Award Data

"Three-dimensional textile reinforcement architectures with straight in-plane fibers and optimized through thickness fiber content are considered as efficient solutions for the next generation of light weight, damage tolerant, high strength compositesallowing for cost-effective manufacturing solutions. The 3-D weaving process is gentle to the fibers, thus making automated fiber optic sensor insert ...

"Nanoparticles are attracting increasing attention because of their unique properties. Applications based on particles down to nanometer size range are growing rapidly. The ability to coat high performance layers on nanoparticles would offer unsurpassedfunctionality and further broaden the range of technological opportunities. This proposal addresses a sequential chemical synthesis technique that ...

"We propose to develop a new technique for imaging underground facilities based on the passive monitoring of acoustic emissions from both stationary and moving equipment within such facilities. It is well known that all mechanical devices, such as motors,gears, etc, emit acoustic signals. It is possible to identify an acoustic source based on its noise spectrum. In addition, by monitoring the acou ...

"It has been shown theoretically and experimentally, that one-dimensional photonic bandgap (1DPBG) structures enhance nonlinear effects for one to three orders of magnitude. By exploiting these effects, one can achieve efficient frequency conversion (secondand third harmonic generation, and parametric) in materials with modest nonlinear optical properties and in structures with a total path length ...

"Collisions between aircraft and birds have become an increasing concern for human health and safety. More than four hundred people and over four hundred aircraft have been lost globally. To minimize the number of birdstikes, microphone arrays have beenused to monitor birds near the airport or some critical locations in the airspace. However, the range of existing arrays is only limited to a few h ...

"Higher strength carbon/carbon (C/C) composites are required if such components are to replace currently used titanium products in the aircraft industry. This Phase I STTR addresses this need with the development of C/C composites with a 3-D fiberarchitecture and a reinforced carbon matrix. The 3-D preform composites have demonstrated superior compressive and tensile strength in relationship to ...

We propose a set of numerical and analytical tools to address electromagnetic wave propagation in dielectric mirrors and waveguides designed on the principles of omnidirectional reflectivity. Design concepts of the broad frequency range of omnireflectivitywill be presented, as well as the deleterious role of imperfections in scattering to the surface and radiation states will be investigated. Om ...

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) and the University of Arizona (UA) propose to investigate, evaluate, and apply the sensory schemes, neural processing, and behavioral strategies of flying insects to the problem of maneuvering flight of an Unmanned Air Vehicle(UAV). We will develop computational models of vision (and other sensors) and insect flight control processes incorporating critical sensor-motor ...

"The proposed research will analyze the effect of radical production by non-equilibrium plasmas on the ignition characteristics of methane-air flows. We will develop a plasma ignition module using transverse radio frequency (RF) discharge. Previously,unique stable non-equilibrium RF plasmas have been generated in cold steady-state air and methane flows. Non-intrusive diagnostics including a Four ...

Research Support Instruments, Inc., with the aid of the Princeton University Photonics and Optoelectronic Materials (POEM) group and the Florida Space Institute (FSI), proposes the development of a revolutionary, high specific impulse, microchip-sizedthruster for nanosatellite propulsion. This project will combine recent advances in two areas: larger-sized Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating (E ...