Award Data

The proposed optical device is a fiber-based multi-channel switch to quickly switch a fiber-coupled laser among many possible output channels to create a fiber-based fixed-array laser transmitter for next-generation NASA lidar systems. The key innovation is the use of an arrangement of electro-optic prisms created in a nonlinear optical crystal through domain reversal to direct the laser into one ...

Current engine bearing lubrication technology begins to break down at the high rotation speeds, loads and temperatures required for advanced fighter engines. Furthermore, in combat operation bearings may have to operate for short periods with no lubrication, and also resist pervasive corrosive environments. In this program the bearing material will be modified to be "slippery", more durable, resi ...

Protecting national security software against unauthorized distribution and exploitation is necessary for the protection of intellectual property (IP) and secrets in our nation. Modern software attack and analysis tools have become, along with their users, more skilled at analyzing and modifying programs. Currently, technologies that protect, detect, and react (PDR) to the exploitation of binary ...

The SSC needs a hydrogen temperature sensor that can provide high accuracy, fast response and can be operated on a superheated hydrogen (SHH2) environment. This will help prepare the SSC testing facility to support the new NASA mission for US space exploration as proposed by the President in January 2004. Here, we propose to develop an innovative, non-intrusive temperature sensor based on Spontan ...

This Phase I project will evaluate the feasibility of utilizing mid-infrared hyperspectral emission tomography for estimating the temperature of the hot gases near the wall as well as the temperature of the wall in a rocket engine combustor. The hyperspectral emission measurements at the water vapor and carbon dioxide bands will be deconvoluted using a Maximum Likelihood Estimation method of the ...

One of the greatest obstacles to robust Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) is achieving a high level of performance in operating conditions outside those for which the system is designed. The bio-mimetic map-seeking circuit (MSC) has provided remarkably simple solutions to extending operating range for recognizing 3D targets allowing recognition from any viewpoint, tolerating clutter and distract ...

Hybrid Plastics proposes to develop a low cost, and versatile method for shielding commercial and military solar cells from damage against proton and electron radiation. The technical approach utilizes metallized nanoscopic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes as conformal coatings on coverglass and on solar cell surfaces. Such coatings would permit spacecraft designers to increase duty cycles wh ...

'IBC Materials&Technologies'is proposing to use Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) technology to apply a hard, ductile, 100-150 micrometer (.004 - .006 in) thick coating on the bearing housing wall, to be used as anti-fretting, anti-wear, anti-corrosion protection in contact with the bearing steel surface. PEO performance is superior to conventional hard anodizing or plasma spray, is applied at t ...

The objective of this proposal is to take advantage of advancements in micro-electronics and develop micro-electromechanical device-based sensors (MEMS) for in-situ health monitoring and damage detection of coatings and tribological components (i.e. ball and rolling element bearings) for military aircrafts and space systems. This investigation will include: i) review of existing research on low te ...

The proposed SBIR effort will employ a systems approach to develop motor/controller/screw element systems adequate for demanding launch thrust vector control and control surface actuator applications. This approach will utilize high bandwidth, high efficiency, redundant motor systems coupled with appropriately paired motor controls. The actuator system will consist of a high efficiency permanen ...