Award Data

Touchstone Research Laboratory proposes to develop fiber reinforced aluminum (FRA) metal matrix composite components to replace those that were originally made from Ti-6-4. It was proven that the FRA is able to outperform titanium at temperatures up to 1000°F. Given the increase in elevated temperature strength, the components may be made with reduced material usage, leading to weight savings. Ph ...

Touchstone proposes to continue the development of an innovative combination of materials to provide protection from lightning and heat for large missile systems. Touchstone Research Laboratory (Touchstone) has been developing thermal protection system (TPS) concepts around its carbon foam product (CFOAM®) for several years. This material is a lightweight, high-temperature material with a low coe ...

The Missile Defense Agency is searching for innovative technologies to implement in future interceptor missiles and kill vehicles that will produce weight savings within the systems. To answer this need, Touchstone Research Laboratory proposes to develop fiber reinforced aluminum (FRA) metal matrix composite components to replace those that were originally made from Ti-6-4. The FRA is able to reta ...

Touchstone Research Laboratory (TRL) has identified acetate fibers with structural characteristics analogous to heritage viscose rayon, which suggests they will be very promising Carbon Cloth Phenolic (CCP) reinforcements for Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) nozzles. Furthermore, acetate fibers are manufactured in the United States and are commercially available and deemed sustainable. Accordingly, TRL, ...

The feasibility of using a low-cost, coal-based carbon foam (CFOAM) for providing lightning and thermal protection for ground-based missile systems was demonstrated during Phase I.Touchstone proposes to build on the Phase I efforts and take the development of this system to the next stage.During Phase I, a concept was developed that will provide sufficient thermal protection to the underlying mate ...

Touchstone proposes to build on past thermal protection system (TPS) efforts and develop an innovative lightweight and low-cost system that provides protection from lightning strikes as well as from heat and atmospheric debris. This will be accomplished by utilizing a lightweight carbon foam (CFOAM) as the foundational material and varying the properties of the foam through choice of precursor an ...

This project seeks to develop and evaluate a pilot version of the Online and Applied System for Intervention Skills – Supervision (OASIS-S) a cloud-based portal for the supervision of individuals in service fields that require post-degree supervision. Initially two modules (online and skill-based activities) will be developed for those seeking certification as behavior analysts. This system inco ...

Atmospheric refractive index fluctuations directly impact the propagation of laser beams through the atmosphere. A key parameter of interest to be directly acquired or derived from atmospheric measurements is the refractive index structure parameter CN2. Atmospheric refractive index, and therefore CN2, can theoretically be derived as a function of temperature, humidity, and pressure measurements ...

Purpose: For most of the 20th century, students with visual impairments were placed in separate schools from their peers. With major advances in public policy, it is now more common that all students (regardless of such disabilities) be integrated within schools and in classrooms. Recent research demonstrates a lack of products to support the visually impaired in STEM (science, technology, enginee ...

Touchstone proposes an innovative solution to the composite overwrapped helium tank that will lower the cost and reduce the weight. The current configuration consists of storage tank for the fuel, the oxidizer, and a gas that is used to pressurize the fuel and oxidizer. The gas tank design incorporates a polymer composite that is wound over a titanium liner. The polymer composite provides the s ...