Award Data

ABSTRACT: This Phase I effort will involve the development of an ultra low cost, high specific power, modular and flexible solar array module using currently available thin-film solar cells, innovative interconnects, and flexible encapsulation. The high efficiency thin-film solar cells will enable high specific power and flexibility in the module. The interconnect scheme and encapsulation will a ...

We propose a platform for aerial environmental monitoring based on the integration of two advanced technologies for the first time: a lightweight, flying robotic platform capable of hovering and swarming, and a compact, low-power chemical sensor platform called the Molecular Property Spectrometer (MPS): a robust, low-cost, silicon-chip-based micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) that has been use ...

A novel and new method of measuring the far-field noise of a helicopter is proposed by the Delta Group International/University of Maryland team that uses a hot-air-balloon as the measurement platform. The method meets the Army STTR objectives of being capable of measuring helicopter noise above and near the tip-path-plane of the helicopter without measurable ground reflections. The new method i ...

ABSTRACT: Due to scarcity of spectrum, Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) becomes a needed technology to improve the utilization of electromagnetic spectrum for DoD satellite communication. However, current DSA approaches are developed for terrestrial communications without addressing the unique challenges for SATCOM environments such as error-prone spectrum sensing, high mobility, and large coverage. ...

ABSTRACT: Coordinating and sharing information across multi-level security (MLS) networks are of great interest in many military applications. However, it is very challenging to accomplish those goals due to the heterogeneous security classifications of different network domains. The recent proposed cross-domain solutions (CDS) provide initial steps to make such applications possible. However, th ...

This project address the fabrication of solar blind detectors from the MgZnO material system. Both MBE and MOCVD material growth techniques will be used for deposition of the required material layers. Simulation software we be used to aid in the design of the photodetector structure. Devices will be fabricated from the grown structures and their electrical and optical characteristics determined.

The Haber-Bosch process is the dominant industrial method for nitrogen fixation in the world, with production exceeding 140MM tons in 2009. This process of converting nitrogen and hydrogen to ammonia is one of the great scientific achievements in the modern world. However, Haber-Bosch process is energy intensive requiring pressures >150 bar and temperatures >400 C to achieve 8-15% efficiency. I ...

ABSTRACT: In this STTR Tech-X corporation in partnership with the University of Washington will improve a commercial plasma modeling tool, Nautilus, for simulating high-temperature multi-fluid plasmas for problems such as the field reversed configuration, dense plasma focus and the plasma opening switch. Semi-implicit algorithms will be implemented in Nautilus so that the speed of light and elec ...

ABSTRACT: The Air Force seeks to improve the accuracy of orbit specification and of 72-h orbit predictions beyond present capabilities. Thermospheric neutral density and satellite ballistic coefficient strongly impact satellite drag estimation, which is a leading source of error in orbit predictions in LEO. The goal of this Phase II project is to develop a satellite drag specification capability ...