Award Data

Research is proposed for the development and implementation of state of the art, reduced order nonlinear aeroelastic models for multidisciplinary/multi-fidelity optimization problems. Highly efficient and accurate aeroelastic simulation tools will be constructed based upon the mathematical formalism of optimal prediction theory and a novel implementation of a filtered harmonic balance solution met ...

The objective of the proposed research is the demonstration of an optimized, planar-constrained Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) under the influence of a low, O(10V), voltage signal as a conformal surface capable of actuation of a laminar/transitional boundary layer for the goals of transition and/or separation control. The material will be modeled using standard techniques for analyzing a st ...

The opportunity identified here is to expand the capabilities of Multicontinuum Technology (MCT) for prediction of failure initiation in complex (hybrid) composites. A successful Phase 1 project will demonstrate good correlation of MCT variables with initial failure in composites with complex multiscale reinforcement architectures. A Phase 2 project would refine the predictive capabilities, embo ...

In conventional microwave tubes, electrons are supplied by tunneling from specially prepared cathodes that are heated to high temperatures (>1000C),  Total current (and tube power) is limited by cathode temperature with higher power possible only with higher temperatures or more exotic cathode materials.  Operating at these temperatures results in reduced cathode lifetime and fragile tubes.  Si ...

A non-equilibrium plasma is proposed as a source to generate repetitive high current, electron beams for microwave production in a slow wave structure.  Due to the gas environment inside the hollow cathode electrode, the electron beam will generate a plasma channel minimizing beam space-charge effects allowing self-focusing.  Since the non-equilibrium plasma is effectively the electron gun catho ...

Optical micromachining using ultrafast lasers (< 1 ps) is an emerging technology that can create high quality nanoscale structures though a variety of matter-light interactions. Commercial success requires the development of inexpensive ultrafast laser systems that can tune system parameters for changing feature scales and removal rates in real-time. This ability requires real-time changes in fl ...

NumerEx/UCLA propose advanced theoretical and computational research in the application of the renormalization group (RG) to speed the development of advanced methods to simulate dense plasmas exhibiting critical kinetic phenomena.  These dense plasmas combine a wealth of length and time scales by virtue of their high plasma frequencies and short Debye lengths, while still requiring long length/t ...

A new physics-based simulation capability will be developed based on high-order discretizations in both space and time for application to practical engineering problems involving complex physical phenomena and complicated geometries. The goal is to develop a tool which can accurately handle multiphysics simulations, both in analysis mode, and for design optimization purposes. The approach will r ...

Southwest Sciences Inc., in collaboration with the University of Texas, proposes to construct, test and deliver a versatile enhanced gain multiple pass cell for optical absorption and spontaneous Raman measurements of flames.  This is achieved primarily by the use of a new multiple pass cell design capable of over 100 optical passes with a tight central spatial footprint.  This system will be de ...

MZA proposes refinement and optimization of a novel method of atmospheric phasing for a distributed array of sub-apertures enabling high-resolution imaging. The phasing method derives tilt correction through sub-aperture image shifts used to approximate sub-aperture piston correction with linear estimation. Piston correction is optimized through image-metric-based feedback, resulting in an accur ...