Award Data

Development of a general purpose software interface between cognitive models and 3D virtual environments requires innovation and research in cognitive abstractions and interfaces, as well as a thoughtful application of software architecture and engineering principles. We propose to embed these innovative cognitive abstractions in a middleware layer that offers “plug-and-play” operation for ar ...

A rocket engine turbopump design using a partial emission pump combined with a zero net positive suction pressure inducer design is proposed to achieve a robust, deep throttling capability in 5k to 15k lbf thrust range rocket engines. A partial emission pump can provide better low-flow/thrust stability at a better efficiency than full emission pumps in this throttle range. A zero net positive suc ...

The potential for combustion instability has historically been a hindrance in developing rocket engines, and nearly always represents the major technical risk in engine developments. This proposal addresses innovative approaches toward prediction of liquid rocket engine combustion instability, as well as innovations in full-scale engine stability verification. Specific objectives are to demonstrat ...

We propose the development of a general software infrastructure for simplifying the integration of computer-game software with cognitive modeling tools. The software is designed to meet the requirements of two state-of-art cognitive models, one focused on spatial reasoning, the other on visual imagery. The approach extracts visual scene information from a computer game, represents it in a common ...

Proposed work envisions development of high-rejection filters and smart reconfigurable antennas using MEMS switches. Adaptive feature of the proposed antenna provides higher S/N ratio and extends range for surface-to-surface communications. Tunable high-rejection filters lend themselves easily to software defined radios.

Nanosatellites are receiving increased interest since they are proving reliable for surveillance, communication and other space missions. Also, the possibility of launching "constellations" of them offers unique capabilities for low-cost experimentation, sensing and communications in space. In comparison to larger spacecraft, their development time and costs have reduced and their launch costs a ...

A spacecraft thermal control system must keep the cabin (both air and its structure if manned) and electronic equipment within a narrow temperature range even though the environment may vary from very cold to warmer than room temperature. Since water is safe to use and an excellent coolant (other than its high freeze point and volumetric expansion during freeze), a water coolant loop often is use ...

An opportunity to boost energy efficiency in homes and buildings exists through the design of functional radiative properties in glass and other building materials. Current surface materials ignore or take first-order approaches to complicated spectral behavior, leading to sub-optimal properties. The sensitivity of material properties to microscale surface structuring creates a design challenge ...

ABSTRACT: The next generation of hypersonic and reentry vehicles being designed for the Department of Defense (DoD) applications will require advanced Thermal Protection System (TPS). While new TPS shields are under development, a key difficulty is the ability to predict and diagnose TPS performance. ElectroDynamic Applications (EDA) has been developing an optical diagnosticfor use during testi ...

ABSTRACT: This project will apply resonant infrared pulsed laser ablation techniques to deposit environmentally-durable, adherent and conformal anti-reflection (AR) coating on a plastic (polycarbonate) substrate. The proposed broadband AR coating is based on a multilayer architecture of low-refractive index polymer and high-refractive index polymer or polymer hybrid materials. High quality poly ...