Award Data

An aqueous-based finish (sizing) was developed in Phase I to improve the carbon/vinyl ester interfacial bond. The finish is composed of a reactive coupling agent, a low viscosity vinyl ester resin, a free radical inhibitor, and a surfactant. The reactive finishes substantially improved the carbon/vinyl ester interface compared to unsized or FOE sized materials. Failure mode analysis shows that ...

New high-temperature sizings are needed to improve the properties and durability of carbon/polyimide composites. Compatibility with weaving and braiding operations and improved wetting during prepregging or resin infusing polyimide resin is also needed. Achieving these characteristics will result in reducing life cycle costs for jet engine composites through better property translation, reduced ...

High-temperature (HT) polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are desired for many aerospace and military applications. Silicon carbide (SiC) fibers provide a potentially attractive reinforcement for HT PMCs for applications ranging from propulsion systems to structures for the orbiting space plane. The sizings routinely added to commercial SiC fibers are not compatible with the new HT matrix resins. ...

The Navy intends to start using a significant quantity of composite structures in surface ship construction in an effort to decrease costs as well as to reduce the visibility of the ships to radar. The large size of the target structures necessitates the use of low temperature, non-autoclave processing techniques such as Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM). In the recent past, most m ...

Maintenance related activities represent a substantial portion of the Total Ownership Costs of any system. A significant portion of the total maintenance expenditure can be attributed to both direct and indirect (hidden) costs associated with maintenance planning activities. Automation can play a key role in reducing these costs by minimizing the time currently spent by sailors in the identificat ...

Embedded sensors are finding widespread use in military systems, demanding that accuracy be assured for the entire life cycles of these systems. The U.S. Navy ensures the accuracy of shipboard sensors via scheduled calibrations and/or maintenance procedures (a manually intensive process). Developing new sensors with automated calibration capability is of primary importance. Leveraging research ...

AEPCO has developed plans for a system that will alleviate the vast majority of difficulties associated with supply and sustainment transfers. The name of the system is the Autonomous Sustainment Cargo Container (ASCC) delivery system and its plans and description are on file with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The ASCC meets the identified needs set forth in the solicitation by pr ...

In order to meet reduced manning and cost goals, existing and future Navy ships are utilizing sensors and other automated technologies to monitor equipment health and provide accurate information to end users. Onboard future surface ships, it is envisioned that maintenance planning will be automated and maintenance procedures will be delivered to the technician in an electronic format on interact ...

The Sea Base concept requires innovative means of transferring cargo between ships offshore. Of particular interest is the transfer of cargo to large deck vessels and vessels with overhanging decks. The proposal presents an innovative approach to transferring cargo using autonomous watercraft, automated materiel handling equipment, and automated launch and recovery equipment. The system relies ...

By utilizing air purification methods used internationally in fruit preservation and food storage facilities, we propose to test AirOcare’s proprietary units to sterilize surgical and dental instruments; and, to sterilize entire rooms which could include operating rooms in the field during combat situations. As air circulates through the chamber, part of the oxygen is converted into ozone and ...