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 ...

"Deep Learning for standoff detection of Special Nuclear Material (DLeN) applies the same deep learning techniques that allow computers to beat human performance in image recognition and the game of Go to detecting Special Nuclear Material. Spectral analysis and signal processing can in some cases be augmented by the use of much larger neural nets that conduct much deeper analysis of features of t ...

The ACV1.1 program will deliver a modernized expeditionary assault vehicle, incorporating ship-to-shore swim capability for the most volatile mission scenarios, replacing the aging AAV fleet and filling the requirement gap left by the previously cancelled developmental program for the EFV. The ability of ACV to traverse the beach and project force inland once ashore is critical to meeting the Expe ...

It is becoming apparent that Additive Manufacturing (AM) systems energy sources have inherent shortcomings that must be overcome to achieve DOD-qualified part fabrication. An ideal AM energy source should have the ability to couple the heating mechanism to the characteristics of the feedstock; it must have in-process inspection capabilities that can track critical parameters; and it must provide f ...

Pyrrhotite is an iron sulfide mineral found in diverse rock types. Its presence in the aggregate used for concrete construction can produce damaging effects associated with oxidation of pyrrhotite in the presence of water and oxygen. Available methods of detecting pyrrhotite do not suit routine field applications. This project will develop a portable test system based on NMR relaxometry principles ...

A very fast 1xN optical switch capable of handling high-optical power is proposed. It is designed for switching laser power from a central source to multiple outputs using photonic switch technology that does not have any mechanical moving parts. It is designed to have a very compact size and high-reliability operation suitable for airborne environment. The switching speed will be >10 W of optical ...

Augmented Reality (AR) as a concept has been in existence since the 1960s, used in fighter pilot cockpits for some time augmenting pilot performance. AR has continued to see technological leaps in accessibility and affordability with systems such as Google Glass and the Microsoft HoloLens becoming available to the general public. Mobile-based AR is also on the rise as smart phones become ubiquitou ...

Currently, mobile aircrew who serve in rotary wing and vertical lift platforms relay on a manually adjustable tether connected to the CMU-37/P Aircrew Endurance Vest for their primary restraint system while not seated. Aircrew members are at great risk of injury because they may be required to move around within the cabin at any time during the flight to perform various essential job functions. At ...

The Navy needs a small, self-contained, lightweight system for starting E-2D T56 engines to allow for remote field operations. We propose to develop a Rocket Fuel Starter (RFS) to meet Navy needs. Our RFS uses a liquid-fuel rocket engine to drive a turbine that generates shaft power to start the T56 engine. We project our RFS will fit in available spaces and will weigh significantly less than 200 ...

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 ...