able to represent tissue property transitions (e.g. muscle to tendon/ligament), aggregated tissues (connective, epithelial, muscular, and nervous), and systems of tissues/organ properties and behaviors. Demonstrate how this proposed work product is scalable and flexible and can be augmented for future use in medical simulation applications. The long term goal of this effort is to create a high fidelity, validated, reliable, robust, and reproducible simulated tissue interaction model for used by the medical research, development, and training community in products such as virtual reality part task trainers, interventional simulation systems, and to inform research and development of other dynamic interactive anatomical models.

DESCRIPTION: Patients demand that their healthcare providers appropriately and accurately diagnose and treat their ailments. To address this level of diagnosis and treatment, medical simulation researchers and developers must continue to advance training and education products by designing improved fidelity simulated tissues. However, incomplete information about human tissue properties and unrealistic simulated tissue behavior have been identified as knowledge and technology gaps by both civilian and military leaders; in addition, some inaccurate properties and behaviors may even have an adverse impact on medical training outcomes. Tissue interaction properties (e.g. tensile, shear, friction, and so forth) of connective, epithelial, muscular, and nervous tissue including sub-components of each of these broad categories lack fidelity in current simulation systems. While some basic tissue properties are known, the breadth and quantity of data remains insufficient for the development of mathematical models able to produce the life-like interactions of aggregated tissues and human organs for use in medical simulation and training systems.

With the advent of open-source frameworks for medical simulation and other computational methods for mechanistic mathematical modeling of biological interfaces at the cellular scale, emphasis on multi-scale modeling methods in biological and medical applications, and recent work in assessing medical simulation deformable models now is the time to begin developing a new or improved integrated multi-scale biophysical mathematical medical models to represent the interactions of aggregated tissues and organs for implementation in medical simulation systems; especially to support virtual and augmented reality applications.

These biophysical mathematical models could then be used for virtual reality, manikin-based, and/or hybrid medical simulation systems. This research and development effort aims to enable future military healthcare personnel to practice the skills and procedures needed to provide safe and effective care prior to practicing on humans. Inputs to considered for inclusion but are not limited to biomechanical engineering, physiology, computational mathematics, mathematical modeling, and clinical research, in order to (1) define, describe, and validate tissue interaction properties and characteristics such as friction, elasticity, cut strength, tensile strength, shear force, torque / torsion, hydration, dielectric properties, and thermal properties in reticular connective tissue, adipose tissue, cartilage, bone, fascia, blood, epithelium, stratified epithelium, striated, smooth and cardiac skeletal tissue, and peripheral nervous tissues; and (2) formulate and create a mathematical framework based upon the biophysical properties which balance individual components as they relate to aggregated tissues/organs; and (3) demonstrate the viability of the framework for developing a comprehensive, aggregated tissue and organ model. These capabilities should be as open source as possible, require a low / no manpower footprint, and be a tool that can be self-sustaining and extensible for wide variety of military and civilian uses.

PHASE I: Required Phase I proof of concept and report will include:

• Provide a detailed description of the preliminary algorithm(s) and method(s) used to calculate the forces of interaction (anatomy/anatomy or tool/anatomy forces of interaction);
• Define and describe tissue interaction properties and characteristics: for example, but not limited to the following, frictional forces, shear and tensile forces, adherence, the effect of hydration, temperature, electrolytes, and inflammation;
• Provide references of all external data used and analyzed information of internally driven data;
• Provide a preliminary plan describing the methodologies to be used to validate the biophysical mathematical model;
• Provide information in the Phase I final report that described known gaps or inconsistencies in the proposed bio mathematical model, which would increase the risk to any extension of this work to Phase II.

PHASE II: At the end of Phase II, it is expected that prototype system be demonstrated. Tissue interaction model should be demonstrated through the use of an interactive software application. To provide a basis for future expansion, Phase II development should focus on the modeling dissection and exploration of vessels (artery and veins) such at the iliac, femoral, brachial, or carotid sites. Use of an accurately simulated dissecting tool (such as a Maryland dissector / curved dissector) to interact with the modeled tissues is desired within the interactive software application. It is intended that further development would be able to leverage the existing biophysical mathematical model for military injury point of care or civilian trauma surgery use cases. Additional deliverables include, but not limited to:

• Demonstrate the mathematical / biophysical tissue model based upon the appropriate tissue properties into an integrated prototype;
• During Phase II an In Progress Review may be conducted in the Washington DC, northern VA, and Maryland area. Attendance could be in person or via tele/video-conference and is usually held during the 2nd year of Phase II.
• Documentation / reports detailing the integrated biophysical mathematical model. Plans for additional development are required for completion of the advanced prototype system;
• Detailed documentation / report describing the open-source components (if any) of the proposed system;
• Detailed documentation / report of the tissue interaction property / characteristic data and information that was used to create the model;
• Provide in a document / report any and all required software dependencies and minimum computer hardware specifications required to run the partially integrated biophysical mathematical model;
• Provide in a document / report any and all preliminary pilot data / information used to validate / verify predicted outcomes of the model. Provide the conditions and variables under which the tests were performed including preliminary data analysis and descriptions of known short-comings and provide plans for future mitigation / correction;
• Provide in a document / report human subject, animal, or cadaver approvals that were performed during the research such as acquisition of data / information to create the model or during the pilot test study; &
• If included, video appendices must comply with the following specifications:
• Maximum run length: <= 6 minutes
• Audio codec: AAC
• Sample audio bit rate: 64 kbit/s (mono acceptable)
• Video codec: H.264
• Format: MPEG-4 (mp4) container
• Accepted formats: (mov, avi, mpg, mpeg, mp4, wmv)

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: It is anticipated by the end of Phase III, that a transition ready biophysical mathematical tissue interaction model is made available. Provide in a document / report the probable life cycle management of such a fully integrated biophysical mathematical model including probable updates, maintenance costs, service related costs, and warranties. Provide anticipated cost per unit. The Phase III must provide documentation and reports of the "end-state" of the research. There must be at least one description of military applications and detailed plans must be provided in form of documents to fully explain the remaining research needed to that of an operational capability. Commercial applications OR one or more commercial technologies that could be potentially inserted into defense systems as a result of this research and development must also be proposed in the form of a document or report. Test and evaluation results of studies must be provided in a document or report (as well as the conditions under which the tests were conducted).

REFERENCES:

• Maurel W. 3D modeling of the human upper limb including the biomechanics of joint, muscles and soft tissues. PhD thesis. Lausanne; 1999

• Langelaan, MLP. The essence of biophysical cues in skeletal muscle tissue engineering. Technische Universiteit Eindhoven; 2010

• Causin, P.; Sacco, R.; Verri, M.; A multiscale approach in the computational modeling of the biophysical environment in artificial cartilage tissue regeneration. Biomech Model Mechanobiol (2013) 12:763–780

• Ambrosi, D.; Garikipati, K.; Kuhl, E.; Mini-Workshop: The mathematics of growth & remodelling of soft biological tissues. MATHEMATISCHES FORSCHUNGSINSTITUT OBERWOLFACH; August 31st – September 6th, 2008

• Edwards, C.; Marks, R.; Evaluation of Biomechanical Properties of Human Skin. Clinics in Dermatology; 1995;13:375-380

• Marchal, M.; Allard, J.; Duriez, C., Cotin, S.; Towards a Framework for Assessing Deformable Models in Medical Simulation. ISBMS '08 Proceedings of the 4th international symposium on Biomedical Simulation. Pages 176 – 184

• McKee, C.; Last, J.; Russell, P.; Murphy, C.; Indentation Versus Tensile Measurements of Young’s Modulus for Soft Biological Tissues. TISSUE ENGINEERING: Part B; Volume 17, Number 3, 2011

KEYWORDS: Medical modeling; computational modeling; tissue interaction; aggregated tissues; multi-scale modeling; virtual reality; augmented reality; biomechanical simulation; deformable models

• TPOC-1: Hugh Connacher
• Phone: 301-619-8089
• Email: hugh.i.connacher.civ@mail.mil

• TPOC-2: Dr. Kevin Kunkler
• Phone: 301-619-7931
• Email: kevin.j.kunkler.civ@mail.mil

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation.

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Adapt emerging additive manufacturing techniques, e.g., so-called 3-D Printing, for use with both traditional (e.g., high explosives) and emerging (e.g., reactive structural materials) energetic material systems, develop and demonstrate capability using these additive manufacturing techniques to rapidly and/or remotely fabricate energetic material payloads and munitions.

DESCRIPTION: The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) desires to enhance the effectiveness of conventional high-explosive munitions across a broad range of ordinance platforms, for use against an array of potential targets ranging from chemical and biological threat materials to WMD targets in deeply buried/hardened tunnels and multi-chamber bunkers. In this STTR, the approach is to explore use of emerging Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques for improving the complexity, reducing the manufacturing cycle time, and increasing manufacturing flexibility, to provide more effective munition warheads. While some techniques for additive manufacturing (AM) are long established state-of-art fabrication technologies, the AM field has more recently been undergoing rapid innovation, with new capabilities in particular for so-called 3D printing; these have resulted in very high quality-low cost AM capabilities. AM is now a rapidly developing materials processing technology which could hold substantial promise for making components of advanced munitions, including the energetic materials that go into these systems. These AM approaches offer new possibilities in design complexity, in speed of manufacture, and in providing capability of remote or distributed manufacture For instance, bulk metal parts and components can be replaced with those using reactive structural materials for penetrators, liners, and other components of munitions. Reactive structural materials of interest that could be fabricated in new, more complex ways through AM techniques include composites capable of highly exothermic reactions, such as thermites, intermetallic, and metal-metalloid systems. Currently, use of organic binders and other low-density polymer components often needs to be minimized to maintain structural strength and density of the prepared components. AM fabrication techniques could help to further reduce or eliminate need for such components from complex munition designs. Recently, enhancements to weapon energy-density have been achieved through use of reactive composites prepared using individual material components, sometimes mixed on the submicron-scale. These applications may be amenable to further enhancement, to more complex design, and to more rapid manufacture if they can be adapted to emerging AM fabrication technologies. The focus of this topic is the adaptation and enhancement of emerging AM techniques and capabilities in 3-D printing to enhance the efficacy of weapons and munitions through new ability for more complex warhead designs, more rapid prototyping and production, and ability to remotely manufacture integrated weapon systems using AM technologies.

PHASE I: Phase I will explore one particular AM methodology suitable for preparation of inorganic reactive materials, namely so-called 3-D printing technology. Identify and explore the various 3-D printing techniques and identify candidate 3-D printing technology suitable for manufacture of structural components from inorganic reactive materials. This study will include exploration of modifications or improvements needed to address the safety and unique material properties of the energetic materials to be processed. A feasibility demonstration of safely preparing a 3-D printed part or component with at least one reactive material is desired. The material must remain reactive following the 3-D printing. Phase I deliverable is a final report documenting the effort and results, and should include a recommendation for AM techniques to be further investigated and developed in Phase II. It is understood that the analytical and experimental efforts will be conducted in full partnership between a small business and a university or other eligible collaborator, with details of the work breakdown at the discretion of the partners.

PHASE II: Expand the scope of the Phase I exploration to study AM technologies suitable for manufacture of warhead components from starting organic energetic materials such as high explosives and oxidizers, technologies suitable for manufacture of warhead components from inorganic reactive structural materials, and technologies suitable for manufacture of warhead components from new materials which are composite organic-inorganic energetic materials. Working with DTRA, design and fabricate, using suitable AM technologies, a conceptual warhead with suitable design complexity, to include both a high explosive payload component and a reactive reactive structural material component that also acts as the warhead case. Measure and characterize the sensitivity and energetic performance of sample materials fabricated using these AM techniques, and compare to energetic performance and sensitivity of similar materials fabricated by traditional techniques. Demonstrate fabrication feasibility and scalability by fabricating and delivery to DTRA three test items of sufficient size and mass for testing at the DTRA Chestnut test range (detailed drawings for these test cases will be provided to performer by DTRA; rough size of these test items is 5.5 inch inner-diameter cylinder, wall thickness determined by material density, case weight approximately 12 pounds mass, length approximately 9 inches.) Phase II deliverables include the 3 test cases and a detailed final report describing the testing implementation and results, and scale-up observations. The report must also contain detailed procedures for casing material synthesis/fabrication and scaling.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: A successful Phase II demonstration will motivate several commercial applications, including the development of new explosive devices for mining and drilling operations. Additional commercial applications for these materials may be as energetic shaped charge liners for use in well stimulation, bore case perforation, and mining applications. A successful Phase II demonstration will encourage DTRA and Department of Defense use across a wide range of weapon platforms to improve weapon performance and utility.

REFERENCES:

• http://wohlersassociates.com/history2014.pdf provides an extensive history of significant additive manufacturing milestones.

• Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Active Standard F2792-12a "Standard Terminology for Additive Manufacturing Technologies”

• Deckard, Method and apparatus for producing parts by selective sintering, US Patent 4,863,538, September 5, 1989

• Hull, Apparatus for production of three-dimensional objects by stereolithography, US Patent 4,575,330, March 11, 1986

• David, L. B., Ming, C. L., & David, W. R. (2009). NSF Workshop—Roadmap for Additive Manufacturing: Identifying the Future of Freeform Processing. The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, Technical Report.

• Bourell, D. L., et al. "A brief history of additive manufacturing and the 2009 roadmap for additive manufacturing: looking back and looking ahead." Proceedings of RapidTech (2009): 24-25

• Hartke, K., AFRL-RX-WP-TR-2011-4322, MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT (MATES) Task Order 0021: Air Force Technology and Industrial Base Research, and Analysis, Subtask Order 06: Direct Digital Manufacturing, Final Report, AUGUST 2011

• Waller, J., Saulsberry, R., Parker, B., Hodges, K., Burke, E., & Taminger, K. (2014). Summary of NDE of Additive Manufacturing Efforts in NASA. available at http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20140009937.pdf

• Jakus, A. E., Fredenberg, D. A., McCoy, T., Thadhani, N., & Cochran, J. K. (2012, March). Dynamic deformation and fragmentation response of maraging steel linear cellular alloy. In SHOCK COMPRESSION OF CONDENSED MATTER-2011: Proceedings of the Conference of the American Physical Society Topical Group on Shock

• Compression of Condensed Matter (Vol. 1426, No. 1, pp. 1363-1366). AIP Publishing.

• Aydelotte, B., Braithwaite, C. H., McNesby, K., Benjamin, R., Thadhani, N., Williamson, D. M., & Trexler, M. (2012, March). A study of fragmentation in a Ni+ Al structural energetic material. In SHOCK COMPRESSION OF CONDENSED MATTER-2011: Proceedings of the Conference of the American Physical Society Topical Group on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter (Vol. 1426, No. 1, pp. 1097-1100). AIP Publishing.

• Braithwaite, C. H., Collins, A. L., Aydelotte, B., McKenzie, F., Chiu, P. H., Thadhani, N., & Nesterenko, V. F. (2012). Advances in the study of novel energetic materials. Proc. 15th Semin. New Trends in Res. of Energetic Mater., Univ. of Pardubice, Czech Republic, 91-97.

• Spadaccini, C., Additive Manufacturing and Architected Materials, DOE NNSA SSGF ANNUAL REVIEW (25 June 2014), http://www.krellinst.org/nnsassgf/conf/2014/pres/cspadaccini.pdf

• http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=86865; 2015 Naval Additive Manufacturing Technical Interchange (NAMTI) meeting at Naval Surface Warfare Center – Carderock.

• Tappan, A. S., Cesarano III, J., & Stuecker, J. N. (2011). U.S. Patent No. 8,048,242. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

• Vine, T., Claridge, R., Jordan, T., Comfort, N., & Damerell, W. (2004). U.S. Patent Application 10/558,115. (US20060243151 A1 published Nov 2, 2006).

• Fuchs, B. E., Zunino III, J. L., Schmidt, D. P., Stec III, D., & Petrock, A. M. (2013). U.S. Patent No. 8,573,123. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

• Ihnen, A., Lee, W., Fuchs, B., Petrock, A., Samuels, P., Stepanov, A., and Di Stasio, A., Inkjet Printing of Nanocomposite High-Explosive Materials for Direct Write Fuzing, 54th Fuze Conference, 13 May 2010, Kansas City, MO., http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2010fuze/VAStec.pdf

• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Web Portal for Additive Manufacturing: https://acc.dau.mil/AM

KEYWORDS: Additive manufacturing, energetic materials, 3-D printing, reactive material, ordinance, explosive, casing

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Develop, test and evaluate a scalable metal-based reactive structural material that will self-fragment to micron or sub-micron scale fuel particles when subjected to explosive shock loading, resulting in significantly enhanced metal combustion efficiency.

DESCRIPTION: The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) desires to enhance the effectiveness of conventional high-explosive munitions across a broad range of ordinance platforms, for use against an array of potential targets ranging from chemical and biological threat materials to WMD targets in deeply buried/hardened tunnels and multi-chamber bunkers. While new explosive materials may yield improved blast loading, much more significantly enhanced blast effects are potentially achievable by taking advantage of reactive structure used as the ordinance casing. The shock from a detonation yields high stresses, pressures, and temperatures to the casing materials, which causes rapid fragmentation of the case to occur. If the case is made of a combustible structural material such as Aluminum, sufficiently rapid combustion of these fragments can significantly enhance the blast. The high combustion enthalpy of metal fuel casing materials can substantially contribute to the work being done behind the initial blast wave, yielding sustained overpressure and improved thermal loadings.[1] It has been shown that various metal fuels and reactive material compositions can have a substantial effect on the delivered blast loading [2]. However, if the initial shock does not break the bulk of the casing material into sufficiently small fragments, or the metal particles are cooled quickly in the surrounding air, the metal oxidation efficiency will be low, which will result in lower delivered performance. The overall efficacy of these enhanced blast casing materials is largely dependent upon providing sufficiently short metal combustion residence times. While casing geometry can play a role in enhanced case fragmentation, the objective of this study is to develop a new material that inherently “self-fragments” into the required small metal particle size distribution, rather than developing a new ordinance design technology or platform.

This STTR seeks the development, testing and evaluation of innovative reactive structural casing materials that will, upon exposure to explosive shock loading, induce the in situ formation of micron-scale or submicron-scale metal fuel particles/droplets from the bulk of the casing, which particles will then combust extremely rapidly to significantly enhance blast effects. The research must demonstrate a feasible method of rapid fine-particle-fragmentation of the bulk casing material’s metallic component(s) and show its delivered performance in controlled enhanced blast experiments. The casing material may be multicomponent in nature (i.e., composite), but must be at least 70 weight percent metallic (typically Aluminum, but not required to be Aluminum). Additionally, the casing material must be such that it can be used to fabricate typical DoD munition cases using state-of-art fabrication processes, for example, such that cases can be formed through pressing from a powdered state, with nominal starting particle size no smaller than 1 micron and no larger than 80 microns. The proposed casing material(s) must also show feasible scalability, and acceptable sensitivity and ageing properties, for future DTRA adoption across a broad range of ordinance platforms.

PHASE I: Develop by analysis a list of candidate Self-fragmenting Structural Reactive Materials (SF-SRM). Perform initial characterization for one candidate metal-based SF-SRM (e.g., using powders) for use as an ordinance casing material. The consolidated material must be shown to be safe to handle, including low sensitivity to electrostatic shock, friction, and drop weight impact. In the final configuration the material. Perform initial combustion characterization of this SF-SRM, at high heating rates relevant to the intended use in munition applications, using laboratory techniques (e.g. via. laser heating). Perform initial evaluation of the ability of this candidate SF-SRM for rapid self-fragmentation and dispersion of fine fragments. Phase I deliverable is a final report documenting the effort and results, and should include a recommendation for casing material(s) to be further investigated and developed in Phase II. It is understood that the analytical and experimental efforts will be conducted in full partnership between a small business and a university or other eligible collaborator, with details of the work breakdown at the discretion of the partners.

PHASE II: From the list of candidate SF-SRM developed in Phase I, down-select to one to two (depending on resource availability) candidate casing materials for further development and evaluation. For these materials, demonstrate that the consolidated materials are sufficiently resistant to oxidation by exposure to air and moisture (to provide long shelf-life). Demonstrate the proposed casing material(s) in small scale explosive shock experiments. For the purposes of intended application of this work, these experiments must have a minimum high explosive charge of 10 grams and a case-mass-to-fill-mass-ratio ratio of 3:1, i.e., relevant to current DoD penetrating munitions. The experiments must be able to quantify initial blast loadings, sustained overpressure, and delivered casing combustion efficiency. The spatial and spectral breakout characteristics of the casing material(s) must also be investigated. All experiments must be compared to a baseline aluminum casing of the same geometry. The scalability of the highest performing casing material must also be shown in respect to starting material manufacturing and application. As part of this process, a larger explosive shock experiment must be performed and analyzed with a minimum explosive charge of 100 grams and at the same case-mass-to-fill-mass-ratio ratio. Final scale-up feasibility shall be to manufacture and deliver to DTRA three test cases of sufficient size and mass for testing at the DTRA Chestnut test range (detailed drawings for these test cases will be provided to performer by DTRA; rough size of these test items is 5.5 inch inner-diameter cylinder, wall thickness determined by material density, case weight approximately 12 pounds mass, length approximately 9 inches.) Phase II deliverables include the 3 test cases and a detailed final report describing the testing implementation and results, and scale-up observations. The report must also contain detailed procedures for casing material synthesis/fabrication and scaling.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: A successful Phase II demonstration will motivate several commercial applications, including the development of new explosive devices for mining and drilling operations. Additional commercial applications for these materials may be as metallized fuels in solid rocket propellants (e.g., satellite booster motors) and pyrotechnics.
A successful Phase II demonstration will motivate encourage DTRA and Department of Defense adoption of the technology use across a wide range of weapon platforms that house conventional explosive ordinance packages to improve weapon performance and utility. Again, these materials may also be used as metallized fuels in future solid rocket propellants (e.g., tactical missiles) and pyrotechnics.

REFERENCES:

• Dearden, P., New blast weapons. J R Army Med Corps, 2001. 147(1): p. 80-6.

• Clemenson, M.D., et al., Explosive Initiation of Various Forms of Ti/2B Reactive Materials. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 2014. 39(3): p. 454-462.

KEYWORDS: enhanced blast, thermobaric, reactive material, energetic material, ordinance, explosive, casing

• TPOC-1: William H. Wilson
• Phone: 703-767-4216
• Email: william.h.wilson6.civ@mail.mil

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Space Platforms

OBJECTIVE: Develop generic or automated radiation hardening tools software and / or hardware tools to advance the state-of-the-art of Rad Hard by Design (RHBD) techniques in advanced technology nodes.

DESCRIPTION: There is significant value in getting data as early as possible on the radiation response of new and advanced technologies nodes. Frequently, however, the “non-standard” structures required to support radiation response are not present in standard test chip patterns or scribe-line electrical test structures. Development of generic radiation effects characterization pcm test are needed to afford an early look at the detailed radiation response of the technology, enabling first-pass success “harden-by design” approaches for advanced technology nodes (features <90nm for RFCMOS, SiGe, and Heterogeneous Bipolar technology (HBT) and <45nm for digital CMOS). There is also a critical need for automated radiation hardening tools to advance the state-of-the-art Rad Hard by Design (RHBD) techniques in advanced technology nodes. Development of such tools will result in significant savings in the development of advanced radiation hardened circuits for critical DoD applications.

PHASE I: For generic characterization tools that will enable early radiation response: Demonstrate an initial evaluation of process and device sensitivities (using foundry electrical simulation models) to enable early access of radiation response. The outcome of the Phase I would include 1) identification of a specific list of the electrical structures and their geometries, and 2) a specific list of what electrical parameters (vs radiation exposure and bias) to be characterized in a Phase II effort. For the development of automated software tool that will advance the radiation by design (RHBD) techniques, the Phase I should focus on developing models of charge generation, charge collection, and circuit response using existing data from literature and computer models (ex. TCAD, LSPICE). The result of this Phase I should be a description of simulation or modeling results that will advance RHBD techniques.

PHASE II: For generic characterization tool that will enable early radiation response: Demonstrate the technology to develop a generic characterization process for early access of radiation response of sample test structures. The technology demonstration in Phase II will include 1) a gds layout file of all the associated test devices and circuits, 2) build test silicon, 3) generate accompanying documentation for those structures and circuits, and 4) design and execute a test plan of what parameters (vs radiation exposure and bias conditions). For the development of automated codes that will advance RHBD techniques, the Phase II effort should develop 1) device and or circuit models with RHBD layout constraints to mitigate single event effects and 2) validate the radiation charge generation, charge collection, and circuit response models developed in Phase I. The Phase II should also include preliminary design, fabrication, and radiation testing of simple test structures needed to validate the radiation induced SEE response models and RHBD mitigation schemes developed in Phase I and II. The RHBD mitigation schemes should include either a memory, logic, I/O, Phase Lock Loops, Delay Lock Loops, or analogy mixed signal circuits. Industry and government partners for Phase III must be identified along with demonstration of their support. A roadmap that takes the program through Phase III must be part of the final delivery for Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: For generic characterization tool that will enable early radiation response, the final outcome is to provide electric and layout parameters necessary to support design of these products to enable the space and defense community to execute first-pass-success radiation-tolerant or radiation-hardened designs. This Phase III should include initial silicon fabrication, and an exhaustive electrical characterization (vs radiation exposure) of the silicon. Parametric shifts as a function of radiation exposure and bias should be characterized, and electrical design parameters shall be made available to the design community. For development of software codes to advance RHBD, the Phase III should include development of macros for mitigation of radiation effects in common electronic circuits and development of software and / or hardware architecture. This Phase should also automate the implementation of the circuit macros in software and / or hardware architecture developed in Phase II and makes the technology available to USERS developing RHBD circuit designs.

REFERENCES:

• Kai, K., et al. "Channel dopant profile and Leff extraction of deep submicron MOSFETs by Inverse Modeling." Simulation of Semiconductor Processes and Devices, 1996. SISPAD 96. 1996 International Conference on IEEE, 1996.

• Groeseneken, G., Maes, H. E., Beltran, N., & De Keersmaecker, R. F. (1984). A reliable approach to charge-pumping measurements in MOS transistors. Electron Devices, IEEE transactions on, 31(1), 42-53.

• C. Jan et al, IEDM 2012 Tech Dig. pp 44-47, 2012

• A. T. Kelly, et al. “Kernel-Based Circuit Partition Approach to Mitigate Combinational Logic Soft Errors”, IEEE Trans. On Nuclear Science, vol 61, no.6, pp.3274-3281, Dec. 2014.

KEYWORDS: Materials/Processes, Nano-technology, Nuclear Technologies, Single-Event Effect, Total Ionization Dose, Radiation Hardened Microelectronics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to develop low-cost, compact, fast-rise-time, low-jitter pulse charging and laser trigger systems for photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs) (ref. 1-15) to enable their application to many DoD applications including Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) (ref. 6) and High Power Microwave (HPM) (ref. 7) systems. Cost of the technology will be a driver for the feasibility of scaling to large arrays and to multiple pulsed power system applications.

DESCRIPTION: Gallium arsenide (GaAs) PCSS technology has been demonstrated with switching and timing jitter times under 1 nanosecond (ns) for voltages up to 100 kV (ref. 1-2). The low timing jitter enables the development of planar or phased arrays of modular EMP or HPM sources. Each module is anticipated to fit within a 1 meter cube, most of which is filled by the radiating antenna structure. To enable the development of arrays of high voltage pulsers based on PCSS technology, it is preferable to have charging/triggering systems that are fully electrically isolated. Existing GaAs PCSS cannot sustain DC voltages without breaking down. This requires that the switched storage capacitors must be pulse charged in a few microseconds to ±50 kV or 100 kV total. For an EMP test capability and many pulsed power applications, a shot rate of a few per hour is adequate, but higher shot rates would be needed for many HPM applications. A compact, battery-powered pulse charging system is desired for an EMP test capability to avoid the requirement for power cables that will cause loading and reflections on the antenna array. The pulse charging system can be based on spark gaps, MOSFETs, inductive technologies, or any other approach that can achieve the needed size, efficiency, and reliability. Triggering a GaAs PCSS requires ~10-100 microJoules (µJ) of 840-880 nanometer (nm) laser energy per cm2 of switch area delivered in ~1 ns. Many laser technologies can achieve this, but rendering the system compact and low cost will require research and innovation. For an initial EMP demonstration it will take ~3 cm2 of switch area to conduct 1 kA with at an initial voltage of 100 kV. The timing jitter of the laser trigger system must be <0.3 ns 1σ. For maximum scalability and safety for an EMP array, it is desirable to have the laser trigger system integrated into each module. However, a single laser driving multiple fiber optic cables with adjustable relative timing may be adequate for an initial demonstration.

PHASE I: The minimum objective for Phase I will be the design of compact pulse charging and laser triggering systems adequate to drive an EMP array module based on GaAs PCSS technology. The pulse charging system should be capable of charging a 1 nFd capacitor to 100 kV in <10 µS. The laser trigger system should be capable of delivering 300 µJ of 840-880 nm light uniformly to a 1.5 cm by 2 cm switch area with <0.3 ns 1 σ timing jitter. Bread boarding and demonstration of any high risk components or the complete systems would be preferable.

PHASE II: For Phase II the objective will be to fabricate and demonstrate pulse charging and laser triggering systems adequate for 9-module EMP array based on GaAs PCSS. Each module should fit within a 1 meter cube and have an initial pulse charge of 100 kV across the PCSS. The test objective is to demonstrate that the timing jitter of the individual modules is <0.3 ns 1σ.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: For Phase III the initial application is anticipated to be a transportable EMP test array that can be easily configured for either vertical or horizontal polarization. The contractor will have to work with DoD and civilian agencies to customize the test capability for various mission critical system and infrastructure applications. Other applications of the PCSS triggering systems are expected to include future large-scale pulsed power systems requiring many thousands of high reliability spark gap triggering systems (ref. 2-4). The contractor will have to work with the National Nuclear Security Administration to define the detailed requirements.

REFERENCES:

• “Fiber-Optic Controlled PCSS Triggers for High Voltage Pulsed Power Switches”, Zutavern, F.J.; Reed, K.W.; Glover, S.F.; Mar, A.; Ruebush, M.H.; Horry, M.L.; Swalby, M.E.; Alexander, J.A.; Smith, T.L.; Pulsed Power Conference, 2005 IEEE, 13-17 June 2005 Page(s):810–813.

• . “Optically Activated Switches for Low Jitter Pulsed Power Applications”, Zutavern, F.J.; Armijo, J.C.; Cameron, S.M.; Denison, G.J.; Lehr, J.M.; Luk, T.S.; Mar, A.; O'Malley, M.W.; Roose, L.D.; Rudd, J.V.; Pulsed Power Conference, 2003. Digest of Technical Papers. PPC-2003. 14th IEEE International, Volume 1, 15-18 June 2003 Page(s):591-594 Vol.1.

• . “PCSS Lifetime Testing for Pulsed Power Applications”, Saiz, T.A.; Zutavern, F.J.; Glover, S.F.; Reed, K.W.; Cich, M.J.; Mar, A.; Swalby, M.E.; Horry, M.L.; Pulsed Power Plasma Science, 2007. PPPS 2007. Conference Record - Abstracts. IEEE, 17-22 June 2007 Page(s):189–189.

• . “A Novel Application of GaAs Photoconductive Semiconductor Switch in Triggering Spark Gap”, Wei Shi; Linqing Zhang; Liqiang Tian; Lei Hou; Zheng Liu; Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on, Volume 37, Issue 4, Part 2, April 2009 Page(s):615-619.

• “Fiber-Optically Controlled Pulsed Power Switches”, Zutavern, F.J.; Glover, S.F.; Reed, K.W.; Cich, M.J.; Mar, A.; Swalby, M.E.; Saiz, T.A.; Horry, M.L.; Gruner, F.R.; White, F.E.; Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on, Volume 36, Issue 5, Part 3, Oct. 2008 Page(s):2533–2540.

• “Photoconductive, Semiconductor Switch Technology for Short Pulse Electromagnetics and Lasers”, Zutavern, F.J.; Loubriel, G.M.; Mar, A.; Hjalmarson, H.P.; Helgeson, W.D.; O'Malley, M.W.; Denison, G.J.; Pulsed Power Conference, 1999. Digest of Technical Papers. 12th IEEE International, Volume 1, 27-30 June 1999 Page(s):295-298 vol.1.

• “Development and Testing of Bulk Photoconductive Switches Used for Ultra-Wideband, High-Power Microwave Generation”, Burger, J.W.; Schoenberg, J.S.H.; Tyo, J.S.; Abdalla, M.D.; Ahern, S.M.; Skipper, M.C.; Buchwald, W.R.; Pulsed Power Conference, 1997. Digest of Technical Papers. 1997 11th IEEE International, Volume 2, 29 June-2 July 1997 Page(s):965-969 vol.2.

• “3C-Silicon Carbide Photoconductive Switches”, Senpeng Sheng; Xiao Tang; Spencer, M.G.; Peizhen Zhou; Wongchotigul, K.; Device Research Conference, 1996. Digest. 54th Annual, 24-26 June 1996 Page(s):190–191.

• Charge Transport and Persistent Conduction in High Gain Photoconductive Semiconductor Switches Used in Pulsed Power Applications, Islam, N.E.; Schamiloglu, E.; Plasma Science, 2000. ICOPS 2000. IEEE Conference Record

• “On-State Characteristics of a High-Power Photoconductive Switch Fabricated From Compensated 6-H Silicon Carbide”, Kelkar, K.S.; Islam, N.E.; Kirawanich, P.; Fessler, C.M.; Nunnally, W.C.; Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on, Volume 36, Issue 1, Part 2, Feb. 2008 Page(s):287–292.

• “Pulsed and DC Charged PCSS Based Trigger Generators”, Glover, S.F.; Zutavern, F.J.; Swalby, M.E.; Cich, M.J.; Loubriel, G.; Mar, A.; White, F.E.; Pulsed Power Conference, 2009. PPC '09. IEEE, June 28 2009-July 2 2009 Page(s):1444–1447.

• “Development of a Lateral, Opposed-Contact Photoconductive Semiconductor Switch”, Richardson, M.A.; Stoudt, D.C.; Abdalla, M.D.; Skipper, M.C.; Schoenberg, J.S.H.; Pulsed Power Conference, 1999. Digest of Technical Papers. 12th IEEE International, Volume 1, 27-30 June 1999, Page(s):307-310 vol.1.

• . “Optically-Activated GaAs Switches For Compact Accelerators and Short Pulse Sensors”, Zutavern, F.J.; Loubriel, G.M.; Helgeson, W.D.; O'Malley, M.W.; Ruebush, M.H.; Hjalmarson, H.P.; Baca, A.G.; Power Modulator Symposium, 1996., Twenty- Second International, 25-27 June 1996, Page(s):31–34.

• “30 kV and 3 kA Semi-insulating GaAs Photoconductive Semiconductor Switch”, Shi, Wei; Tian, Liqiang; Liu, Zheng; Zhang, Linqing; Zhang, Zhenzhen; Zhou, Liangji; Liu, Hongwei; Xie, Weiping; Applied Physics Letters Volume 92, Issue 4, Jan 2008 Page(s):043511-043511-3.

• “Multi-Filament Triggering of PCSS for High Current Utilizing VCSEL Triggers”, Mar, A.; Serkland, D.K.; Keeler, G.A.; Roose, L.D.; Geib, K.M.; Loubriel, G.M.; Zutavern, F.J.; Pulsed Power Plasma Science, 2007. PPPS 2007. Conference Record - Abstracts.

KEYWORDS: Photoconductive Semiconductor Switch (PCSS), Laser Driver, Gallium Arsenide, pulse charging, Electromagnetic Pulse, High Power Microwave

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Materials/Processes, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-234 Airborne Electronic Attack Program Office

OBJECTIVE: Develop a process to produce magnetic film materials with hesitivities well in excess of currently available materials for application in magnetic toroid and flat dipole antenna elements.

DESCRIPTION: High-performance magnetic loop antennas can presently be constructed by winding a tape of thin magnetic material into the form of a loop. The same materials can be used to fabricate flat magnetic dipoles. The magnetic materials that work best have extremely high hesitivity properties [1], high enough that the magnetic field can be sustained at ultra-high frequencies (UHF). The increasing need for higher-frequency performance is driving the need for higher hesitivities. Hesitivity [1, 2 and 4] is the definitive parameter that allows for efficient categorization of magnetic materials where it measures the maximum magnetic conductivity of the material in units of ohms per meter.

Currently, CoZrNb ferromagnetic thin film material provides the highest available bulk hesitivity on the order of 6,000,000. Hesitivities of a much higher order are greatly desired with a threshold of a factor of 10 improvement. Currently these magnetic materials are formed at the atomic level by vacuum deposition of a very thin layer on a dielectric carrier film, the thickness of the carrier film dilutes the overall bulk properties of the material when layered into an antenna element, thus reducing the overall performance.

The effective hesitivity properties of such an assembly can be improved with the development of magnetic materials with higher hesitivities, and the use of thinner substrates. The substrate material must withstand the high deposition temperatures without becoming brittle or breaking during the deposition process, which involves mechanically moving the film through the deposition chamber. The solution magnetic material should improve both of these factors at once to achieve a practical effective hesitivity of an order of magnitude or more higher than what is now available.

PHASE I: Determine the technical feasibility of constructing higher hesitivity materials on very thin carrier films. Determine the practical limits of hesitivity and carrier film thickness that could be attained. Demonstrate feasibility and determine and propose a candidate alloy to be produced and applied to wide-band antennas in Phase II.

PHASE II: Further develop candidate alloy prototype for production by a viable continuous process. Verify hesitivity on prototype samples.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Finalize the selected material production process and produce quantities required to manufacture wide-bandwidth antennas for use on ground and air vehicles. The foundry that would make this product could add it to a list of offerings to other customers. End users would apply the product to antennas for wide-bandwidth applications on aircraft, ground vehicles, and potentially on fixed structures at any location where low profiles are required.

REFERENCES:

• Sebastian, T., Diaz, R., Auckland, D. & Daniel, C. (2013). A New Realization of an Efficient Broadband Conformal Magnetic Current Dipole Antenna. Presented at the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Meeting. Orlando, FL. Retrieved from http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6711305&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fxpls%2Fabs_all.jsp%3Farnumber%3D6711305

• Sebastian, T. (2013). Magneto-dielectric Wire Antennas – Theory and Design. Arizona State University, PhD Dissertation, May 2013.

• Diaz, R. (2014). Multi-function pseudo-conductor antennas. US Patent 8,686,918 B1

• Auckland, D., Daniel, C. & Diaz, R. (2014). A New Type of Conformal Antennas Using Magnetic Materials. IEEE Military Communications Conference

KEYWORDS: Antennas; wide-bandwidth antennas; low profile antennas; conformal antennas; magnetic materials; magnetic hesitivity

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-202 Aircrew Systems Program Office

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative and cost-effective capability that will provide an objective, measurable means of workload for determining impacts on individual operator, crew-level, and/or multi-team system level performance when life support or aircrew systems are added or modified.

DESCRIPTION: In the Naval community, improving affordability is one of the main focus areas. Specifically, standardized workload management systems have been deemed one essential component to gain increased affordability. This is partly because, as the capabilities of information technology systems and networks continue to grow, workers are increasingly challenged to process more information, interact with more interconnected systems, and juggle more tasks that compete for their simultaneous attention. That is, it is critical to know human performance limitations when introducing complex, cognitive tasks and state-of-the-art technologies, equipment and new environments to warfighters. Knowledge of these limitations can help researchers and developers understand and evaluate the potentially negative impacts on safety and the efficiency of operations. Frequently, this involves assessing workload impacts; however, current workload assessment methods do not adequately support system development or enhanced decision making with objective measurements.

Current state-of-the-practice is to assess workload, either physical or cognitive, through a variety of assessment methods (Gudipati & Pennathur). The most commonly implemented is subjective measurement techniques (e.g., Bedford, Modified Cooper Harper, NASA TLX); however, there is an increased desire for more objective data on which to base decisions. A variety of objective measurement techniques exist for cognitive workload including performance measures (e.g., reaction time, errors; Kantowitz et al., 1983), psychophysiological measures, and analytical measures. Recent efforts have focused on modeling to help address concerns of limited resources and impacts of a variety of factors that affect performance (e.g., Pharmer, Paulsen, Alicia, 2011). New, cost-reducing methods are needed to support systems acquisition decisions, and these methods will need to improve on existing methods, in at least three ways, as described below.

This effort seeks to investigate a hybrid approach that would allow for the real-time measurement (e.g., measurement results as an operator tests new equipment) of physical and cognitive workload and, with the results and modeling capabilities, understand how variations in the associated factors might impact operator safety and performance. Finally, as integrated technologies and operations continue to expand, consideration beyond the individual operator to crew-level and multi-team systems is required.

The requested technology should be consistent with research and theory (e.g., Wickens, 2008), assess workload and its effect on performance, and include a strategy for predicting future workload levels once experience is accumulated. As a part of this effort, displays to indicate the rate of performance degradation and workload increases (physical and/or cognitive) should be investigated. Stakeholders should be involved to help shape how the resulting technology should highlight when workload levels reach limits that degrade human cognition and performance, so that they information can be used during design, development, testing, and evaluation of operational and training systems in order to support upgrade activities and decision making with objective data.

The measurement tool should also take into account the ways cognitive work changes as expertise develops [2]. Workload measures are frequently sought when a new system or technology is introduced or an existing system is changed. Because operators will have the opportunity to adapt to the system or technology over time, decision makers have yet another reason to discount or doubt the value of the workload measure. Effective cognitive workload assessment tools would take advantage of what is known about expertise acquisition to make sound predictions about the potential for operators in a given domain, with training and practice, to achieve a manageable level of cognitive workload.

This capability has a range of applicability from aircrew systems through investigation of life support systems, to training systems development and effectiveness evaluations. As we pipe more and more data into our control centers, aircraft cockpits, and automobile consoles, it becomes more and more critical that we be able to determine when workload affects the operator’s ability to compensate safely.

PHASE I: Demonstrate feasibility, utility and effectiveness of proposed approach as, discussed in the Description section, for assessing cognitive workload and impacts to the degradation of cognition and performance.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype of the absolute cognitive workload technology and refine the underlying cognitive workload assessment method based on research across a range of fast-paced and high-consequence work domains. At least one validation study should evaluate the ability of the technology to make reliable and useful predictions about workload.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company should support the Navy in transitioning by integrate the workload assessment technology into research, development, test and evaluation facilities and programs that support acquisition and training. Demonstrate cost reduction and benefits to the quality of systems and technology enhancements. This technology can be used to benefit systems development and technology upgrades across military, department of defense, and civilian sectors. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) NextGen initiative to upgrade and enhance National Airspace System (NAS) operations, in particular, could benefit from improved workload assessment methods and technologies. The resulting technology will benefit programs by supporting optimization of designs where workload is known to be high and may benefit from automation, artificial intelligence, or enhanced human machine interfaces, as well as those where consequences of degraded performance are high.

REFERENCES:

• Bi, S., & Salvendy, G. (1994). Analytical modeling and expericognitive study of human workload in scheduling of advanced manufacturing systems. International Journal of Human Factors in Manufacturing, 4(2), 205-234

• Ericsson, K., Charness, N., Feltovich, P., & Hoffman, R. (2006). The Cambridge handbook of expertise and expert performance. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press

• Fontenelle, G., & Laughery, K. (1988). A workload assessment aid for human engineering design. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting (pp. 1122-1125). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications

• Grier, R., Wickens, C., Kaber, D., Strayer, D., Boehm-Davis, D., Trafton, J. G., & St. John, M. (2008). The red-line of workload: Theory, research, and design. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting (pp. 1204-1208).

• Gudipati, S. & Pennathur, A. Workload Assessment Techniques for Job Design. 
  http://www.semac.org.mx/archivos/6-9.pdf

• Hollnagel, E. (1998). Cognitive reliability and error analysis method. New York, NY: Elsevier

• Hollnagel, E., & Woods, D. (2005). Joint cognitive systems: Foundations of cognitive systems engineering. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press

• Neville, K., Bisson, R., French, J., Martinez, J., & Storm, W. (1994). A study of the effects of repeated 36-hour simulated missions on B-1B aircrew members. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting (pp. 51-55). Thousa

• Patterson, E. & Miller, J. (2010). Macrocognition metrics and scenarios: design and evaluation for real-world teams. Aldershot, UK: Ashgate.

• Pharmer, J. A., Paulsen, M., & Alicia, T. J. (2011) Validating Environmental Stressor Algorithms for Human Performance Models. Human Systems Integration Symposium. https://www.navalengineers.org/ProceedingsDocs/HSIS2011/Papers/Pharmer.pdf

• Wickens, C. D. (2008). Multiple resources and mental workload. The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 50(3), 449-455. http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Christopher_Wickens/publication/23157812_Multiple_Resources_and_Mental_Workloa

• Wierwille, W. & Eggemeier, F. (1993). Recommendations for cognitive workload measurement in a test and evaluation environment. Human Factors, 35(2), 263-281

• Woods, D. (2005). Generic support requirements for cognitive work: laws that govern cognitive work in action. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting (pp. 317-321). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications

• Xie, B. & Salvendy, G. (2000). Review and reappraisal of modeling and predicting cognitive workload in single- and multi-task environments. Work & Stress, 14(1), 74-99

KEYWORDS: test and evaluation; performance assessment; human-in-the-loop

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Space Platforms

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-299, H60 Helicopter Program

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative Phase Field Model (PFM) within numerical framework of Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) for metallic materials subjected to fatigue loading to predict 3D crack topology under complex service loading situations.

DESCRIPTION: Fatigue cracks initiate and grow in complex stress fields in aircraft components subjected to service loadings, exhibiting the 3D nature of the problem. There are no consistent and apparent criteria for many aspects of fatigue crack growth spanning from micro to macro levels. Simulations of a fatigue crack, embedded within a grain or across several grains, require estimates of crack front behavior and an algorithm for growth considering crack size, shape, microstructure and grain boundaries. The challenges associated with modeling fatigue cracks growth stems from the inherent complexity of interaction between material’s microstructure and cracks, whether transgranular or intergranular type cracks. One of the main challenges is the numerical modeling of evolution of discontinuities such as cracks in the continuum medium. Although numerical approaches such as Finite Element Method (FEM) and Boundary Element Method (BEM) and their variants exist to evaluate crack propagation, they need complex re-meshing operations and have other difficulties in studying cracks at microstructural level. Therefore, a model that can appropriately address the underlying mechanisms of crack initiation, propagation, and its interaction with material’s microstructure such as grain boundaries is highly desirable.

Recently, the phase field method has emerged as a powerful method to simulate crack propagation. The method automatically regularizes stress singularities by introducing a smoothly varying scalar field that distinguishes between “intact” and “broken” phases of the material and can also be interpreted as a phenomenological measure of damage. The phase field model is formulated as coupled dynamical equations for the phase and displacement fields that are derived variationally from an energy function with both elastic strain and surface energy contributions. Phase field equations incorporate both the short scale physics of materials failure and macroscopic elasticity. In addition, these equations can be simulated on parallel computer architecture to describe geometrically complex dynamical phenomenon such as crack nucleation, crack kinking and branching, and crack front segmentation in three dimensions. One of the main advantages of PFM is that there are no ad hoc rules or conditions needed to determine crack nucleation, propagation, or bifurcation. Another advantage is that the solution from the PFM method can be obtained by finite element and isogeometric analysis (IGA) discretization methods which make it more appealing from the modeling perspective. Isogeometric analysis provides an efficient, smooth basis for computation. Once the problem is recast in terms of isogeometric analysis framework, the additional smoothness requirements are met with minimal computational cost.

As such, computational models are desired for fatigue crack nucleation and propagation that alleviates the complexity of re-meshing and can track the crack tip in complex microstructures, while at the same time can be efficiently implemented in an efficient computational framework. The phase field model technique in conjunction with isogeometric analysis that utilizes the geometric model, can provide the solution which does not require any criteria for crack initiation and propagation under random spectrum loading including environmental effects.

Phase field model development will be required in order to link spatial and temporal evolution of complex crack patterns to the external applied load by utilizing finite element and iso-geometric analysis (IGA) discretization methods. Starting with an initial 2D analysis, the PFM model has to describe the complex phenomena of 3D crack evolution at a microscale as well as the final fracture at the macroscale. The proposed PFM model may include an appropriate plasticity model to study load interactions occurring in complicated loading situations such as variable amplitude loading. Finite element based numerical implementations of the PFM crack propagation under dynamic loading is desirable. Furthermore, the application of PFM to dynamic ductile fracture needs to be further explored, addressing the limitations and assumptions and enhancements as needed.

Collaboration with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in all phases is encouraged, but not required, to assist in defining aircraft integration and commercialization requirements.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility to develop a PFM modeling technique based on finite element and isogeometric analysis (IGA) discretization methods to model complex 3D crack patterns under service loading at micro scale as well as the final fracture at the macroscale. Develop guidelines for defining the free energy function in terms of the order parameter, elastic and plastic strains, etc., to be used in the PFM. Show the capability of the PFM model in modeling crack interaction with material’s microstructure such as grain boundary.

PHASE II: Based on Phase I effort the small business will continue to address and develop the PFM modeling capability in a systematic way to move from a qualitative visualization to a quantitative assessment. Show how the PFM model can predict 3D crack nucleation, propagation, branching and interaction under complex load spectrum. Test and validate the model by closely following crack propagation test data set for complex loading.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Integrate the developed fatigue crack initiation and propagation analysis package into processes at the FRC’s, and potentially work in conjunction with the original equipment manufacturers for analysis of repairs and new designs. Methods and techniques developed can be folded into commercial software package for broad use in a wide variety of industrial applications in estimating the life of a variety of safety critical structures.

REFERENCES:

• Miehe, C., Hofacker, M., Welschinger, M. (2010). A phase field model for rate-independent crack propagation: Robust algorithmic implementation based on operator splits. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 199 2765-2778.

• Miehe, C., Hofacker, M., Welschinger, M. (2010). A phase field model for rate-independent crack propagation: Robust algorithmic implementation based on operator splits. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 199 2765-2778.

• Borden, M.J., Hughes, T.J.R., Landis, C.M., Verhoosel, C.V. A higher-order phase-field model for brittle fracture: Formulation and analysis within the isogeometric analysis framework. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 273 (2014) 100–118.

• Oshima, K., Takaki, T., Muramatsu, M. Development of multi-phase-field crack model to express crack propagation in polycrystal. APCOM & ISCM, 11-14th December (2013) Singapore.

KEYWORDS: Crack Growth; Multi Scale Modeling; Isogeometric; Phase Field Method; Crack Initiation; Finite Element Analysis

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-280 Program Office

OBJECTIVE: Quantify the effect of variations in process characteristics on the mechanical performance of additively manufactured (AM) parts, and develop a procedure for mitigating these effects within statistical bounds using Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) framework.

DESCRIPTION: The certification of additively manufactured parts requires that mechanical performance be quantified to a minimum of B-basis allowable (90% of the population values are expected to equal or exceed that strength value with 95% confidence). Additional considerations will be necessary based on the artifacts reliability and functionality, for example in the determination that the part is a single point of failure will elevate this to an A-basis allowable (at least 99% of the population values is expected to equal or exceed this tolerance bound with 95% confidence). To achieve this, the Navy requires quantitative uncertainty assessment methods to predict, with a known level of confidence, the microstructural and mechanical property outcomes for a specific material, machine, geometry, and post-processing combination involved in an AM system.

A material used in an AM process undergoes several complex, transient, and interacting physical phenomena, including: heat and mass transfer, material phase transformation, and free-surface fluid flow. These phenomena significantly affect the material property distribution of a built component. AM post-processing techniques, such as stress relief and hot isostatic pressing (HIP), further alter the distribution of material properties obtained during the deposition process. Therefore, approaches such as ICME are needed to link the time and length scales of the occurring physical phenomena. These multi-scale simulations should predict: the interdependencies at play among deposition process; the resulting material micro-structure; local mechanical properties; the overall component performance; and the effects of post-processing.

The challenge inherent to AM processes is the mechanical property distributions within a specific part which are functions of stochastic variables. Knowing the exact machine and material state at any point in time has inherent uncertainties in the form of aleatoric and epistemic uncertainties. The main sources of aleatory uncertainty in AM systems include material characteristics (e.g. chemical composition, powder size distribution, roundness) and process parameters (e.g. laser scan speed, power density, and delay time). There are also several sources of epistemic uncertainty present in AM such as powder local compaction density, friction between powder particles and so on. To effectively model this highly complex and random process, powerful stochastic modeling techniques such as in reference [1] are needed, connecting material and processing characteristics to microstructure distribution, mechanical property distribution, and mechanical performance.

The challenge is to determine how multiple sources of uncertainties are propagated in a model developed specifically for an AM process, such as in reference [2], and then how to quantify the uncertainty of the resulting material properties and microstructure to predict desired performance in probabilistic terms. Keeping this challenge in mind, the topic requires: a comprehensive approach [3] to quantify the uncertainties of material and process model parameters; recommendations on minimizing both material and process uncertainties in production; and suggestions for acceptance metrics/criteria and tolerances for decision making.

One approach could be the use of physics based models or ICME tools to run simulations of the AM process to narrow down the uncertainty.

One approach could be the use of physics based models or ICME tools to run simulations of the AM process to narrow down the uncertainty.

PHASE II: Further develop and finalize the concept, processing methodology and/or tool from Phase I for metallic materials relevant to naval aviation. Design and perform experiments to validate the approach and to quantify uncertainty in standard test methods for determining material and process characteristics. Develop an uncertainty analysis method to assess the impact of parameter/model uncertainties on the output of metallic AM parts certification approach.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Deliver a capability to provide rapid uncertainty quantification for the mechanical performance of a broad range of additively manufactured metallic parts. These new approaches can be used to accelerate the FAA certification process as well as the NAVAIR process. Fast uncertainty quantification will promote a wider acceptance of AM technology within both the military and commercial sector.

REFERENCES:

• Stefanou, G., 2009, "The stochastic finite element method: past, present and future," Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 198(9), pp. 1031-1051.

• Pal, D., Patil, N., Zeng, K., and Stucker, B., 2014, "An Integrated Approach to Additive Manufacturing Simulations Using Physics Based, Coupled Multiscale Process Modeling," Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, 136(6), p. 061022.

• Roy, C.J., and Oberkampf, W.L., 2010, "A Complete Framework for Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification in Scientific Computing" Proceedings of the 48th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting Including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition, Orlando, Florida.

KEYWORDS: Additive Manufacturing; Modeling; Metallic; Microstructure; Materials Processing; Quantification

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-265, F/A-18 Program Office

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop a durable low friction safe coating, and an application method, for use on foil bearings used in aircraft air cycle subsystem turbomachines.

DESCRIPTION: In many aircraft, air cycle machines (ACM) are used to provide cooling, cabin pressurization, and as part of the system that provides breathing gas to the pilot oxygen system. The foil (air) bearings in the aircraft ACM use coatings to reduce friction during transient conditions such as starts and stops and inadvertent contacts, when hydrodynamic forces are insufficient to support bearing loads. Properties that are desirable in these systems are high lubricity (low friction) and high durability. Post-failure teardown and analysis of current foil bearing ACMs used in U.S. Navy tactical aircraft shows unacceptable (shaft contacts the bearing base metal) coating wear in the form of off-gassing, erosion, and delamination of the bearing coating. In an effort to improve ACM reliability, an alternative coating that will meet the requirements of air cycle machine foil bearings is needed. The coating should provide a low friction contact surface that will not impede rotation during starts and stops and should be wear resistant to provide a suitably long life (goal is a 6000 operational hour bearing) prior to requiring replacement. The coating must not introduce any toxic or hazardous constituents or byproducts to the airflow over the operating temperature range of the unit and may not require redesign of any component. The air bearings are used to support both axial and radial loads (two different bearings). During operation, there is the potential for impact between the rotating shaft and the bearing surface which can generate short term temperature spikes and higher than normal stresses. The bearings are flexible and provide a limited amount of deflection with known spring rates. The normal operating temperature ranges are 250 to 350 F with spikes estimated to be as high as 1400 F.

The application of the coating to the bearing base metal must not affect the base material (high temperature metal, e.g. Inconel) integrity of the substrate and should be able to sufficiently cover the contact surfaces. The friction between the shaft and the bearing should be minimized to allow for starting of the air cycle machine.

PHASE I: Design and develop an innovative coating material, and a means of applying the coating, which is durable, exhibits low friction, and does not produce any toxic or hazardous constituents or byproducts, especially at temperatures above normal operating temperatures. Demonstrate the feasibility of developed technology through limited testing.

PHASE II: Fully develop the coating designed in Phase I into a durable and low friction bearing surface for use in air bearings for an air cycle machine which will include the application process and formulation of the coating. Demonstrate the prototype coating through verification and validation of coated bearings in a relevant naval environment (TRL 6). The technology required for full scale manufacturing will also be developed and verified that it is feasible.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Manufacture actual bearings for testing in air cycle machines and develop life estimates. The target result should be a bearing coating that can be qualified for use in aircraft (F-18 or F-35). Complete the transition from TRL 6 to TRL 8 or higher. The developed technology may have applications in coatings for tools, sports equipment, internal combustion engine coatings, rolling element bearings, and kitchen utensils.

REFERENCES:

• Agrawal, Giri L, (1997). Foil Air/Gas Bearing Technology - An Overview. R&D Dynamics Corporation, Bloomfield, CT, ASME 97-GT-347.

• Dellacorte, C., NASA Glenn Research Center, et. al., (2000), Performance and Durability of High Temperature Foil Air Bearings for Oil-Free Turbomachinery, Tribology Transactions Volume 43, Issue 4.

• Dellacorte, C. and Bruckner R., NASA Glenn Research Center, (2010), Remaining Technical Challenges and Future Plans for Oil-Free Turbomachinery, NASA/TM—2010-216762.

• Howard, S. and Bruckner R., NASA Glenn Research Center, and Radil, K., U.S. Army Research Laboratory, (2010), Advancements Toward Oil-Free Rotorcraft Propulsion, NASA/TM—2010-216094.

• Barnett, M. and Silver, A. (1970). Application of Air Bearings to High-Speed Turbomachinery, SAE Technical Paper 700720, 1970, doi: 10.4271/700720.

KEYWORDS: foil bearing; air cycle machine; coating; low friction; Turbomachinery; non toxic

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes, Sensors, Space Platforms

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 262, Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop a capability for high power conversion efficiency and stability in organic solar cells based on novel materials and an innovative device to create a reliable power generation source for naval aviation applications.

DESCRIPTION: Solar cells convert sunlight energy into usable electric power due to the photovoltaic effect. The key measure of performance of solar cells is power conversion efficiency, which is defined as the ratio of energy output from the solar cell to the input energy incident on it from the sun. Current semiconductor based solar cells (Silicon, GaAs) demonstrate high efficiencies (up to 50%). These solar cells are manufactured by complex capital and labor intensive processes, which, in combination with the scarcity of source materials availability, limits the ability to reduce cost, limits scale up, and prevents widespread applications.

Plastic cells, otherwise known as organic solar cells, use conducting polymers or inorganic materials for light absorption and charge transport to produce electric power. They allow the use of abundant, non-toxic materials that can be built on flexible substrates, and represent transformative technology. The conformal, light-weight, flexible feature of such plastic cells producing electric power reliably is attractive for naval applications, especially for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). However, novel material discoveries in conjunction with innovative device designs, demonstrating high efficiencies are needed to integrate such solar cells into target applications.

Current UASs are designed to provide tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities that enable mission planning and execution. The real time ISR needs force constraints on space, weight, and power (aka SWaP), and most importantly, flight endurance of the UAS. A limiting factor for successful mission performance is the lack of reliable high efficiency power generation systems with high power and energy densities. Though, lithium-ion battery technology can act as such a power source, it is limited by safety concerns as well as a limited time of use as a power source, requiring frequent recharging. There is a need for a source that generates power on a continuous basis to enable increased duration missions for the UAS.

Recent advancements where photovoltaic function in solar cells has been demonstrated using the perovskite class of materials acting as light-harvesting layers in hybrid organic-inorganic configuration has significantly improved efficiencies from 3.8% to about 20%. The advancement is achieved by fine tuning the material properties such as charge mobility, band gap, and energy levels to maximize photo voltage, light absorption, and charge carrier transport, respectively [2-5]. A notable feature is that such solar cells are reported to have exhibited steady performance over significant periods of time without degradation.

A key hurdle for the implementation of these thin film solar cell technologies is the prohibitive cost ($/Watt basis). Scalability is another concern, since conventional silicon solar cell manufacturing processes are harder to scale up. There is a need for the thin film solar cells to be manufactured by a low cost process that is not only scalable, but also leverages well-developed industry manufacturing methods [6-10]. An example of efficient, low cost manufacturing is the roll to roll (R2R) processes on large area flexible substrates, used in the electronic industry. To reduce manufacturing cost up to 50%, devices need to be built using low temperature process steps using large area coating or printing methods.

The objective is to develop high-efficiency, non-silicon based plastic cells with novel materials, novel device designs, innovative architectures, and to demonstrate the cells as reliable sources of power generation as applicable to naval aircraft [11-13]. Novel tandem cell designs with heterojunction device structures, which facilitate the absorption of significant portion of the solar spectrum to boost the overall efficiency, can be part of the invention. In addition, manufacturing processes that hold promise in terms of scalability, reduced process cost, and complexity, while retaining structural integrity and providing stable performance over an extended period of time are required.

The generated electric power should be stored using energy storage technologies (EST), such as batteries and capacitors with high energy density storage capability to improve the operational effectiveness when solar irradiation is not available. Offerors must include EST as part of the prototype demonstration. Novel EST designs where devices are an integral part of the air vehicle structure can be a part of the innovation.

PHASE I: Develop concept for solar cell devices incorporating novel materials and advanced designs to achieve high-efficiencies (= 20%) at standard air mass (AM) 1.5 conditions. Demonstrate the feasibility and stability of the conceptual solar cells through analytical methods and or limited testing. Compare results with a baseline control (= 500 hrs).

PHASE II: Fully develop the concept conceived during Phase I into prototypes of solar panels with cells and modules and perform detailed characterizations such as carrier lifetime, electroluminescence, and current-voltage measurements as a function of temperature to optimize spectral response and extend stability to enable the solar cells last for several years. Apply modeling and simulation tools as necessary. Demonstrate innovation to adapt scalable, robust manufacturing processes to produce flexible solar cells. Independent verification of the efficiency is strongly recommended.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Perform verification and validation. Demonstrate the functionality of conformal, light-weight solar panels that meets the electrical power needs of aircraft in a safe and effective manner in an operational environment. Transition the technology to appropriate Navy platforms (ex. UAS systems), obtain flight certification, and commercialize the technology. The high power conversion efficiency combining with stability of the solar cells act as a reliable power source for naval aircraft. The flexible nature allows conformal wrap and integration into an air vehicle without any significant weight penalties. Improvements made under this topic will tremendously benefit the commercial aviation, consumer, and automobile markets including the recent FAA approval for civilian use of drones.

REFERENCES:

• Green, M.A., Solar Cells, Operating Principles, Technology and System Applications, Prentice-Hall Publishers, 1982, NJ, USA

• Gratzel, M., Photoelectrochemical Cells, Nature, 414, 338-344, 2001

• Kojima, A., Teshima, K., Shirai, Y. &Miyasaka, T., (2009). Organometal Halide Perovskites as Visible-Light Sensitizers for Photovoltaic Cells, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 131, 6050-6051

• Malinkiewwicz, O., Yella, A., Lee, Y.H., Espallargas, G.M., Gratzel, M., Nazeeruddin, M. K. & Bolink, H., (2014). Perovskite Solar Cells Employing Organic Charge-Transport Layers, Nature Photonics, 8, 128-132

• Zhou, H., Chen, Q., Li, G., Luo, S., Song, T., Duan, H., Hong, Z., You, J., Liu, Y. & Yang, Y., (2014). Interface Engineering of Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells, Science, 345, 542-546

• Snaith, H.J. (2013). Perovskites: the emergence of a new era for low-cost, high efficiency solar cells, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 4, 3623-3630

• Sun, S., Salim, T., Mathews, N., Duchamp, M., Boothroyd, C., Xing, G., Sum, T.C. & Lam, Y.M., (2014). The Origin of High Efficiency in Low-temperature Solution-processable Bilayer Organometal Halide Hybrid Solar Cells, Energy Environ. Sci. 7, 399- 407, http://dx.doi.org/10.1030/C3EE43161D

• Andersen, T.R., Dam, H.F., Hosel M., Helgesen, M., Carle, J.E., Larsen-Olsen, T.T., Gevorgyna, S.A., Andreasen, J.W., Adams, J., Li, N., Machui, F., Spyropoulos, G.D., Ameri, T., Lemaitre, N., Legros, M., Scheel, A., Gaise, D., Kreul, K., Berny, S., Lozman, O.R., Nordman, S., Valimaki, M., Vilkman, M., Sondergarrd, R.R., Jorgensen, M., Brabec C.J., & Krebs, F.C., (2014). Scalable, ambient atmosphere roll-to-roll manufacture of encapsulated large area, flexible organic tandem solar cell modules, Energy Environ. Sci. 7, 2925-2933 DOI: 10.1039/C4EE01223B and references therein

• Roladan-Carmona, C., Malinkiewics, O., Soriano, A., Minguez_Espallargas, G., Reinecke, G.P., Kroyer, T., Dar M.I., Nazeeruddin, M.K. & Bolink, H.J., (2014). Flexible High Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells, Energy Environ., Sci. 7, 994-997 DOI: 10.1039/c3ee43619e

• Guo, X., Zhou, N., Lou, S.J., Hennek, J.W., Smith, J., Ortiz1, R.P., Lopez Navarrete, J.T., Li, S., Chen, L.X., Chang, R.P., Facchetti, A. & Marks, T.J., (2013). High Performance Polymer Solar Cells Achieving Exceptional Fill Factors, Nature Photonics, 7, 825-833

• MIL-STD-810G – Department of Defense Test Method Standard: Environmental Engineering Considerations Laboratory Tests (31 Oct 2008). Retrieved from http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIl-STD-0800-0899/MIl-STD-810G_12306/

• MIL-PRF-461F – Department of Defense Interface Standard: Requirements For the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment (10 Dec 2007). Retrieved from http:// everyspec.com/MIL-STD/Mil-STD-0300-0499/MIl-STx-461F_19035/

• MIL-STD-704F, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INTERFACE STANDARD: AIRCRAFT ELECTRIC POWER CHARACTERISTICS (12 MAR 2004). Retrieved from http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0700-0799/MIL-STD-704F_1083/

KEYWORDS: Solar Cells; Plastic Cells; Material Innovation; High-Efficiency and Conformal; Reliable Power Source; Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-261 H-53 Helicopter Program Office

OBJECTIVE: Develop a stainless steel powder with advanced material characteristics to improve processability, part quality, and performance using an integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) framework to enable the use of selective laser melting (SLM) AM for the replacement, and future design of stainless steel components used in Naval aviation.

DESCRIPTION: Additive manufacturing (AM) has the potential to revolutionize part design and acquisition for the Navy. Further development is needed before AM is accepted for the production of structural components and current efforts to advance AM often overlook its foundation: the material. For many Navy applications, this material is typically a metallic powder used in a powder bed AM system. Current state-of-the-art metal powders, in particular stainless steel powders, have been found to be incapable of producing parts that meet the performance requirements for Naval applications without extensive post processing. Research has shown that powder characteristics like particle size, shape, and distribution; packing density; conductivity; and chemical composition have significant impact on a part’s microstructure which contributes to producing unsatisfactory parts. These properties have also been found to vary widely from supplier to supplier due to different powder processing techniques and self-established specifications. As such, many AM machine manufacturers impose limits on the powders they allow to be used in their machines forcing their consumers to purchase only the manufacturer’s specified powder or risk voiding their warranty.

A stainless steel powder with advanced material characteristics to improve processability, part quality, and performance for use in SLM AM for the replacement, and future design, of stainless steel components used in Naval aviation is sought. An ICME framework should be used to optimize the powder characteristics (e.g. compositional ranges, interstitial content, morphology, and conductivity.) 17-4PH alloy parts are carefully heat treated in order to obtain optimal properties by precipitating a 2nd phase strengthening. Similarly the powder alloy must be capable of achieving optimal properties via thermal processing. The powder must promote processability (e.g. size and shape consistency; high conductivity and packing density; wide melting range; reusability; and able to be used in a variety of powder bed AM machines) and produce as-built parts that exhibit quality (e.g. geometric accuracy and surface finish) and performance (e.g. strength, ductility, hardness, and fracture toughness) equivalent to or better than conventionally built 17-4PH parts.

PHASE I: Develop a stainless steel powder, which when used in SLM AM results in equivalent or better material properties as compared to traditionally manufactured 17-4PH. Design the selected powder using ICME tools. Establish feasibility of the developed powder by fabricating coupons and generating limited test data such as static and fatigue properties for comparison.

PHASE II: Optimize the metal powder characteristics through an iterative approach that includes modeling, fabrication, and testing of prototype parts. Initiate the development of the material properties database for the optimized design, through the fabrication and testing of a small, but complex shaped component. Demonstrate compatibility with a variety of laser melting machines.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Fully develop the design allowable database for the material. Demonstrate and validate the performance of the new material through component testing in a service environment. Transition the newly developed, optimized powder for use in the fabrication of Navy and commercial stainless steel aircraft parts through SLM AM. Stainless steel is used in a wide variety of industries (e.g. aerospace, automotive, energy, construction, and medical.) The desired AM-tailored stainless steel powder would provide these industries with an opportunity to incorporate SLM AM to produce high-performance, complex parts. This effort would also produce the groundwork needed to develop additional AM-tailored materials for other commercial applications.

REFERENCES:

• Averyanova M., Bertrand Ph., Verquin B. (18 July 2011). Studying the influence of initial powder characteristics on the properties of final parts manufactured by the selective laser melting technology. Virtual and Physical Prototyping, 6:4, 215-223. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17452759.2011.594645#.Vaa5M8kpCyc

• Gu H., Gong H,. Dilip J. J. S., Pal D., Hicks A., Doak H., Stucker B. (2014). Effects of Powder Variation on the Microstructure and Tensile Strength of Ti6Al4V Parts Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting. Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium. Retrieved from http://sffsymposium.engr.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/2014-040-Gu.pdf

• Vrancken B., Wauthle R., Kruth J.-P., Van Humbeeck J. (16 August 2013). Study of the Influence of Material Properties on Residual Stress in Selective Laser Melting. Proceedings for the Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, 1-15. Retrieved from http://sffsymposium.engr.utexas.edu/Manuscripts/2013/2013-31-Vrancken.pdf

KEYWORDS: Cost Reduction; Metal Additive Manufacturing; Part Quality; Stainless Steel; Powder Optimization; Material Characterization

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Materials/Processes, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Air Systems, PMA 263

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate novel, tailored, designer separator materials with optimized properties to maximize lithium-ion cell/battery performance, life, safety and reliability.

DESCRIPTION: A typical lithium-ion cell consists of a positive electrode, such as LiFePO4 coated on an aluminum current collector, and a negative electrode, such as carbon coated on a copper foil current collector. The electrodes are separated by a porous plastic film (separator) soaked by an electrolyte liquid. The key function of the separator is to prevent electrical contact between the positive and negative electrode, thereby preventing electrical shorting. The separator has an additional role as a charge-carrier facilitator.

During discharge, for example, the anode supplies Li+ ions to the separator and electrons to the external circuit. The positive Li-ions are inserted into the cathode electrode and are charge compensated by negatively charged electrons in the external circuit, resulting in usable electrical power of the cell/battery. Thus, the separator has to allow ions to transport, but block the flow of electrons. In other words, functionally the separator must be a good ionic conductor, but be a poor electronic conductor.

Separator materials play an important role in achieving high energy and power density and ensure the safety of the battery [1-2]. Cells with high resistance separators perform poorly during high rate discharge and contribute to an increase in charge time. Larger pore sizes of the separator will allow more shorts during high-temperature storage; smaller pore sizes impact cycle life at low temperature. Thinner separators contribute to increasing the capacity by virtue of lower resistance. However, if they are too thin, there may not be enough required mechanical strength. The separator is exposed to volatile, flammable, organic, corrosive electrolyte liquid and operate in a reducing and oxidizing environment. Thus, the designer separator materials should have low resistance, uniform pore structure, and superior oxidation-resistance properties.

In case of rapid internal increase due to electrical (overcharge, short circuit) or mechanical (nail penetration, crush) abuse, the separator has to be shut down, which requires the process to be irreversible to ensure safety [3]. The shutdown prevents thermal runaway events such as those that has contributed to failure of the commercial airliner batteries. The high-temperature melt integrity feature will preserve the safety of the cell during extended overcharge or exposure to higher temperature. The separator must block the lithium-metal dendrite from penetrating through and causing internal shorts. It is to be noted that dendrite growth leading to puncturing the separator and creating internal shorts is one of the major root cause failures of fielded Li-ion batteries. Thus, separators with excellent shut-down features combined with structural integrity are vital to achieving thermal stability and ensuring safe operation of the cell/battery. Overall, the separator and its material properties have a significant impact on the aspects of reliability, safety, high-performance, and longevity of the Li-ion battery.

The majority of the separators used in Li-ion batteries, however, are derived from spin-off technologies and are not specifically developed or optimized for Li-ion batteries. The only advantage is that they are produced in large volume at a relatively low cost. The need is the development of tailor-made novel separator materials with the required chemical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties that will improve the performance, longevity, and most importantly, improve safety without adversely affecting cost.

The goal of the effort is to develop novel separator materials tailored for Li-ion batteries with the following features influencing the design considerations: electronic insulator/high ionic conductivity, physical strength, chemical resistance, mechanical stability, wettability, pore size optimization, dendrite migration prevention, impurity particulate reduction, rapid shut-down, and thermal stability [4-7].

PHASE I: Develop and demonstrate novel separator materials with optimum properties tailored for Li-ion battery applications as proof of concept. Demonstrate feasibility through analytical methods and construct a Li-ion cell for comparison with a baseline control.

PHASE II: Fully develop the concept into a safe, high-performance Li-ion battery prototype by integrating the innovative separator materials in cells/modules/pack, to demonstrate the gain and response to failure modes in a lab environment.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Demonstrate the functionality of the Li-ion battery product that meets the electrical needs of aircraft in a safe and effective manner in an operational environment. Obtain flight certification and transition the representative technology to appropriate Navy platforms (Ex. UAS, F/A-18E/F, F-35) and commercialize. Due to ~ 1/3 weight and ~ 3X energy in comparison to current lead-acid batteries, Li-ion batteries have become the energy storage system of choice. The performance improvement combined with safety is very attractive for Navy aircraft applications. Improvements made under this topic will tremendously benefit commercial aviation, consumer, and automobile markets.

REFERENCES:

• Arora, P., and Zhang, Z., Battery separators, Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 4419-4462 and references therein.

• Spotnitz, R., Handbook of battery materials, J.O. Besenhard, Editor, Wiley: Amsterdam and New York, 1999.

• Laman, F.F., Gee, M.A., Denovan, J. J. Electrochem. Soc, 140 (1993) L 51.

• NAVSEA S9310-AQ-SAF-010, Navy lithium battery safety program responsibilities and procedures, (15 July 2010), Retrieved from http://everyspec.com/USN/nAVSEA/NAVSEA S9310-AQ-SAF-010 4137/.

• MIL-PRF-29595A- Performance Specification: Batteries and Cells, Lithium, Aircraft, General specification For (21 Apr 2011) [Superseding MIL-B-29595]. Retrieved from http://www.eveyspec.com/MIL-PRF/MIL-PRF-010000-29999/MIL-PRF-29595A 32803/.

• MIL-STD-810G – Department of Defense Test Method Standard: Environmental Engineering Considerations Laboratory Tests (31 Oct 2008). Retrieved from http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIl-STD-0800-0899/MIl-STD-810G_12306/.

• MIL-PRF-461F – Department of Defense Interface Standard: Requirements For the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment (10 Dec 2007). Retrieved from http:// everyspec.com/MIL-STD/Mil-STD-0300-0499/MIl-STx-461F_19035/.

KEYWORDS: Li-ion battery; Safety System; High energy density; Dendrites; Separator; High Power Density

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: FNC Efficient and Power Dense Architecture and Components; PMS 320

OBJECTIVE: Develop an affordable method for detecting, localizing, and isolating faults in a Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) zonal electrical power system for naval warships.

DESCRIPTION: MVDC electrical distribution systems are being considered for future naval combatants to affordably achieve power and energy density sufficient to successfully integrate advanced high power electric weapon systems and electric propulsion. By reducing the amount of power conversion and energy storage required as compared to an AC system, MVDC systems offer the opportunity to incorporate electric weapons and high power sensors in surface combatants under 10,000 MT. Since the surface combatant following the DDG 51 class is anticipated to be below 10,000 MT, MVDC will enable these ships to have potentially game changing military capability by employing advanced electric weapons and high power sensors. An important enabler to an MVDC system is an affordable method to detect, localize, and isolate faults on the MVDC bus. Additional details on the overall application of MVDC to shipboard power systems are described in reference 3. One of the key technologies needed for a reasonably priced MVDC system is an affordable (equal to or less than cost of a comparable AC system), reliable method and associated hardware to detect, localize, and isolate faults on the MVDC bus while still maintaining power of the requisite Quality of Service to individual loads.

The use in MVDC power systems of traditional electromechanical circuit breakers common in AC systems is complicated by the need to extinguish the arc once the circuit breaker contactors open. In an AC circuit breaker, the natural zero crossing of the current waveform provides a mechanism for extinguishing the arc and establishing a voltage barrier to prevent the arc from re-striking. DC circuit breakers cannot take advantage of the current zero crossing. Hence, electromechanical circuit breakers are limited in the amount of DC current they can interrupt. Several manufacturers are developing hybrid DC circuit breakers that use semiconductors to shunt the current when the electro-mechanical breaker opens, thereby eliminating the arc. Although these hybrid DC circuit breakers are anticipated to work, they cost more than traditional AC breakers and will require more volume. Alternate solutions to MVDC circuit breakers (capable of interrupting greater than the rated steady-state current up to 4,000 amps with potential growth to 8,000 amps) are sought that will reduce cost by at least 20%, improve power and energy density by at least 20%, of the overall power system as compared to an equivalent AC power system. Solutions shall not have a significant negative impact on the overall power system energy efficiency.

Since power electronic rectifiers create MVDC, fault currents can be limited by controlling the power electronic rectifiers, enabling alternate strategies such as employing less expensive disconnect switches to reconfigure the plant once the power electronics have halted current flow (requiring however, zonal energy storage to power loads while the fault is cleared on the MVDC bus). The challenge confronting system designers of a MVDC system is to understand the behavior of the MVDC system when upstream rectifiers limit current and interrupt current and the rectifiers’ criteria for doing so.

Localization of faults on an MVDC bus must consider the bi-directional nature of power flow of a zonal system. In AC zonal systems, a Multifunction Monitor (MFM) assists in the localization of faults. An analogous component may or may not be needed for an MVDC system.

Future MVDC systems are anticipated to operate between 6 kV and 18 kV. The grounding scheme for the MVDC system has not been established. Nominal rated bus current are anticipated to initially range up to 4,000 amps; with potential growth to 8,000 amps.

PHASE I: In Phase I, the company must provide a concept for an affordable method for fault detection, localization, and isolation on a Medium Voltage DC bus. This concept must include a description of the allocation of functionality among power conversion equipment, power distribution equipment, system controls, and other power system elements. The company will provide evidence that the proposed concept will likely prove more affordable and be more energy power dense than an analogous AC distribution system by 20%. The company shall demonstrate the feasibility of their concept through modeling and simulation. The company should identify technical risks of their concept. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design layout and a capabilities description to build into Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I efforts and the Phase II Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company shall develop a reduced scale prototype system to address the technical risks of their concepts. The company shall develop draft specifications for the different elements of the concept. At a minimum, the reduced scale prototype system shall consist of multiple MVDC sources of power, at least one MVDC load, and multiple ship service zones. The company shall conduct testing of the reduced scale prototype system. The reduced scale prototype system testing shall address technical risks, validate the draft specifications, and demonstrate the functionality of the overall concept in detecting, localizing, and isolating faults.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company shall support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. The company shall develop specifications and first articles for concept unique elements (such as an MVDC, MFM, or MVDC circuit breaker) and specifications for other concept elements (such as power conversion equipment) which must have specific functionality to implement the fault detection, localization, and isolation concept. The technology will be installed on future surface combatants following the end of production of the DDG 51 class. An affordable fault detection, localization, and isolation method for MVDC systems has many potential commercial applications to include commercial ships, industrial facilities, server farms, photovoltaic farms, and wind farms.

REFERENCES:

• Mahajan, Nikhil Ravindra, “System Protection for Power Electronic Building Block Based DC Distribution Systems,” Electrical Engineering Ph.D. Dissertation, North Carolina State University, November 2004. http://repository.lib.ncsu.edu/ir/bitstream/1840.16/5842/1/etd.pdf

• Doerry, CAPT Norbert USN and Dr. John Amy, "Functional Decomposition of a Medium Voltage DC Integrated Power System," http://doerry.org/norbert/papers/MVDC-Functional-Decomp.pdf

• Electric Ships Office, “Naval Power Systems Technology Development Roadmap,” PMS 320, April 29, 2013. http://www.defenseinnovationmarketplace.mil/resources/NavalPowerSystemsTechnologyRoadmap.pdf

KEYWORDS: MVDC fault detection; MVDC fault localization; MVDC fault isolation; Power Electronics Fault Current Control; MVDC electrical distribution; zonal electrical power system

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 2.0, SPY-1 Radar

OBJECTIVE: Develop additive manufacturing for key microwave vacuum device components that meets on-demand, flexible, and affordable manufacturing requirements.

DESCRIPTION: A majority of existing Navy radar, fire control, and electronic warfare (EW) systems, as well as some communications systems, employ microwave vacuum electron devices (for example, microwave tubes). Solid-state retrofitting of these systems is expensive and simply cannot be done in many cases. Therefore, to support these legacy systems, microwave tubes will remain in the Navy inventory for decades to come, although in slowly decreasing quantities. Microwave tubes offer unmatched performance but are expensive and the decreasing demand increases their per-unit cost. This is largely due to sporadic manufacturing, often in quantities insufficient to support continuous production. It is common for procurements of microwave tubes to involve quantities of a few dozen or less. The discontinuous and batch nature of production then ripples through the manufacturing supply chain, resulting in long lead times and added expense for key piece-parts.

Even under the best of circumstances, manufacturing of microwave tubes is a labor-intensive process requiring multiple steps that typically combine unique materials and manufacturing processes. For example, parts and sub-assemblies are typically brazed in sequential steps with the lowest level assembly receiving the highest braze temperature so that the part can survive succeeding braze cycles at progressively lower temperatures. The body of the tube must be impermeable to provide a perfect vacuum. Ceramic to metal seals are the industry norm with oxygen-free high-conductivity (OFHC) copper and high purity alumina predominating. Interior sub-assemblies often combine multiple, specialty metals (including refractory metals) which present unique manufacturing challenges (Ref. 1 and 2).

Furthermore, microwave tube manufacturing has inherent design and quality requirements specific to the industry. For example, the heat load encountered in most tubes presents not only thermal management challenges, but metal-to-metal and metal-to-ceramic joints must be designed to compensate for differing coefficients of thermal expansion. Ceramics often require complicated shapes, such as corrugation (to inhibit high voltage breakdown) and typically undergo complex plating processes in preparation for joining. Throughout the manufacturing process, the governing requirement is vacuum integrity. Materials selection, design, handling, machining, and fabrication are all performed with an eye to the final vacuum processing step that ultimately determines production yield, so crucial to overall cost.

The advent of additive manufacturing (commonly known as 3D printing) offers a possible solution to the expensive and discontinuous nature of microwave tube manufacturing, as well as offering potential manufacturing advantages not available with traditional machining (Ref. 3). The ability to produce parts as needed and reduce the waste of expensive materials would be a boon to the industry. Even greater advantage could be gained from the single-step production of complicated structures (such as resonant cavities) that typically require the brazing of multiple parts. Some relevant progress in this area has been made. For example, ceramic elements for microwave circuits (Ref. 4) and a proof-of-concept slow-wave structure have been recently fabricated (Ref. 3). However, the stringent requirements (e.g. tight mechanical tolerance, low surface roughness, and high-vacuum compatibility) particular to microwave tube production have so far inhibited the broad adoption of additive manufacturing methods by the industry. Consequently, innovative additive manufacturing technologies for microwave tube cost reduction are desired. Target values of 40%-70% cost reduction are considered reasonable (as compared to conventional machining of the same part), depending on the complexity of the parts chosen for demonstration.

The Navy needs an additive manufacturing method that must meet two key requirements. First, it must produce vacuum quality parts. Any process that leaves residual solvents, oils, binders, sacrificial materials, or other contaminants (metal or organic) which cannot be removed by cleaning or heat treatment (bake out) are useless to the industry. Likewise, the parts cannot be porous such that they trap residual gas. Second, it must have an acceptable process to produce parts of high mechanical accuracy, as many microwave tube circuits have critical dimensional tolerances approximately one thousandth of an inch. Other desirable features would include the ability to form parts in more than one metal, the ability to form complicated parts such as hollow cavities that cannot be machined out of one piece, and the ability to plate parts in-place. Desirable technologies for ceramic manufacturing would produce complicated ceramic shapes as well as have the ability to vary the ceramic material in order to produce ceramics with gradually varying loss characteristics. Common to all of these requirements is that the technology must produce parts in the metals and ceramics that are standard to the microwave vacuum devices industry.

This topic serves to increase mission capability by controlling life-cycle cost and reducing delays in the procurement of microwave tubes for critical and widely deployed Navy systems such as SPY-1, SPS-48, SPQ-9B and Nulka. Sustainment of legacy systems is a major challenge and few opportunities exist to introduce cost savings measures. This effort is a basic manufacturing technique that can reduce cost incrementally across many systems. The need for flexible manufacturing techniques will only grow as these legacy systems age and become harder to support. As it is, manufacturers see little incentive to invest in technology to support legacy systems now. However, this technology has broad appeal and is attractive for both existing and new military and commercial products.

PHASE I: The company will develop a concept for innovative additive manufacturing technology for microwave tubes that meets the requirements stated in the topic description. The company will demonstrate the feasibility of their concept in meeting Navy needs and will establish that the concept can be feasibly produced through sample testing, modelling, simulation, and analysis. In the Phase I Option, if awarded, the company will develop a capabilities description and a plan for development and demonstration of the technology in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company will develop prototype additive manufacturing techniques and equipment for the production of microwave tube parts consistent with industry material standards and assembly practices as described in the description section. The prototype techniques and equipment will be evaluated to determine their capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II SOW and the Navy requirements for reduced cost microwave tube manufacturing. Performance will be demonstrated primarily through testing by the small business of industry-representative sample tube parts for mechanical and vacuum integrity over the required range of manufacturing and operating parameters, including braze, bake out, and vacuum exhaust cycles. Testing may be augmented by modeling and analytical methods. Evaluation results will be used to refine and deliver the prototype with an initial design that will meet Navy requirements. The company will prepare a Phase III plan to transition the technology for commercial use and to supply Navy needs.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will be expected to produce its additive manufacturing technology for microwave tubes and support the processes required for its successful transition to microwave tube-based systems (such as SPY-1) in the Navy. The company will develop and fully document the processes required to integrate the technology for use by industry according to the Phase III development plan. The technology will be evaluated to determine its effectiveness in specialty production of microwave tube parts. This may require the company to license their processes to other manufacturers for actual production. The US domestic microwave tube industry supplies commercial as well as military markets and technologies that reduce process costs typically benefit all product lines. Since this topic seeks to develop a fundamental manufacturing technology and not a specific military application, the potential for commercial application is assured. The potential commercial market is essentially stable, should the technology prove effective.

REFERENCES:

• Rosebury, Fred. Handbook of Electron Tube and Vacuum Techniques (American Vacuum Society Classics edition). New York; American Institute of Physics, 1993; http://www.gbv.de/dms/hebis-mainz/toc/084071397.pdf

• Kohl, Walter H.; Handbook of Materials and Techniques for Vacuum Devices (American Vacuum Society Classics edition). New York; American Institute of Physics, 1995; http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCYQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springer.com%2FproductFlyer_978-1-56396-387-2.pdf%3FSGWID%3D0-0-1297-30739452-0&ei=qsKaVZ2mNML9yQSk_43YBA&usg=AFQjCNHN3SMHF-O7FgZg8oFzyx15Gs0_Yw

• Anderson, James, et al. "Fabrication of 35 GHz Folded Waveguide TWT Circuit Using Rapid Prototype Techniques.” 39th Int. Conf. Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves (IRMMW-THz), Tucson, AZ, 14-19 Sep. 2014; http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?reload=true&tp=&arnumber=6956205&openedRefinements%3D*%26filter%3DAND(AND(NOT(4283010803))%2CAND(NOT(4283010803)))%26pageNumber%3D8%26rowsPerPage%3D50%26queryText%3D(microfabrication+techniques)

• Marchives, Yoann, et al. "Wide-band Dielectric Filter at C-band Manufactured by Stereolithography.” Proceedings of the 44th European Microwave Conference.” 6-9 Oct. 2014: pp. 187-190; http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6986401&url=h

KEYWORDS: Vacuum electron device; microwave tubes; microwave vacuum devices; additive manufacturing; 3D printing; refractory metals

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS320, Electric Ships Office; PMS501 Littoral Combat Ship Program Office

OBJECTIVE: Develop an encapsulating medium voltage dielectric material and application process to electrically insulate a high temperature superconducting power cable and end terminations in a gaseous Helium environment.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is embarking on an aggressive and innovative Power and Energy Program and a Next Generation Integrated Power System (NGIPS) for application on both shore based operations, future surface ships, and underwater vehicles. With the advent of prime mover power generation and high power directed weapons, the Navy is striving to distribute an order of magnitude increase in electrical power without increasing distribution system space and weight or reducing efficiency. The Navy requires cost-effective, innovative technology solutions that fulfill these requirements to ensure that next-generation vessels are able to accomplish their mission.

Future naval power systems are trending toward a fully integrated power system, which leverages installed electrical generation to meet the high power demand of future loads. The electric propulsion loads are within the range of 20-80 MW. The ability to distribute this amount of power in an integrated power system requires increased distribution power densities over what is currently available through conventional copper cabling. High temperature superconductors (HTS) are an ideal candidate for the technology to increase volumetric and gravimetric power distribution densities that will meet the demands of future shipboard power loads.

HTS power cables have matured and proven reliable through land-based programs including multiple in-grid installations (ref. 1 and 4). In addition to providing an excellent cooling medium, the liquid Nitrogen used in these demonstrations provides key dielectric insulation to the cable. Due to safety and logistical requirements for naval applications, liquid Nitrogen is not a viable option for shipboard HTS applications. As an alternative to liquid Nitrogen, the Navy currently uses cryogenically cooled Helium gas to cool HTS degaussing systems (ref. 2). Although Helium is known to have poor dielectric strength, it is not a concern as HTS degaussing is a low voltage system.

For voltage applications approximately 20kV, the weak dielectric strength of Helium warrants dielectric solution that eliminates a Helium path between phases in the HTS cables. This would require the development of a novel dielectric material or process of application to hermetically encapsulate the HTS conductor phases. This novel material or process would support the ability to develop a HTS power cable operating in gaseous Helium at the extreme temperature range of 30-50K. Any solution identified in this topic is required to be applicable to a coaxial DC HTS power cable as well as 3-phase triaxial AC cable. The dielectric material and application process may be extended to a multi-phased HTS power cable termination (ref. 3 and 5). Dielectric strength of a proposed solution should exceed 100 kV/mm, with a breakdown voltage greater than 100kV. The proposed solutions should be able to be applied to each phase of a HTS cable in a manner that does not induce damage to the conductor. This requires the HTS conductor not to exceed a temperature of 160C. The cost of the proposed solution should not exceed $25 per meter per phase of HTS cable.

PHASE I: The company will define and develop a concept for a material and process of applying an encapsulating dielectric material suitable for a 20kVDC HTS power cable and terminations in Helium gas at appropriate density ranges (0.7 kg/m3 to 19.8 kg/m3). The technical feasibility of the proposed concept will be identified and demonstrated through modeling, analysis, and bench top experimentation where appropriate. The solution shall be quantified in terms of dielectric size, weight, and cost. The Phase I final report shall capture the technical feasibility and economic viability for the proposed concept that can be matured further if awarded a Phase II. The Phase I Option, if awarded, should include the initial layout and capabilities description for the material or process to be developed in Phase II.

PHASE II: The company will develop and fabricate a prototype HTS power cable based on the Phase I work and Phase II statement of work (SOW) for demonstration and characterization of key parameters of the dielectric insulation system. Based on lessons learned in Phase II through the prototype demonstration, a substantially complete design of a cable and termination should be completed and delivered to enable Navy qualification testing. The prototype will be evaluated against the predicted benefits identified in Phase I for size, cost, and dielectric strength. The prototype will be delivered at the end of Phase II. A Phase III plan shall be developed to transition the technology to the Navy.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company is expected to support the Navy in transitioning the HTS power cable and termination insulation technology for Navy use. This may include teaming with appropriate industry partners to incorporate the developed dielectric material into a fully qualified power cable for interested acquisition programs including PM501 and PMS320. The company will develop technical data specifications and manuals as needed to support transition of a fully qualified system. The desired electrical power converter has direct applications in commercial power grid, power distribution, electric power conversion, and cryogenic power applications making it broadly applicable to the commercial world.

REFERENCES:

• J.F. Maguire, J. Yuan, W. Romanosky, F. Schmidt, R. Soika, S. Bratt, “Progress and status of a 2G HTS power cable to be installed in the long island power authority (LIPA) grid,” IEEE Transactions On Applied Superconductivity, Vol. 21, 2011, 961. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=5675726&abstractAccess=no&userType=inst

• J.T. Kephart, B.K. Fitzpatrick, P. Ferrara, M. Pyryt, J. Pienkos, E.M. Golda, “High temperature superconducting degaussing from feasibility study to fleet adoption,” Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, Vol.21, 2010, 2229. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/defdeny.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fstamp%2Fstamp.jsp%3Ftp%3D%26arnumber%3D5672800%26userType%3Dinst&denyReason=-134&arnumber=5672800&productsMatched=null&userType=inst

• H. Rodrigo, L. Graber, D.S. Kwag, D.G. Crook, B. Trociewitz, “Comparative study of high voltage bushing designs suitable for apparatus containing cryogenic Helium gas,” Cryogenics 57, 2013, 12; http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0011227513000325

• Demko, J.A; Sauers, I; James, D.R.; Gouge, M.J.; Lindsay, D.; Roden, M.; Tolbert, J.; Willen, D.; Trholt, C.; Nielsen, C. T., "Triaxial HTS Cable for the AEP Bixby Project," Applied Superconductivity, IEEE Transactions on, vol.17, no.2, pp.2047,2050,

• Shah, D.; Ordonez, J.C.; Graber, L.; Kim, C.H.; Crook, D.G.; Suttell, N.; Pamidi, S., "Simulation and Optimization of Cryogenic Heat Sink for Helium Gas Cooled Superconducting Power Devices," Applied Superconductivity, IEEE Transactions on , vol.23, no.3, June 2013; http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/defdeny.jsp?url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fstamp%2Fstamp.jsp%3Ftp%3D%26arnumber%3D6416943%26userType%3Dinst&denyReason=-134&arnumber=6416943&productsMatched=null&userType=inst

KEYWORDS: Dielectric; HTS; superconductivity; integrated power system; high-energy demands for Naval ships; HTS power cable;

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: FNC Efficient and Power Dense Architecture and Components; PMS 320 Electric

OBJECTIVE: Develop an affordable, general method for grounding Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) zonal electrical power systems for naval warships.

DESCRIPTION: MVDC zonal electrical distribution systems are being considered for future naval combatants to affordably achieve power and energy density sufficient to successfully integrate advanced high power electric weapon systems and electric propulsion. Details on the overall application of MVDC to shipboard power systems are described in references 1 and 2. One of the key technologies needed for an MVDC system is an affordable, reliable method as compared to current systems in use and associated hardware to provide a ground reference for an MVDC shipboard power system. The goal for reliability should be a mean time between operational failure of the ground reference system in excess of 30,000 hours. This grounding method must account for multiple sources of MVDC power on the bus; these sources may or may not be online at any one time. These sources will have a power electronics interface with the MVDC bus. The sources of power may include AC generators, transformers, batteries, capacitors, flywheels, and fuel cells.

Desirable attributes of the grounding system include the ability to continue operation with one line to ground fault, the ability to detect and locate line to ground faults, minimizing currents in the hull, and avoiding high line to ground voltages that can stress and reduce the service life of cable insulation. Previous research on grounding systems include those documented in references 4 and 5. To date, of the many possible ways of grounding an MVDC system, a preferred solution for MVDC system grounding has not been established; the Navy has not previously funded industry to develop an MVDC grounding system for a shipboard power system. None of the known existing ways is ideal for the prospective application.

By reducing the amount of power conversion and energy storage required as compared to an AC system, MVDC systems offer the opportunity to incorporate electric weapons and high power sensors in surface combatants under 10,000 MT. Since the surface combatant following the DDG 51 class is anticipated to be below 10,000 MT, MVDC will enable these ships to have potentially game changing military capability by employing advanced electric weapons and high power sensors. An important enabler to an affordable MVDC system is an affordable method to ground the MVDC bus.

PHASE I: In Phase I, the company must provide a concept for the development of a general grounding system for MVDC zonal systems. The grounding system must account for multiple sources of MVDC power on the bus; these sources may or may not be online at any one time. All sources have a power electronics interface with the MVDC bus. The sources of power may include AC generators, transformers, batteries, capacitors, flywheels, and/or fuel cells. The grounding system concept should include the ability to continue operation with one line to ground fault, the ability to detect and locate line to ground faults, minimizing currents in the hull, and avoiding high line to ground voltages that can stress and reduce the service life of cable insulation.

The grounding system concept must include a description of the allocation of functionality among power conversion equipment, power distribution equipment, system controls, and other power system elements. The company must provide evidence that the proposed concept will likely prove more affordable than alternate feasible concepts that the company has considered but not selected. The company shall demonstrate the feasibility of their concept through modeling and simulation. The company shall identify technical risks of their concept. The Phase I Option, if awarded, should include an initial design layout and capabilities description to build a grounding system for MVDC zonal systems prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I efforts and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company shall develop a grounding system for MVDC zonal systems prototype system to address the technical risks of their concepts. The company shall develop draft specifications for the different elements of the concept. At a minimum, the prototype system shall consist of multiple MVDC sources of power, at least one MVDC load, and multiple ship service zones. The company shall conduct testing of the prototype system. Testing shall address the technical risks of the system. The prototype system testing shall validate the draft specifications, and the effectiveness of the grounding system in meeting objectives. The prototype should be delivered at the end of Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company shall support the Navy in transitioning and integrating the grounding system for MVDC zonal systems technology to Navy use. The company shall develop specifications and first articles for concept unique elements and specifications for other concept elements (such as power conversion equipment and generator rectifiers) which must have specific functionality to implement the grounding system concept. The technology will be installed on future surface combatants following the end of production of the DDG 51 class. An affordable grounding system for MVDC systems has many potential commercial applications to include commercial ships, industrial facilities, server farms, photovoltaic farms and wind farms.

REFERENCES:

• Doerry, CAPT Norbert USN and Dr. John Amy, "Functional Decomposition of a Medium Voltage DC Integrated Power System," http://doerry.org/norbert/papers/MVDC-Functional-Decomp.pdf

• Electric Ships Office, “Naval Power Systems Technology Development Roadmap,” PMS 320, April 29, 2013. http://www.defenseinnovationmarketplace.mil/resources/NavalPowerSystemsTechnologyRoadmap.pdf

• Graber, L., S. Pekarek, M. Mazzola, "Grounding of Shipboard Power Systems - Results from Research an Preliminary Guidelines for the Shipbuilding Industry," ESRDC Technical Report, Contract N0014-08-1-0080, February 2014. https://www.esrdc.com/library/?q=system/files/ESRDC%20Technical%20Report_Grounding%20Guidelines_FINAL.pdf

• Jacobson, Boris, and John Walker, "Grounding Considerations for DC and Mixed DC and AC Power Systems," Naval Engineers Journal, Volume 119, Number 2, 1 October 2007, pp. 49-62. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.0028-1425.2007.00019.x/abstra

KEYWORDS: MVDC grounding system; MVDC circulating currents; MVDC power systems; MVDC ground fault; MVDC ground fault detection; MVDC ground fault localization

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO Ships AM, Acquisition Management

OBJECTIVE: Develop live digital forensics that, at run time, provide a cyber-protection strategy and aid in identification of malfunctions due to malicious and non-malicious events, while ensuring minimal impact on overall system performance.

DESCRIPTION: Shipboard machinery control systems utilize SCADA to monitor and control these systems. Common components of the SCADA systems include human-machine interfaces (HMI), remote terminal units (RTU), input/output devices (I/O), programmable logic controllers (PLC), and communication networks. Digital forensics, consisting of activities associated with the collection and analysis of digital data from various sources, is an essential part of an overall cyber defense strategy both prior to and after a breach of security. For SCADA systems, forensics is not only a vital part of the protection strategy but also can aid in the troubleshooting and identification of non-malicious events that cause the system to malfunction.

A number of unique challenges exist for the forensic analysis of SCADA based systems. Components of a SCADA system are often resource constrained. The opportunity to run forensic resources on devices in the SCADA system depends on the availability of processor, memory, I/O, and other system resources. Many systems running in the field have legacy hardware and lack the computing capabilities of modern hardware systems. The collection of log data in SCADA systems is often inadequate. In particular, immediately following an incident, the collection of log data is critical to being able to re-create the sequence of events leading up to the incident. There are currently no effective methods for capturing the volatile data that exists in the control system registers, cache, memory, routing tables, and temporary file systems. Much of the data that exists in SCADA systems is at the lower layers of the architecture making it more difficult to access. At those layers, sometimes there is such a large amount of data that analysis becomes challenging due to scale and dimensionality.

The solution sought should incorporate data acquisition tools used to support forensics analysis that has minimal impact on the overall operation of the control system. The application must be able to operate as a plug in to an open source forensic tool kit such as Autopsy and have an open system architecture. The application should enable reconstruction and replay of the state of the SCADA system to support incident response. The government will be responsible for scheduling testing and certification of the application in a land based SCADA test facility prior to transition. It is essential that the proposed solution performs live forensics at run time with minimal impact on overall system performance.

PHASE I: The company will investigate and develop an architectural design of a forensic tool set for SCADA including identification of an Application Program Interface (API), for the plug in interface, and functional requirements. The company will define and develop a concept for forensic tools for SCADA that can meet the performance constraints listed in the description. They will perform modeling and simulation to provide initial assessment of concept performance and feasibility. Phase I Option, if awarded, would include the initial layout and capabilities description to build the system in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company will develop and demonstrate a prototype forensic tool kit for SCADA based on the interface and functional requirements developed in Phase I. Testing will be conducted in a land based SCADA test facility. The prototype should be delivered at the end of Phase II, ready to be integrated by the government. The Phase II effort will likely require secure access.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will assist the Navy in transitioning the forensic tool set for SCADA specified in Phase I and prototyped in Phase II to a Navy lab for operational analysis. After Navy laboratory assessment, the company will assist with the integration of the forensic tool kit and demonstrate the complete system shipboard. The company will transition the technology to SCADA. The Cyber forensic tool kit will be applicable to control systems cyber analysis across the government. The cybersecurity tool will also be applicable to all manufacturing, energy production, and oil and mineral processing facility machinery and engine control systems.

REFERENCES:

• Taveras, Perdo N., Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Dominican Republic, “SCADA Live Forensics: Real Time Data Acquisition Process To Detect, Prevent Or Evaluate Critical Situations” Proceedings of 1st Annual International Interdisciplinary Conference, AIIC 2013, 24-26 April, Azores, http://eujournal.org/index.php/esj/article/download/1457/1466Portugal,

• Kirkpatrick, T., Gonzalez, J., Chandia, R., Papa, M and Shenoi, S (2008) 'Forensic analysis of SCADA systems and networks', Int. J. security and Networks, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 95-102, http://www.inderscienceonline.com/doi/abs/10.1504/IJSN.2008.017222?journalCode=ijsn

• Irfan Ahmed, Sebastian Obermeier, Martin Naedele, Golden G. Richard III, 'SCADA Systems: Challenges for Forensic Investigators', Computer Cover Feature December 2012, Published by the IEEE Computer Society 0018-9162/12/$31.00 © 2012 IEEE, http://cs.uno.edu/~irfan/Publications/ieee_computer_2012.pdf

KEYWORDS: Cybersecurity; forensics of cyber-attacks; SCADA; forensic tool set; WeaselBoard; PLC

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 1.0, AEGIS Integrated Combat System.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a modular and scalable cooling technology for electronic computer cabinets and display consoles that do not require forced air or water-to-air cooling.

DESCRIPTION: Navy combat systems integration requires the use of electronics cabinets to support data transfer, processing, and communications across the system and to end users that interface with the system at a console. Common Processing Cabinets (Ref 1) have largely been replaced by Mission Critical Enclosures (MCE) (28" W x 42.42" D x 75" H and 2,000 lbs.) and when fully populated have a 5.0 kW heat load. Other customized processing cabinets can generate as much as 15.0 kW of heat and are physically larger than the MCEs. Electronic cabinets that do not require demineralized water are typically cooled internally with chilled water-to-air cooling systems or through forced air-cooling. These systems require space specific chilled water piping and ventilation air supply and return ducting in the overhead or under a false floor. Similar to electronics cabinets, Common Display System (CDS) consoles used by sailors have had water-cooled designs but have more recently converted to air-cooled designs with heat loads of 0.8 kW. Ship infrastructure for piping and ducting schemes to support thermal management are extensive and costly to change if any sort of reconfiguration of the space is required. Generally, these distributive systems have a great impact on the shipboard system-cooling infrastructure (Ref 2). Other conventional approaches such as using chilled water-cooled water-to-air cabinet cooling systems have concerns with condensation in the enclosures, which require constant draining to avoid spillage within the sensitive electronics.

A modular and scalable cooling system technology that will largely replace the legacy water-to-air cooling systems and forced air-cooling systems is needed so thermal loading can be handled at the source versus in a centralized location that requires complex, expensive, non-reconfigurable distribution systems. Reductions in piping and ducting distribution systems reduces acquisition cost and system weight. Modular cooling will also allow for additional sensors, tactical displays, and consoles to be incorporated into the AEGIS Integrated Combat System because advanced thermal management technology enables a smaller footprint for. An approach that is localized on or near the heat generation source without significant direct shipboard support systems is desired. This system must pass military standards for shock and vibration (Ref 3 and 4). The advanced cooling system should be self-contained and scalable for the anticipated heat loads. Utilization of shipboard support systems such as water should be minimized or eliminated. Scalability to accommodate larger, currently customized, processing cabinets greater than the 5 kW heat load associated with the MCEs is preferred. This would be an attractive enabler to a flexible infrastructure where larger, standardized mission processing packages may be needed for larger and more powerful shipboard radar systems. Legacy radar rooms currently generate as much as 25 kW of heat and the new radar system will be increasing the heat load to these radar rooms to approximately 100 kW or more. Since combat systems in general account for approximately 80% of the total space-cooling load, an advanced thermal management technology could potentially provide space that is more available for the MCEs. The computer room would not require extensive ventilation ducting. The shipboard HVAC systems and associated fan rooms near combat system spaces can be significantly downsized. The shipboard chilled water system could similarly be downsized and would be used for condenser water supply and HVAC cooling coils to accommodate the Hull, Mechanical, & Electrical (HM&E) services within the combat system spaces.

PHASE I: During Phase I, the company will develop a concept for a scalable thermal management system and show the feasibility of developing a system solution to migrate from conventional shipboard approaches such as conductive and/or convective cooling. A Phase I concept will be developed, to provide a component level architecture for the thermal management system, and required system interfaces defined. The feasibility will be shown through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the proposed system(s) to provide thermal performance data. Preliminary impacts to ship space, weight, and power (SWaP) for the system shall also be assessed during Phase I and compared to current water-to-air cooling system and forced air-cooling systems. Conductive cooling is typically implemented with Grade C quality fresh water cooler with an area/heat transfer ratio of 0.12 ft2/kw or with Grade A quality fresh water with an area/heat transfer ratio of 0.3 ft2/kw. Alternatively, convective cooling is provided through the ship’s chilled water system with an area/heat transfer ratio of 1.5 ft2/kw. The Phase I Option, if awarded, should include the initial system layout and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), a prototype modular and scalable cooling technology will be delivered that will handle thermal loadings ranging from 0.8 kW to 15 kW of heat load for MCE and CDS console applications. Phase II will include the detail design of the system to satisfy Navy requirements for thermal management and SWaP, including all performance and qualification requirements including but not limited to shock/vibration, electromagnetic interference, and bonding/grounding for system components conveyed during Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) following Phase I award. Land based testing will be performed at facilities qualified to validate system performance requirements in accordance with Navy standards and specifications and define system integration requirements. A Phase III qualification and transition plan will be provided at the end of Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: During Phase III, the company will support the Navy in qualifying the modular and scalable cooling technology that can handle 0.8 kW through 15 kW thermal loading on AEGIS Integrated Combat system MCE and CDS consoles by providing hardware and engineering support to government shipboard installation and certification activities. This modular and scalable cooling technology will be a great help in all applications of cooling systems. They would include refrigeration, building coolers, and automobiles.

REFERENCES:

• Bahen, Dan. “The Common Processing System (CPS) and Advanced COTS Enclosure (ACE).” Global Technical Systems, 2012. June 2015. http://gts.us.com/Combat-Systems_Common-Processing-System

• McGillian, Joseph, Perotti, Thomas, McCunney, Edward, McGovern, Michael. “Shipboard Thermal Management Systems.” American Society of Naval Engineers, 2010. June 2015. https://www.navalengineers.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/2010%20Proceedings%20Documents/EMTS%202010%20Proceedings/Papers/Thursday/EMTS10_2_31.pdf

• MIL-S-901D, Military Specification: SHOCK TESTS. H.I. (HIGH-IMPACT) SHIPBOARD MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, AND SYSTEMS, REQUIREMENTS FOR (17 MAR 1989).

• MIL-STD-167-1A, Department of Defense Test Method Standard for Mechanical Vibrations of Shipboard Equipment (Type I – Environmental and Type II – Internally Excited), 02 November 2005.

KEYWORDS: Shipboard system cooling; chilled water-to-air cooling systems; forced air-cooling; heat generation source; Mission Critical Enclosures; Common Display System consoles

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Commander Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC)/ Potential Application to V-22,

OBJECTIVE: To develop a process capable of producing a washout tool that can be used in the manufacturing of composite structures using tape placement, Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding Process (VARTM) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology.

DESCRIPTION: High precision composite parts with complex shapes are currently used in aircraft engine applications. To fabricate these parts, washout tooling is required. The currently used material has issues with tolerances, consistency of tooling properties, and time to fabricate the tooling. A process that can more consistently produce the tooling in reduced time will reduce the cost of the resultant component. In addition, the development of an improved tooling processing methodology will open opportunities for many applications that to date are not considered due to the current tolerances that are achievable with current washout tooling manufacturing processes.

Composite materials are gaining increased acceptance as a structural material for Naval applications. Using composite materials for these applications allows both the material and structure to be formed at the same time. As such, using composite materials often allows for part reduction. Additional part reduction can occur using composites if the material can be accurately formed into complex shapes with high tolerances, such as those required for aircraft engine components. One way that this can be achieved is through the utilization of washout tooling. Typically, the washout material is manually poured into tooling and allowed to harden. Depending on the operator, the resulting mandrel can have varying properties and levels of consistency, and the time to produce the mandrel can vary greatly. The development of an automated process that produces the washout tooling with improved dimensional stability and with less time will result in reduced processed composite part cost. The process should produce the washout tooling such that it is highly repeatable (tolerances of +0.005” on thickness and +0.010 on everything else), low cost considering both materials and forming process ($40-$50/part of size 1.5” x 12”x 0.5”), does not require an oven post cure, and with thermal shock and impact resistance equal to ceramics and requiring minimal processing time. The material should be capable being used in autoclave processing with typical processing conditions of 350°F temperature and 100 psi pressure. In addition, the material used for the washout tooling should be environmentally friendly and should not create a hazardous waste stream.

The washout tooling must also provide the appropriate characteristics required for the production of high performance composite structures. In addition to the above mentioned tolerances, it is important that the tooling produces the finished part with the appropriate dimensions. This requires that the washout tooling have the appropriate Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) such that a finished autoclave cured part meet the tolerances required for the processed component. It should be noted that carbon/epoxy prepreg will be one of the materials that the washout tooling will be required to be compatible with.

PHASE I: Develop and demonstrate material and handling properties to produce proof of concept specimens with properties suitable for use in washout tooling applications, as detailed above. The small business shall demonstrate that the washout tooling material can be easily removed after a component has been processed at 350° F. Finally, since cost is always important, the washout material utilized must not require an oven post cure and temporary storage of washout material shall not require that it be kept under vacuum or be degraded to exposure to ambient air.

PHASE II: Based on the Phase I effort, further develop and demonstrate a repeatable process whereby the small business can produce a soluble rectangular mandrel with dimensions of approximately 1.5” x 12” x 0.5” with tolerances of +0.005” on thickness and +0.010 on everything else. These parts must also demonstrate that they are capable of handling the processing conditions typical of tape placement and autoclave curing. In addition, they need to demonstrate that the process is scalable to 2” x 20” x 0.5”. The small business must next demonstrate the ability to develop and demonstrate the process for manufacturing the soluable tooling with more complex shapes, as determined by the topic sponsor. The shape can include rectangular sections that are out of plane, or circular sections with jogs and protrusions, or foil shapes with complex curvature. In addition, the small business will scale up the processing to be able to produce mandrels with planar dimensions of a minimum 12” x 24 “. The small business must demonstrate that the manufactured component meets the dimensional tolerances established by the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: During Phase III, quantities of the soluble tooling will be provided to COMFRC, such as Cherry Point as well as NAWCAD Materials Engineering for final evaluation and characterization. In addition, the small business, in collaboration with the Navy monitoring team will address a selected military functional demonstration during Phase III. The final developed process will also transition to an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) where high tolerance washout tooling will be produced for production parts. The commercial aircraft industry would benefit significantly from low cost tooling material that allows for the fabrication of reproducible low cost composite parts by reducing the part count for complex shaped components. The tooling can also be used in Naval platforms (ships, subs) which could benefit from reduced part count and complex composite components.

REFERENCES:

• New options for trapped tooling. Retrieved from http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/new-options-for-trapped-tooling

• RTM and VARTM Material Considerations. Retrieved from http://www.niar.wichita.edu/niarworkshops/Portals/0/Other%20Product%20Forms%20Considerations%20LGintert.pdf

• Introduction of Liquid Resin Molding Project. Retrieved from https://www.niar.wichita.edu/niarworkshops/Portals/0/Introduction%20of%20Liquid%20Resin%20Molding%20Project.pdf

KEYWORDS: Soluble Tooling, low cost tooling, tape placement, autoclave curing, washout tool, composite materials

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems, Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Distributed Common Ground System-Navy (DCGS-N), Data Focused Naval Tactical

OBJECTIVE: Develop a platform which takes in large amounts of data from a variety of sources, analyzes it using sophisticated and fast algorithms and provides detailed interpretable probabilistic models as output.

DESCRIPTION: Recent advances in technology have led to the era of massive data sets which are not only larger, both in terms of sample size and dimensionality of the data, but also more complex. The data can be multi-modal, multi-relational and gathered from different sources. The massive data sets (“Big Data”) introduce unique computational and statistical challenges. Traditionally, the issues of statistical accuracy of an estimator and the computational cost of implementing it have been considered separately. This approach is suitable to small-scale data sets in which computation is not a limiting factor. However, large-scale data sets require an integrated approach to statistical and computational issues [1]. With big and messy data there is an increasing need for scalable software that will fit user-specified models that include multiple levels of variation and allow the combination of diverse data sources [2]. This software should facilitate easier customization of statistical models for big data and offer robust implementation for inference over all models. Among the challenges is to find ways to incorporate problem-specific knowledge into an analysis. This often entails customizing default methods to better suit the unique characteristics of the application at hand.

Recently, there have been some promising approaches that addressed the previous challenges. For example, the DimmWitted framework [2] provides the trade-off between statistical efficiency (roughly the number of steps an algorithm takes to converge) and hardware efficiency (roughly the efficiency of each of those steps). Similarly, scalable tensor-based approaches for learning latent variable models [4] provide novel analysis for tractable tensor decomposition for many classes of latent variable models, including Gaussian mixtures, latent Dirichlet allocation and hidden Markov models. Sparse coding have also led to a number of breakthroughs in automatic processing of large volumes of textual information, to the extent that billions of text documents can be processed to extract trending topics and story lines [5]. However, such success is not matched in general media data.

There is a clear need to develop a platform for automated and efficient analysis of big data and extraction of relevant information in real time. Such platform should implement advanced mathematical algorithms that are backed by rigorous theoretical analysis and experiments.

PHASE I: Determine feasibility, advantages and limitations of existing computational algorithms to be used or develop novel algorithms for the analysis of big data. Design metrics for evaluation of the platform in Phase II including but not limited to issues related to data types (modalities), data amounts, processing time, computational efficiency, robustness of the algorithms, scalability, and adaptability. Select the data and the state-of-the-art algorithms that will be used in Phase II as a baseline for comparison and specify detailed testing and validation procedure.

PHASE II: Develop open source libraries on various platforms such as graphics processing unit (GPU), central processing unit (CPU) and cloud. Develop scalable software that will fit user-specified models. Develop a prototype platform and demonstrate the operation of the platform on simulated and real-world data. Perform detailed testing and evaluation of the platform. Demonstrate advantages of the platform in comparison to the state-of-the-art algorithms that were selected in Phase I.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The functional final system should be developed with performance specifications. Finalize the design from Phase II, perform relevant testing and transition the technology to appropriate Navy and commercial entities. Potential applications of this topic are in defense, security agencies both government and private, and law enforcement. This technology will primarily support analysis of large datasets such as satellite images, streaming audio and video signals, and text documents.

REFERENCES:

• M. J. Wainwright. Structured regularizers: Statistical and computational issues. Annual Review of Statistics and its Applications, 1:233–253, January 2014.

• B. Carpenter, A. Gelman, M. Hoffman, D. Lee, B. Goodrich, M. Betancourt, M. Brubaker, J. Guo, P. Li, and A. Riddell. Stan: A probabilistic programming language, Journal of Statistical Software, 2015.

• C. Zhang and C. Re. DimmWitted: A study of main-memory statistical analytics. In Proceedings of the 40th International Conference on Very Large Databases, 2014.

• A. Anandkumar, R. Ge, D. Hsu, S.M. Kakade, and M. Telgarsky. Tensor Methods for Learning Latent Variable Models. Journal of Machine Learning Research, 15:2773–2832, 2014.

• C. H. Teo J. Eisenstein A. Smola A. Ahmed, Q. Ho and E. P. Xing. Online inference for the infinite topic-cluster model: Storylines from streaming text. In Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Statistics (AISTAT) 2011.

KEYWORDS: Big data; scalable algorithms; data processing; information integration; computing; inference; learning; automated analysis

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Data Focused Naval Tactical Clouds (DFNTC) FNC; Also relevant to DCGS-N

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate efficient and robust computational methods for 4D space-time reconstruction of dynamic scenes by integrating data from multiple imaging sensors and ancillary information when available. Also, develop the capability to browse the reconstructed scene from different viewpoints and at different levels of detail.

DESCRIPTION: Proliferation of imaging sensors provides the opportunity for integrating image data to reconstruct a dynamic scene, namely, reconstructing both the static background and the actors (people, vehicles, animals) moving in the scene. The imaging sensors may be stationary such as webcams and security cameras installed on buildings, and mobile such as cameras mounted on ground and air vehicles, body-worn, and hand-held smart phones. While there have been substantial advances in 3D spatial reconstruction of static scenes from multiple viewpoints, especially scenes with distinctive landmarks, 4D space-time reconstruction of moving objects has lagged behind. The three main technical challenges for reconstructing 4D space-time scenes include (i) determining correspondences for dynamic features in multiple cameras and images, (ii) reconstructing moving 3D features which may be sparse and have gaps, and (iii) space-time alignment of moving cameras with respect to the static scene. These challenges are compounded by the fact that images from cameras are taken from vastly different and changing viewpoints and have different resolutions and qualities due to variations in distance, intrinsic camera parameters, motion blur, illumination, and occlusion. We want to develop automated methods for 4D space-time reconstruction of dynamic scenes, in particular for scenes that are extended in space and events that have long durations. We also want to develop appropriate data structures and visualization methods to (iv) enable interactive browsing of the reconstructed 4D scene. The scenario is that there is a central processing place, where it receives and processes imagery from all the cameras.

PHASE I: Develop robust computational methods/algorithms for reconstruction of the 3D stationary background and the 4D space-time of moving entities. Demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithms using data from a small number of cameras (at least one of which is hand-held or body-worn) in a relatively benign urban scene with few moving entities. Estimate the scalability of the reconstruction methods to crowded scenes with many cameras and many actors moving in extended spaces over longer time periods. Also estimate the computing and storage requirements as a function of complexity of scenarios and processing time.

PHASE II: Based on Phase I effort, further develop algorithms for 4D space-time scene reconstruction by integrating images and video taken by many stationary and moving cameras. Demonstrate the performance of the algorithms applied to crowded scenes with many moving actors, in large spaces over long durations. Develop simple models of actor’s behaviors and reasoning about their motion to fill potential gaps in the data coverage. Develop metrics for assessing the quality of images and whether their use would enhance or degrade the 4D scene reconstructions. Develop methods for integrating ancillary data, such as existing imagery and maps or reports that may also be available to improve the reconstructions. Develop the data-structure and visualization methods for interactive browsing of the 4D reconstructed scenes from arbitrary viewpoints and at different spatial and temporal levels of detail. The prototype system should be evaluated with publicly available data from urban street scenes.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Refine the 4D space-time reconstruction algorithms and interactive browsing methods into a final product that can be used by the Navy. Develop plans to transition a fully functional system to defense, security or law enforcement agencies for applications in after-action reviews and forensic investigations, and real-time surveillance, monitoring, and mission planning. The system should be further developed and refined according to the computational platform specifications of the intended agencies, and evaluated with publicly available data from crowded scenes and events such as fairs and sporting events. Potential applications of this topic are in defense, security agencies both government and private, and law enforcement. This technology will primarily support forensic investigations, after-action analyses, and real-time planning of actions and monitoring of events and activities.

REFERENCES:

• H. Joo, H.S. Park, Y. Sheikh, “Optimal Visibility Estimation for Large-Scale Dynamic 3D Reconstruction,” in CVPR 2014.

• R.A. Newcombe, D. Fox, S.M. Seitz, “DynamicFusion: Reconstruction and Tracking of Non-rigid Scenes in Real-Time,” in CVPR 2015.

• M. Pollefeys, L. Van Gool, et al., “Visual modeling with a hand-held camera,” in International Journal of Computer Vision, 59(3): 207-232, 2004.

• N. Snavely, S. Seitz, R. Szeliski, “Photo tourism: Exploring Photo Collections in 3D,” in ACM Transactions on Graphics, 25(3): 835-846, 2006.

• Y. Tian, S.G. Narasimhan, “Globally Optimal Estimation of Nonrigid Image Distortion,” in International Journal of Computer Vision, 98(3): 279-302, 2012.

KEYWORDS: Scene reconstruction; images and video; ad hoc network of cameras; 4D space-time reconstruction; dynamic scene; interactive browsing

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Advanced Underseas Weapons System (AUWS)

OBJECTIVE: Produce a 3D Acoustic model for predicting three-dimensional acoustic field parameters in environments characterized by complex geometries with variable boundary and propagation conditions. Assess the new model for use in existing, or newly developed, sonar performance estimation tools to address the optimal placement of sensors in constrained environments.

DESCRIPTION: Sonar performance models are used to assess the use of a particular sonar system for specific tasks including submarine detection, mine hunting, or swimmer detection. Feeding the performance models are acoustic models which are numerical solutions to a wave equation based on knowledge of the underlying physics and physical conditions in the prevailing environment. For active sonar systems, Transmission Loss (TL) and Reverberation Level (RL) are key sonar equation parameters derived from the acoustic fields predicted by models and used in the sonar equation to assess performance. For the majority of the existing propagation codes used in the Navy, whether based on ray theory, normal modes, wavenumber integration, or the parabolic equation, the starting point is the assumption of a horizontally stratified waveguide. Likewise, excepting volumetric contributions which are primarily biologic scattering, reverberation models are predominantly based on acoustic scattering from rough horizontal surfaces such as the seabed or sea surface. Consequently, most existing acoustic propagation models are concerned with predicting forward propagating and scattered acoustic energy. While three-dimensional acoustic models exist, or are being developed, they are based on refraction of acoustic energy owing to bathymetric changes and or internal waves or fronts that do not scatter energy strongly in the back-propagating direction. The existing models are adequate for applications in the deep ocean or open littorals, but sonar operators are increasingly being asked to perform tasks including navigation or detection in more confined waterways such as rivers or ports. However, models are generally not available for predicting the acoustic field in such highly geometrically constrained and dynamic environments. These environments can be characterized by vertical or near vertical boundaries such as piers and breakwaters and have large tidally driven depth variations over short time periods. They also may be populated with large scattering objects such as deep draft vessels and mooring dolphins that impact the acoustic field.

We seek a capability to model the three-dimensional acoustic field, including propagation, scattering, and reverberation in complex environments. Approaches should include, but are not limited to, predicting complex pressure from a point source, with a minimum frequency of 1 kHz, placed arbitrarily within a representative harbor environment, e.g. Mayport Basin, Florida. Solutions should provide ¼ wavelength resolution for area dimensions greater than six million square feet for a typical depth of 50 feet. The environment may be open to the sea, but must include at least one vertical boundary representative of a quay wall, a breakwater, and a blockage representing a deep draft vessel with draft of 60%-90% of the channel depth. A broadband model is preferred, but a narrowband solution is acceptable if accompanied by a conceptual plan for development into a full broadband solution. Computational efficiency and speed is not a priority, but will be given consideration. Amongst other things, it is expected this capability will form the basis for existing or new sonar performance estimation tools. In particular, the model combined with an appropriate decision aid could address the optimal placement of sensors in complicated environments for tasks including establishing underwater communication links or harbor surveillance.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept to predict acoustic field parameters in highly geometrically constrained underwater environments. Concepts should include approaches to predict the three-dimensional complex acoustic pressure field for a point source in representative environments such as described above. Develop concepts for incorporating the new acoustic model into sonar performance estimation models, existing or proposed, to address optimal placement of acoustic sensors to achieve basin wide communications coverage or object detection.

PHASE II: Produce an acoustic model capable of generating a 3D complex acoustic pressure field in a geometrically constrained environment described as for Phase I. Perform initial validation and verification testing of the new model and document changes in the acoustic field for changes in source position and the presence or absence of quay walls, breakwaters, deep draft vessels, etc. Document the associated mathematical development and implementation in technical reports and user manuals. Provide details on software and hardware requirements for the new code. Provide a plan for integrating the new acoustic model into existing sonar performance estimation models or a development plan for a new integrated sonar performance model.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Complete the integration of the acoustic model into an existing sonar performance estimation model, or complete the development of a new integrated model for optimal placement of acoustic assets in confined environments. Design and deliver a prototype TDA to the AUWS program to guide acoustic communications sensor placement. The baseline 3D acoustic model should be submitted for consideration in the Oceanographic and Atmospheric Master Library (OAML) suite of Navy applied acoustics codes. There is potential to spin off the technology for private security clients in the protection of marinas and private or commercial vessels.

REFERENCES:

• P.C. Etter, Underwater Acoustic Modeling and Simulation, 4th edition (CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 2013)

• I.F. Akyildiz, D.Pompili, and T. Melodia, “Underwater acoustic sensor networks: research challenges”, Ad Hoc Networks, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 257 – 279 (2005)

• F.B. Jensen, W.A. Kuperman, M.B. Porter, and H. Schmidt, Computational Ocean Acoustics, 2nd edition (Springer, 2011)

• R.P. Goddard, “The Sonar Simulation Toolset, Release 4.6: Science, Mathematics, and Algorithms,” APL-UW TR 0702 (October 2008)

KEYWORDS: underwater acoustics, propagation, scattering, communications, sonar, 3D acoustic modeling, sonar simulation, performance estimation

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processesd

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: FNC EPE FY15-02 Gas Turbine Developments for Reduced Total Ownership Cost a

OBJECTIVE: To develop thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) and a coating model that enables longer service and prediction of corrosion, oxidation and overall degradation when exposed to marine Naval environments as a function of corrosivity, stress, and higher temperature combinations via integrated computational material engineering.

DESCRIPTION: Materials for current marine gas turbine engines were developed and testing during 1960-1990s to resist degradation from Type I hot corrosion (1600-1700ºF) and Type II hot corrosion (1250-1350ºF). This development for USN marine gas turbines produced the highly reliable marine gas turbines that exist today where engines are not operated at full power where there may be only occasional spikes to 1700ºF. Navy engines operating at less than full power mode allowed these hot section materials to exist for 20k hours or more before repair or replacement was required.

Navy gas turbine operations that typically run at less than full power are inefficient compared to engines that are operated much closer to full power (and higher engine temperatures). The increased temperatures for marine gas turbine engines will permit greater engine efficiencies and the potential for greater power that will be needed in the future for weapon systems such as laser and electromagnetic rail gun. The greater power provided by ship engines, along with energy storage devices, will enable less supplemental power sources such as fuel cells and batteries that will add weight to the ship.

However, higher operational temperatures in marine engines may accelerate alloy and coating diffusion and interdiffusion interactions that may negatively affect the protective capabilities of overlay and diffusion coatings. The average engine temperatures are estimated to rise about 150-250ºF with occasional excursions to approximately 1850ºF. At these upper operating temperatures, oxidation rather than hot corrosion will be the prevailing reaction on coatings and alloys. Thus, The USN is entering a new region of marine gas turbine operations that will involve both corrosion and oxidation attacks materials on gas turbine engine hot sections. These are two totally different types of attack mechanisms. In addition, the USN shipboard environment (the marine environment) is high in salt laden air and water, coupled with air and fuel sulfur species that cause aggressive corrosion in gas turbine hot sections.

There is evidence that engine materials operating at these higher temperatures will dramatically experience shorter life (<10k hours) before the engine needs to be replaced. Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are regularly used in aero engines and have the potential to lower the substrate temperatures about 200-300ºF. Thermal Barrier coatings applied over the overlay or diffusion coatings could preserve the coating chemistry and structure and consequently maintain hot corrosion and oxidation resistance. Because of fuel and air contaminants, reactions have occurred that have shorted TBC life well below 20K hours because of spallation. Research must be performed to avoid spallation. There have been earlier efforts to evaluate TBCs in a simulated marine engine test environment, but spallation by salt intrusion into the TBC and subsequent salt solidification in the TBC has led to spallation. Increased understanding derived from aviation engine research and the utilization of computational methods will develop TBCs that will be resistant to spallation. This research would develop the understanding and processing of TBCs for sustained service for up to 20K hours marine gas turbine environments that will be experienced in the future.

PHASE I: Demonstrate an understanding of what differences exist between aviation and marine propulsion and what influences TBC spallation. Initiate correlations that should begin to formulate the ICME (integrated computational material engineering) model framework to promote long TBC life (goal: > 20K hours) and assist in maximizing corrosion and oxidation resistance by changes in coating chemistry and structure while not impacting fatigue, creep, or substrate strength of the substrate alloys. It is suggested that the starting TBC be yttria-stabilized zirconia. Lastly, perform a short-term (~200 hours) high temperature test to validate the feasibility of the ICME model.

PHASE II: The ICME framework shall be further expanded to include compatibility of the TBC to different bond coats as well as further development, modification, and maturation of the ICME model. Coating and engine original gas turbine equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is encouraged for advice and direction for further developments of the ICME models and strategies to enhance TBC life in marine shipboard engine applications. The performer shall correlate into the ICME-derived model the interaction of chromium and aluminum content in a coating that leads to the formation of chromia or alumina scales. Coatings on several alloys shall be tested to determine coating compatibility and assess impact of coatings on alloy substrate properties in a burner-rig or similar test environment that includes salt ingestion. Coatings shall be applied onto alloy substrates by at least one recognized commercial coating process (line-of-sight and/or non-line-of-sight). The expected deliverables will be: (1) optimized corrosion and oxidation-resistant coatings for a given set of alloys and (2) an ICME-derived model that would predict and assist in the development of future TBC systems (alloy, bond coat, TBC, TBC strategy to minimize spallation with Marine engine operational environment) that are compatible with multiple alloy substrates.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The ICME model will be further developed and matured through the expansion of TBC chemistry and structure with the selected strategies to mitigate salt intrusion into the TBCs that tend to cause premature cracking. Coating developed under the ONR FNC program (FNC EPE FY15-02 Gas Turbine Developments for Reduced Total Ownership Cost (TOC) and Improved Ship Impact) should be tested in a burner-rig or similar test environment that includes salt ingestion. The small business should engage with a marine engine OEM to have an appropriate TBC system applied on select static and/or rotating engine components of a current Navy engine and testing in cycling temperature test. The expected deliverables will be: (1) a TBC(s) compatible to corrosion and hot corrosion-resistant bond coat substrates, (2) TBC(s) resistant to spallation in the marine environment, and (3) an ICME-derived model that would predict and assist in the development of future TBC systems (alloy, bond coat, TBC, TBC strategy to minimize spallation with marine engine operational environment) The bond coat and salt intrusion into TBC behavior should be understood to minimize long-term interactions with TBCs that will promote long-term TBC life. The small business needs to engage with a marine engine OEM to further develop the TBC technology for incorporation in the current and future Navy ship engines. Development of long-lived TBC systems able to withstand hot corrosion, oxidation, and spallation at higher temperatures for U.S. Navy applications will also enable more efficient service for commercial applications that employ industrial gas turbines. Marine gas turbine engines are industrial gas turbines that are intended for Naval use. Successful development of better coatings for the current alloys, capable of extended service in the highly corrosive Naval operating environment, should enable subsequent use in commercial applications such as cargo ships, cruise ships, ferries, and tankers if the business case justifies the results.

REFERENCES:

• T.A. Taylor, Thermal barrier coating for substrates and process for producing it, U.S. Patent 5,073,433 (1991).

• D.M. Gray, Y.C. Lau, C.A. Johnson, M.P. Borom, W.A. Nelson, Thermal barrier coatings having an improved columnar microstructure, U.S. Patent 6,180,184 B1 (2001).

• C.G. Levi, "Emerging Materials and Processes for Thermal Barrier Systems," Current Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science, 8 [1] 77-91 (2004).

• P.K. Wright and A.G. Evans, "Mechanisms governing the performance of thermal barrier coatings," Current Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science, 4, 255-265 (1999).

• A.G. Evans, D.R. Mumm, J.W. Hutchinson, G.H. Meier, and F.S. Pettit, "Mechanisms controlling the durability of thermal barrier coatings," Progress in Materials Science, 46 [5] 505-553 (2001).

• M.P. Borom, C.A. Johnson, and L.A. Peluso, "Role of environmental deposits and operating surface temperature in spallation of air plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings," Surface and Coatings Technology, 86-87, 116-126 (1996).

KEYWORDS: Thermal Barrier Coatings, spallation, bond coats, TBC failure, environmental deposits, marine engines

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: FNT FY15-02 DF Naval Tactical Cloud, PMMI (MCSC), DCGS-N (PMW 120)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a capability to detect people, places and events of interest from big data by developing anomaly detection and supervised learning algorithms that can operate effectively on compressed data and data embeddings.

DESCRIPTION: Model based understanding technology has enabled machines to generate huge graphs (millions of nodes and billions of edges) from diverse sources (structured and unstructured data) [3]. Even for capable machines, real-time operation of complex anomaly detection and supervised learning algorithms requires a reduction in data volume. There exists a variety of data embedding algorithms that achieve a reduction in graph dimensionality through unsupervised or semi-supervised techniques [2]. The goal of this topic is to mature algorithms to understand the significance of the movement of entity vector representations over time in embedded spaces [1]. Specific technical challenges include the development of: 1) learning algorithms that allow data vectors to be characterized in a behavior space; 2) anomaly detection algorithms that generate useful alerts of real entities; 3) supervised learning algorithms that predict the meaning behind the movement of entities in embedded spaces; and 4) system scoring of the confidence of knowledge generated.

Enabled by service oriented (SOA) and cloud architectures, intelligence programs have unprecedented access to big data whose detailed content is represented by even larger graphs. Advances in dynamic graph analysis are needed to show the military value of holding and indexing these big data stores to strategic and tactical use cases. Algorithms to generate lower dimensional graphs, and supervised learning algorithms that can be applied to data vector representations, currently exist. Progress has been made on analyzing static embedded data representations such as inferring missing data and classification decisions. More work is needed, however, to link vector positions to real world meaning, particularly over time. Dynamic analysis techniques are less developed but needed for the generation of time sensitive alerts from streaming data such as for change detection and event discovery. Research institutions and universities are active in the development of unsupervised (e.g. anomaly detection and data embeddings) and supervised learning algorithm development. The dynamic algorithms needed to understand the movement of entity vector representation over time is a natural extension of their current research activity.

A mature system should also be easy to use and compatible to the computational architecture of a transition program of record.

Tasks to consider include the following: 1) Entity/ relationship declarations in support of knowledge discovery that are task/ mission essential; 2) Unsupervised and semi-supervised methods for the construction of embedding spaces from very large graphs that are rational and human understandable (not black boxes); 3) Supervised learning algorithm development to support dynamic inferencing of embedded spaces; and 4) Visualizations of high order embedded spaces at lower dimensions that are user instructive.

PHASE I: For a bounded set of data and information requirements, show an embedded space representation of a large graph and train classifiers to learn the relationships between embeddings and real world entity descriptors. Produce a use case and workflows relevant to a military customer and/or commercial market. Provide a proof of concept demonstration for identified transition targets. During the Phase I effort, performers are expected to identify metrics to validate performance of analytic products with the goal of reducing the technical risk associated with building a working prototype should work progress. Performers should produce Phase II plans with a technology roadmap and milestones.

PHASE II: Produce a prototype system based on the preliminary design from Phase I. The prototype should enable users to infer information not overtly evident in the data and provide measures of effectiveness. In Phase II, performer may be given data by the Government to validate capabilities. The small business should assume that the prototype system will need to run as a distributed application in a cloud architecture that could scale to millions of nodes and billions of edges. Phase II deliverables will include a working prototype of the system, software documentation including a user’s manual, and a demonstration using operational data or accurate surrogates of operational data.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Based on Phase II effort, deliver to the Navy a system capable of deployment and operational evaluation. The system should consume available operational and open source data sets and focus on areas/missions that are of interest to specific transition programs or commercial applications. The system needs to have an easy to use human systems interface. The software and hardware should be modified to operate in accordance with guidelines provided by transition sponsor. Internet search engines would benefit from the maturation of data retrieval based on distances between concepts in embedded spaces. Currently, information retrieval is limited to word searches with some support to graph searches. Information retrieval based on second or higher order association (similarity between feature vectors) would transform content delivery by improving returns to "you might also like".

REFERENCES:

• Alexei Pozdnokhov, "Dynamic network data exploration through semi-supervised functional embedding", ACM GIS '09 Seattle, WA, 2009.

• Jian Tang, et. al., "LINE: Large-Scale Information Network Embedding" WWW 2015 May 18-22, 2015, Florence, Italy. http://arxiv.org/pdf/1503.03578v1.pdf

• Onur Sava, et. al, "Tactical Big Data Analytics: Challenges, Use Cases, and Solutions", Big Data Analytics Workshop in conjunction with ACM Sigmetrics 2013, June 21, 2013.

• Thomas Hansmann and P. Niemeyer, "Big Data - Characterizing an Emerging Research Filed using Topic Models", IEEE WIC ACM Int. Joint Conference on Web Intelligence and Intelligent Agent Technologies, 2014.

• Amr Osman, et. al., "Towards Real-Time Analytics in the Cloud", 2013 IEEE 9th World Congress on Services, 2013.

• Amr Ahmed, et. al, "Distributed Large-Scale Natural Graph Factorization", Int. World Wide Web Conference Committee (IW3C2), Rio-de Janeiro, Brazil, May 13-17, 2013.

KEYWORDS: Data embeddings; Graph theory; Data science; Advanced analytics; Cloud computing; Unsupervised learning; Supervised learning

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS; LCS Surface Warfare Mission Package; Hellfire

OBJECTIVE: Scale-up, characterize, and provide homogeneous samples of new high density energetic materials sufficient for manufacturing and characterizing a representative propellant formulation. Methods for the preparation of representative advanced energetic ingredients whose energy output exceeds HMX but with superior safety and handling characteristics are sought. The ultimate goal is to create new ingredients which have an optimized chemical route for their preparation that minimizes the number of process steps, and minimizes the costs of starting materials and reagents.

DESCRIPTION: To meet the needs of the future military, there is a continuous effort to develop new materials with higher performance and increased insensitivity to thermal degradation and physical shock and impact. Researchers have adopted many approaches to overcome the technical issues of combining performance with insensitivity, including developing novel energetic ingredients with reduced sensitivity. Our currently used energetic ingredients have been in use, in some cases, for over a century. Without new high performance, low sensitivity energetic ingredients, we will continue to be unable to address the paradox of increased energy with decreased sensitivity.

In order to demonstrate viability in an energetic formulation which permits a weapon system to meet mission capability requirements, a new energetic material must demonstrate reproducibility at low cost. Furthermore, the formulation utilizing a new ingredient must exhibit sufficient mechanical and chemical robustness to meet service requirements over a wide temperature range to meet mission capability requirements. To meet these stringent conditions, the energetic material must exhibit stability against chemical and physical degradation under storage and operational environments throughout a service life that can exceed 20 years. Impact, friction, ESD, density, and vacuum thermal stability (VTS) should meet or be improved over the properties of HMX. The next generation of energetic ingredients will permit propulsion system designers to meet the requirements for smaller systems with increased performance and reduced vulnerability to thermal, impact and shock stimuli while eliminating or reducing the use of ammonium perchlorate – a long-term environmental issue for the DoD. The focus of this effort is to identify promising candidate energetic ingredients, scale-up and optimize a process for manufacturing them, and then produce sufficient quantity to allow a propellant formulator to manufacture and characterize their performance in a propellant composition.

PHASE I: Design and prepare conceptual synthesis routes to new oxidizer molecules. Down select and synthesize up to 25-g samples of these new materials by considering how these materials properties compare to the following target properties:
Density > 1.8 g/cc
Oxygen content > CO Balance
Melting Point >200°C
Minimize the number of of Synthetic Steps
Low Vapor Pressure
Sensitivities better than TNT
Low Hydrogen & Carbon; High Oxygen & Nitrogen content

Provide characterization, analysis, and delivery to government laboratories for evaluation.

PHASE II: Based on Phase I effort, scale-up and optimize the synthesis process to pound quantities for larger-scale evaluation. Investigate process research and establish parameters to develop process for manufacturing pure material for delivery of 2000lb per year.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Transition technology to next generation propulsion and ordnance systems per appropriate PEO/PMS/PMA road maps. Provide costing and data package for pilot production of materials based on requirements and need. Examples include missile systems and new underwater explosives. Potential custom oxidizer applications in synthesis can be envisioned, particularly for stable, long-shelf life material for commercial heavy lift space craft such as Space X. Other potential applications may be found with NASA.

REFERENCES:

• Philip E. Eaton, Mao-Xi Zhang, Richard Gilardi, Nat Gelber 3, Sury Iyer, Rao Surapaneni, Prop., Explos., Pyrotech, 27, 1, 2002.

• A.T. Nielsen, S. Barbara, Caged Polynitramine Compound, U.S. Patent 5,693,794, 1997-12-02.

• Subbiah Venkatachalam, Gopalakrishnan Santhosh, Kovoor Ninan Ninan Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics 29, 178, 2004.

KEYWORDS: Oxidizer; Propellants; Propulsion; Explosives; High-Density; Scale-up

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: EPE-17-03 Quality Metal Additive Manufacturing

OBJECTIVE: Develop an Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) approach to the Additive Manufacturing (AM) of stainless steel (316L), to predict final metal part quality and performance.

DESCRIPTION: Many Naval systems have long mean logistics delay times for expensive, limited production parts that are typically cast. There are part obsolescence issues with aging platforms, and diminishing sources of supply, which delay part production and increase part cost. NAVAIR and DLA have documented the 8-28 month cycle required to establish a new source of supply for limited production cast parts. Part studies have shown that establishing new AM parts to replace limited production cast parts is generally much faster and will have a cost advantaged when compared to obsolete or out of production cast parts, which currently hamper system readiness.

Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) provides the physics-based computational tools to quantify and link the interdependent Processing-Structure-Property-Performance relationships for materials. These tools tie the processes that produce parts to their material properties to ensure the design of the right material for an application. The application of ICME to the design of AM will help speed new materials and processes, where AM is appropriate, to reduce the time and cost of process/part qualification and certification. This will enhance operational availability and decrease total ownership cost for Navy systems. For this reason, ICME is a critical enabler in the Navy's AM Roadmap and implementation strategy.

For this project, the specific application is the design of additive manufacturing processes for stainless steel 316L aerospace parts using a powder-based approach with directed energy (laser or e-beam). The ICME tools must model, simulate, and predict part quality and performance based on input process parameters. This must include local composition, microstructure (including porosity and other defects), residual stresses and/or distortion, and mechanical properties. The intended use for these tools is to guiding part design, process development, and certification for use.

Modeling and simulation tools should be developed and validated to: predict production reliability; model accurately AM processes and part fabrication; quantify dimensional, microstructural, and mechanical property uncertainty; predict accurately residual stress and distortion; predict accurately number, percent, and location of defects, e.g., porosity; support selection of the optimal build strategy (energy, feed rate, path / hatch space); design of support structure; predict resultant microstructure; predict resultant material properties; assess part functionality based on key design features; provide a probabilistic framework to support rapid qualification or processes and parts; and establish and output upper and lower limits for key process parameters to ensure quality in process controls during later fabrication.

PHASE I: Determine the architecture for the ICME tool set, and define the existing and needed models to fill this architecture. Identify the existing thermo-physical and structure-property-processing datasets for 316L and map a plan for filling in the required data necessary for the toolset. Describe a framework for the subsequent qualification and certification of parts and processes using this ICME toolset.

PHASE II: Assemble and as necessary develop, and validate physics-based models to link additive manufacturing processing parameters to materials structure and subsequent properties. As necessary for computational efficiency, develop and validate surrogate models for these physics-based models. Develop a validated materials database needed to support these models and verify and validate the individual models. Demonstrate prediction of location-specific microstructure, defects, and properties (including predictions for variability) for a test geometry and set of processing instructions (that is, STL file, beam history profile, etc.) for a particular additive manufacturing system of choice by the development team. The technical metrics for ICME tools in Phase III are property prediction capability as a function of process and geometry: measured value is +/- 10% (T) and +/- 5% (O) of predicted ICME value with a confidence of 90%.

The successful project will provide an overall design tool architecture description with interface specifications for the necessary software tools and materials data. The documented software tool interface specifications will include component tool execution approach (for example, static linked subroutine, spawned mpi process, etc.), data I/O requirements and formats (for example, input list of five 64-bit integers representing in order …, followed by five arrays of 64-bit IEEE floating-point data of size … representing …), and message-passing methods (such as an ASCII data file named *fred.inp* formatted as…). The materials data specification will include a full list of the necessary materials data, including properties, error bounds and/or uncertainty, metadata requirements, and data and metadata format for use. The project reporting will include all data developed in this project in the specified formats.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Complete development of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) process design tools that link interdependent AM Processing-Structure-Property-Performance relationships. Demonstrate the tool by designing processing approaches for component parts of industrial interest specified by the Navy Program Manager, and comparing critically the as-produced parts to the predictions using a combination of destructive testing and non-destructive inspection techniques. The technical metrics for ICME tools in Phase III are property prediction capability as a function of process and geometry: measured value is +/- 10% (T) and +/- 5% (O) of predicted ICME value with a confidence of 90%. Transition the final ICME process design tool to the Navy for its intended use. The material of interest, 316L stainless steel, is a common material for industrial applications requiring moderate strength and good corrosion resistance. It is also a significant material in the biomedical industry for surgical tools, and for implant applications. The agile precision manufacturing of specialty components from this material can lower the cost dramatically of these specialty items, and enable new commercial applications in high-reliability applications.

REFERENCES:

• Frazier, William E. 2014. "Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Review". Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance. 23 (6): 1917-1928.

• Mullins W.M., and Christodoulou J. 2013". ICME - Application of the revolution to titanium structures." Collection of Technical Papers - AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference, http://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2013-1848 accessed July 2015.

• Horstemeyer, Mark F. 2012. Integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) for metals using multiscale modeling to invigorate engineering design with science. Hoboken, N.J.: TMS-Wiley. http://www.123library.org/book_details/?id=53355 accessed July 2015.

• Integrated Computational Materials Engineering, National Materials Advisory Board Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences National Research Council, 2008, http://www.nae.edu/19582/Reports/25043.aspx, accessed July 2015.

KEYWORDS: Additive Manufacturing, ICME, materials engineering, stainless, modeling and simulation, physics, 316L

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Ground/Sea Vehicles, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO SHIPS: PMS 320 Electric Ships Office

OBJECTIVE: Develop gallium oxide epitaxial growth system to enable the realization of novel high voltage (greater than 20kV) power electronic switching and pulse power devices.

DESCRIPTION: Future Navy ships will require high power converters for applications such as rail gun, Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), and propulsion on DDG-51 size ship platforms. High voltage, high efficiency power switches are required to achieve the needed power density. Monoclinic beta(ß)-Ga2O3 possesses a large energy bandgap of 4.8eV and high breakdown field of 8 MV/cm. These properties motivate the development of Ga2O3 for high-power/high-voltage electronic devices. Additionally, the extremely low intrinsic carrier concentration of ni = 1.8x10-22 cm-3 of Ga2O3 enables low generation/recombination rates and thus low leakage currents in a thick drift region. Theoretically, a vertical Ga2O3 device designed with a 30 µm thick n-type drift layer will operate with a 24kV breakdown. Nevertheless, the technology to produce a high-voltage Ga2O3 device structure is currently unavailable. The primary limitation is the extremely low-growth rate of current Ga2O3 epitaxy systems, e.g., metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The secondary but related limitation is the controlled n-type and p-type doping of Ga2O3.

The growth of a thick, low-doped Ga2O3 drift region has proven challenging with current reactor designs. Current literature on Ga2O3 epitaxy reports growth rates on the order of a hundred nm/hour, which reasonably excludes the growth of thick drift layers. [1, 2] A key issue for Ga2O3 epitaxy is achieving a high growth rate while maintaining high epitaxial quality. A reactor technology is needed to address the specific reaction kinetics of the Ga2O3 at the gas/solid (substrate) interface as well as to minimize undesirable gas-phase nucleation that depletes the reactant supply and creates deleterious particulates. Additionally, the reactor design must enable controlled low-level (<1x1015 cm-3) n-type doping in this high-growth rate regime. In situ measurement tools can facilitate the growth of high quality Ga2O3. [3, 4]

Achieving p-type doping in Ga2O3 is difficult, which, given the similar p-type doping limitations in related metal-oxide semiconductors, is attributed to the presence of n-type vacancies formed during the growth process. The literature on n-type doping of Ga2O3 is mixed, which again may suggest that proper design of the reaction chamber is necessary to account for the specific kinetics of Ga2O3 material system. [5, 6] An optimal high-voltage power electronic device also necessitates a reactor design able to controllably deposit Ga2O3 at high n- and p- doping levels (>1x1019 cm-3). [7, 8]

Proposed growth system should meet the following thresholds:
• Deliverable Design Characteristics Value
• Controllable deposition with low-concentration (<5x1016 cm-3) n-type Ga2O3 layers
• n-type Ga2O3 with growth rates above 2 um/hr in Phase I and above 4 um/hr in Phase II
• nm-scale thickness uniformity at sub-nm RMS roughness levels
• High-concentration (>1x1019 cm-3) n-type, thin (< 50 nm) device layers
• High-concentration (>1x1018 cm-3) p-type, thin (< 50 nm) device layers

PHASE I: Determine feasibility, establish a plan, and describe the epitaxial growth tool features and issues for the design and development of a deposition system that can controllably deposit low-concentration (<1x1015 cm-3) n-type Ga2O3 layers with growth rates above 2 um/hr (>10 X current state-of-the-art). Determine the feasibility, establish a plan, and describe the epitaxial growth tool features and issues that can achieve thin (< 50nm) high-concentration (>1x1019 cm-3) n-type and p-type Ga2O3 layers and an appropriate ternary with nm-scale thickness uniformity at sub-nm RMS roughness levels. Final report should convince that the proposed product can be properly designed to address the above desired and required features and be achieved if Phase II is awarded. The small business will provide a Phase II development plan addressing technical risk reduction.

PHASE II: Develop a fully-functional epitaxy system having in situ characterization tools and capable of producing a thick, low-concentration (<5x1014 cm-3) n-type Ga2O3 drift layer (>30µm) as well as high-concentration (>5x1019 cm-3) n- and p-type doped thin (sub 100 nm) device layers within the same growth run. The system should demonstrate epitaxial growth rates of at least 4um/hr. A prototype of the fully operational system with appropriate control software will be delivered to the Navy and is required by the end of Phase II for evaluation.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III shall address the commercialization of the product developed as a prototype in Phase II. The small business is expected to work with suitable industrial partners for this transition to military programs and civilian applications. The expected final state of this product will match the requirements given in Phase II and will allow for the tool to be installed, certified, and operated within standards of a modern semiconductor fabrication facility. An epitaxy system of this design will enable cost-effective semiconductor based high-power devices for solid-state transformers to replace electromagnetic transformers for the electric grid, rail traction, large-vehicle power systems, and wind turbines.

REFERENCES:

• M. Higashiwaki, K. Sasaki, A. Kuramata, T. Masui, S. Yamakoshi, “Development of Gallium Oxide Power Devices,” Physical Status Solidi Applied Material Science 211 p. 21 (2014).

• M. Higashiwaki, K. Sasaki, A. Kuramata, T. Masui, and S. Yamakoshi, “Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors on single-crystal Ga2O3 (010) substrates,” Applied Physics Letters 100 013504 (2012).

• H. Lee, K. Kim, J.Ju. Woo, D.J. Jun, Y. Park, Y. Kim, H.W. Lee, Y.J. Cho, H.M. Cho, “ALD and MOCVD of Ga2O3 Thin Films Using the New Ga Precursor Dimethylgallium Isopropoxide, Me2GaOiPr,” Chemical Vapor Deposition 17 pp. 191, (2011).

• X. Du, W. Mi, C. Luan, Z. Li, C. Xia, J. Ma, “Characterization of homoepitaxial ß-Ga2O3 films prepared by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition,” Journal of Crystal Growth 404 p.75 (2014).

• N.M. Sbrockey, T. Salagaj, E. Coleman, G.S. Tompa, Y. Moon, M. Sik, “ Large-Area MOCVD Growth of Ga2O3 in a Rotating Disc Reactor,” Journal of Electronic Materials Published online (2014).

• K. Sasaki, M. Higashiwaki, A. Kuramata, T. Masui, S. Yamakoshi, Si-Ion Implantation Doping in _-Ga2O3 and Its Application to Fabrication of Low-Resistance Ohmic Contacts Applied Physics Express 6 086502 (2013).

• D. Gogova, G. Wagner, M. Baldini, M. Schmidbauer, K. Irmscher, R. Schewski, Z. Galazka, M. Albrecht, R. Fornari, “Structural properties of Si-doped ß-Ga2O3 layers grown by MOVPE,” Journal of Crystal Growth 401 pp. 665-660 (2014).

• G. Wagner, M. Baldini, D. Gogova, M. Schmidbauer, R. Schewski, M. Albrecht, Z. Galazka, D. Klimm, R. Fornari, Homoepitaxial Growth of B-Ga2O3 layers by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy,” Physica Status Solidi 211 p. 27 (2013).

KEYWORDS: Gallium Oxide, Deposition System, Wide Bandgap Semiconductor, High-Power Electronics, High Power Converters, epitaxy system

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Information Systems, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: SSPDD, SHD-FY16-05 “SURFACE SHIP PERISCOPE DETECTION AND DISCRIMINATION”

OBJECTIVE: Develop a small form-factor, highly scalable and affordable point-to-multi-point optical sensing and communications architecture for data transfer between numerous sensors and platforms in multiple environments.

DESCRIPTION: For tactical and strategic awareness the Navy deploys a wide range of platforms and sensors for surveillance, detection, localization, tracking and characterization [1]. With emerging unmanned, autonomous, and distributed technologies a large number of platforms and sensors can be located in the battle space, and data must be retrieved and shared for complete situational awareness. For this application, optical communications has numerous advantages including high data rates, immunity to interference, and low probability of interception and detection [2, 3]. However, traditional laser communications systems have been designed primarily for single point-to-point links and are based on mechanically-intensive and non-scalable technologies. A multi-point system extends existing methods by taking advantage of both temporal and spatial dimensions. Employing traditional design approaches to the emerging multi-point applications requires too much SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) and cost-to-scale with future needs. The intent of this topic is to develop an optical point-to-multi-point communications system which is low SWaP (Weight: <50 lbs, Size: <1ft Dia X 3ft High, Power: <3KW Total Electrical), highly scalable (Spectral Scalability: Visible though IR), and affordable (Cost: < $250K / unit). The technology approach should scale to large multi-point topologies, agilely track moving terminals, be compatible with communication and sensing through air or water, and be robust compared to existing mechanical approaches.

PHASE I: Determine feasibility for a Multi-Access Optical System for Communications and Sensing Applications. Develop the initial architecture, identify key technologies, and model the system advantages and tradeoffs. Specific areas of interest include multi-point scalability, speed of tracking, and range performance.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I effort, develop a Multi-Access Optical System for Communications and Sensing Applications prototype for evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in Phase II Statement of Work (SoW) and the Navy need for agile aperture steering technology. Demonstrate the ability to support both laser communications and LADAR sensing applications. The prototype design should provide 360-degree angular coverage and no less than 10 degrees elevation coverage. Deliver a prototype to the Navy for evaluation. The team will perform detailed analysis to ensure materials are rugged and appropriate for Navy application. Limited environmental, shock, and vibration analysis will also be performed (note that testing is not intended to meet formal shock, vibration or temperature requirements. It is intended to identify problem areas that might prevent transition of the design to Phase III).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Apply the knowledge gained in Phase II to build, deliver and integrate an advanced agile laser communication/LADAR combined system, suitably packaged for shipboard use (note that the intent here is to use the information learned during Phase II testing to have units capable of surviving unattended aboard ship for roughly 6 months. After that period, those units are swapped out for new or reconditioned units). Support the Navy for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Navy use. Explore the potential to transfer the agile aperture laser system to other military and commercial systems (undersea, airborne, and ground vehicle agile laser communication/LADAR systems). Market research and analysis shall identify the most promising technology areas and the team shall develop manufacturing plans to facilitate a smooth transition to the Navy. Development of robust multi-access optical communications technology could greatly enhance the effectiveness of sensors and unmanned platforms by maintaining high-speed communications, and reducing local signal processing requirements. This in turn reduces power consumption, which increases platform/sensor endurance. New optical approaches could also apply to commercial imaging and tracking applications in security, industrial automation, and health care sectors.

REFERENCES:

• Office of Naval Research. Naval S&T Strategic Plan. 2011. http://www.onr.navy.mil/About-ONR/science-technology-strategic-plan/~/media/Files/About-ONR/Naval-Strategic-Plan.ashx

• Das, Santanu, et al. "Requirements and challenges for tactical free-space lasercomm." Military Communications Conference, 2008 (MILCOM 2008). IEEE, 2008.

• Goetz, Peter G., et al. "Modulating retro-reflector lasercom systems at the Naval Research Laboratory." Military Communications Conference, 2010 (MILCOM 2010). IEEE, 2010.

KEYWORDS: Optics, Communications, Photonics, Laser, Sensors, LADAR

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.