Award Data

In prior projects, including a 2015 ED/IES SBIR award, the team developed two immersive multiplayer virtual game environments. In Eco and Colony, middle school students collaboratively apply scientific practices within the virtual worlds to address challenges, such as the availability of resources and energy and maintaining clean water. With this Phase I funding, the team is developing a prototype ...

This proposal addresses the development of a Command Post and Acoustic Listening Posts for performing detection and automatic geo-location and classification of transient acoustic sounds associated with the firing of weapons, especially rockets, mortars, and artillery and the corresponding munitions impacts. Key components of the system are rugged low-noise infrasound sensors, state-of-the-art aco ...

In an effort to development more robust optical system coatings DTRA, in collaboration with Sandia National Labs, is working to characterize the degradation of optical materials for space systems when exposed to high intensely EUV/ cold x-rays. The experiments utilizes the Double Eagle z-pinch facility which generates high current, high voltage arc pinch plasma to produce an intense EUV and cold x ...

Existing TBC systems in aeroturbine engines, such as yittria partially-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), are highly susceptible to degradation by infiltrating molten deposits formed when calcium-magnesium-aluminosilicate (CMAS) particulates such as dust, sand, or volcanic ash are ingested into the engine. Assessing CMAS resistance of known TBCs for a wide variety of particulates (e.g. susceptibility of s ...

This project team will fully develop and test AlphaBear 2, a vocabulary learning game for grade 4 to 7 students. Vocabulary is a prerequisite for academic success, as it is linked to stronger performance across academic subjects and improved reading comprehension. It is more difficult for students to participate in educational activities without understanding the key vocabulary associated with tha ...

Ni-superalloys currently are the state-of-the-art for use in aeroturbine blades and other high temperature applications. In order to push engine efficiencies higher, aeroturbines must perform at even hotter temperatures greater than the melting point of Ni (1455oC). At these temperatures, potential material solutions for achieving higher performance are limited. High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are stab ...

Conventional Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have significant safety problems due to the flammable organic solvent electrolytes. An all-solid-state lithium battery (ASSB) utilizing a solvent-free solid electrolyte (SE) can potentially address the above issues. Storagenergy Technologies Inc. (STI) proposes a superior ASSB based on a highly conductive solid polymer electrolyte (SPE). The goal of this Phase ...

A need exists to improve the ballistic response of armor for Littoral Combat Ships. Simply increasing armor thickness is unacceptable because the associated increase in weight and space would reduce vessel performance speed and range. Surface treatment techniques for current armor materials such as steel, aluminum and ceramic may improve armor performance significantly without an associated weight ...

QuesTek Innovations LLC, a leader in the field of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), proposes to develop an ICME analysis tools for marine gas turbine engine material optimization. QuesTek will build upon its licensed and previously developed HEA and Ni-based superalloy databases to assess the thermodynamic and kinetic descriptions of hot section materials. Using experimental d ...

Traditional manufacturing methods for producing warheads, propellants, and pyrotechnic systems are timely and costly. Additive manufacturing (AM) approaches offer one path of alternative manufacturing technologies. Among various technologies, powder bed fusion (PBF) is one promising approach. Hewlett Packards Multi-Jet Fusion printers utilize a unique PBF process that presents a desirable solution ...