Award Data

Machine learning algorithms have demonstrated performance on par with or superior to human analysts on large datasets when sufficient training data is available.  For military applications obtaining sufficient, truthed data is always a challenge.  Three approaches have been used for measured data collections to support sensor exploitation programs: coordinated collections, turntable measurements ...

While AI-based techniques have been broadly embraced by transportation researchers and professionals due to their huge potential to significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of analyzing transportation data, they typically require a large dataset to train the models effectively and experience difficulties in supporting real-time transportation operations and management. This project will u ...

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is actively involved in the safe transportation of energy and hazardous material that are vital to daily lives. This also includes underground natural gas storage (UNGS) maintenance and safe operation which are critical to nation's energy infrastructure. Enhancing leak detection and identifying smart ways to prevent potential well blow ...

In CMV operations, impaired alertness from driver fatigue contributes to a significant number of collisions and safety critical events. This project (through Phase II) will achieve a system to deliver an objective quantifiable measure of driver alertness based on the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT). This system will alert drivers when assessments indicate alertness deficits and support the timely ...

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) needs a capability to collect and provide immediate presumptive analysis of radiological/nuclear samples of concern at the source of collection. Such in-field technologies should be capable of detecting and identifying trace quantities of elements and/or chemicals containing plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U), with a focus on chemicals specific to the nuclear ...

The ongoing development of new, improved technology for both hardware and software leads to the almost constant upgrade of existing strategic sensor and communications systems and the development and deployment of new systems.  This work addresses warfighter concerns raised in the area of satellite communications and radar, where burst-produced ionospheric disturbances can cause scintillation of ...

To support DTRA’s agent-defeat efforts, we will refine a laser-based Optical Thermocouple (OTC) technology and build and deliver to DTRA a hardened OTC prototype. This OTC system will be capable of quantifying the localized temporal evolution of temperature inside a detonation environment. The OTC technology is based on two-color fluorescence thermometry to determine the temperature. After laser ...

Crushed aggregate is used as railroad ballast, drainage and stabilization material. Fouling of this aggregate reduces its performance: it loses its ability to drain water resulting in reduced strength. Substructure failure is a leading cause of rail accidents and it is a strategic priority to develop new methods for monitoring ballast condition. The challenge is that aggregate fouling does not pre ...

In the passage of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (Pub. L. No. 114-94), Congress challenged the U.S. DOT and the Federal Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) to develop a cost allocation technology to account for disparate federal reporting requirements and maintain separation of funding sources by trip for non-emergency medical transportation. The U.S. DOT notes the ...

Research conducted in Phase I identified a range of data sources providing vehicle related information to consumers shopping around or interested in knowing more about vehicles. Majority of the commercial data sources focused on vehicle features, new/used/CPO pricing, and vehicles listings. Such data sources lacked safety as their central focus, which is a concern for U.S. Department of Transporta ...