Award Data

ABSTRACT: MicroLink and its collaborators, Rochester Institute of Technology and Magnolia Solar, will develop a high-efficiency, single-junction, epitaxial lift-off (ELO) GaAs solar cell by incorporating nano-scale features, such as quantum dots and optically functional textures, within the solar cell structure. The principal technical objective of the project is to increase the AM0 efficiency o ...

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 ...

ABSTRACT: CU Aerospace (CUA) and team partner the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) propose to perform research, development and demonstration of experimental quenching free measurements of heat-release in a realistic highly turbulent plasma-assisted flame. Kinetics models will be correspondingly updated and detailed 3D multiphysics simulations will be validated by the measuremen ...

We propose a rapid mapping and 3-D visualization system especially suited for inside buildings, tunnels, urban canyons, and other environments where GPS may be poor or not available. The system--which was fully demonstrated in our Phase I effort-- includes mobile Sensor Nodes that wirelessly supply compressed 3D range data and color imagery to a central Fusion Node. The Fusion Node runs 3D recon ...

ABSTRACT: Shared Spectrum Company (SSC) partners with Virginia Tech (VT) to develop resilient and agile space communication systems using innovative cognitive radio techniques. The objective of this STTR Phase II project is to develop anti-jamming capability using frequency agility provided by Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) technology for satellite communications (SATCOM) systems. The SSC team foc ...

ABSTRACT: Living systems rely on pervasive vascular networks to enable a plurality of biological function, exemplified by natural composite structures that are lightweight, high-strength, and capable of mass and energy transport. In contrast, synthetic composites possess high strength-to-weight ratios but lack the dynamic functionality of their natural counterparts. CU Aerospace, with team partne ...

ABSTRACT: The innovation proposed is a computationally-tractable, physics-based, portable turbulent combustion modeling strategy for application to a wide range of Air Force aero-propulsive systems, including augmentors, liquid rockets and scramjets. This modeling strategy will be implemented within an Application Programming Interface (API) library suitable for easy integration within Air Force ...

ABSTRACT: The Air Force Phase I program would develop and demonstrate semiconductor nanomembrane (NM) based sensors and arrays for high frequency pressure measurements, using SOI (Silicon on Insulator) NM technique in combination with our pioneering HybridsilTM copolymer nanocomposite materials. NanoSonic would work cooperatively with Virginia Tech to develop an improved mechanical and electrical ...

The low density of magnesium makes it of interest for the development of advanced materials having high specific strength and stiffness. Current Mg applications, however, are limited by the performance and cost/quality relationships of existing Mg-alloy systems. One approach to obtain improved Mg alloys is through the development of new alloys and/or Mg-based composite materials that are enabled t ...

Antimicrobial treatments have been incorporated in a number of textile products used by the U.S. Army to control odor and reduce skin irritation, thus improving the quality of life for the warfighters. Current textile treatment using chemically-derived antimicrobials such as metals (silver- and copper-based compounds), polyphenols, halamines and quaternary ammonium compounds can effectively kill o ...