Award Data

IFOS will develop a hybrid fiber optic sensing system focused on transit rail systems. It will combine (1) Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis provide a larger reach for strain and temperature measurement, and (2) broadband FBG sensing technology to provide calibration and extra sensing capabilities in hotspots as well as verify the strain and temperature discrimination in the Brillouin measure ...

Bus bunching, the tendency of buses to cluster together, delays passengers, wastes transit agency resources, and makes drivers’ jobs more difficult. To solve this problem, we propose a control system consisting of networked tablets designed to automatically provide drivers with simple guidance based on the positions of other vehicles in the system. This proposal provides a plan to expand the exi ...

The rapid development of automated vehicles has attracted a lot of attentions from the public in recent years. Current studies on automated vehicles mainly focus on microscopic simulations with simple network topologies and driver behaviors, and few has considered to incorporate automated vehicles into macroscopic travel demand models for the analysis in a regional network. In this project, we pro ...

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking a reliable and distinctive locomotive-based flashing light warning system capable of effectively warning trespassers ahead of the train without offending regular individuals/residences in neighboring areas. To address this DOT need, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop the Locomotive Flashing Light Alerting (FLA) system, which will ...

With the introduction of Level 2 (L2) vehicle automation technologies, a core challenge facing drivers is to remain engaged in the driving task and aware of the vehicle environment despite not playing an immediate role in the low level driving control loop. To overcome this challenge, SoarTech and its partners, UMTRI and Delphi Automotive, propose to develop DAISY, an innovative vehicle sub-system ...

The bloom-forming algae Karenia brevis produces neurotoxins known as brevetoxins (PbTx) that can cause illness in humans and marine wildlife. During K. brevis blooms, also known as red tides, elevated levels of brevetoxins have been linked to massive bird, fish, and marine mammal kills. In addition, human consumption of brevetoxin contaminated shellfish leads to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. The ...

We proposed to test, design, and modify an existing ‘X-Array’ tetrahedral (3-D) hydrophone array prototype and design with the ultimate goal of developing a production prototype called the ‘X-3D Array’. We will analyze field data collected previously from the first prototype, conduct hydrodynamic modeling of the array design, and research possible torque imbalances in the tow-cable, and us ...

The problem this proposal seeks to remedy has positive and profound ramifications for the advancement of aquaculture. The aquaculture industry lags in genetically based selective breeding programs when compared to terrestrial commercial crops. This perpetuates our nation’s $11 billion dollar seafood deficit, puts U.S. aquaculture entrepreneurs at a disadvantage for success, and increases risk fo ...

It is now recognized that the pH of the world’s oceans is becoming more acidic as a consequence of increasing atmospheric CO2. This process, termed “ocean acidification” (OA) will affect the aquaculture of marine shellfish. In order to maintain current levels of commercial mollusk production, the identification and commercialization of resilient shellfish strains will be required. Emerging e ...

The use of unattended floats, platforms, and drones addresses the immense challenge of cost-effectively characterizing the chemistry of the oceans. The proposed program strengthens this capability by demonstrating the feasibility of Laser Fluorescence Enhanced Flame Spectrophotometry (LFEFS) for the simultaneous and high precision measurement of calcium and strontium. These are key elements of the ...