Award Data

As bio-based composites see increased use in protective design more robust material data sets and alternative analysis tools are needed.  Improved material characterization and the capability to evaluate close-in effects will enable engineers to evaluate a broader set of design configurations and loading conditions.  Three technical objectives are proposed: comprehensively characterize the balli ...

The US Army and other DOD forces occasionally need to breach reinforced concrete structures. There are several existing methods to assess the structural properties and predict reinforcement but each of these methods has specific deficiencies (e.g. to loud, too large, too inconsistent). Ground penetrating radar is a promising technology for non-destructive concrete substructure characterization but ...

Robotic systems in general, and Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAVs) in particular, pose a threat for both military and civilians when in the wrong hands. The triad of Kinetic, High-Power Microwave and Laser weapon systems currently used or considered for Counter-UAV (C-UAV) operation though effective in disrupting their performance, might be hazardous when used in a populated area. In the Phase I progr ...

Recent advancements in artillery, muzzle velocity, and post-launch propulsion technology have enabled precision guided munitions (PGMs) to travel faster and at longer ranges than ever before. To be most effective in flight and at range, the munitions must incorporate RF sensors to enable advanced, mission-critical functionality. The RF sensors must also be able to survive and operate through extre ...

State-of-the-art power electronics use discrete components such as power magnetic inductors and transformers operating at < 1MHz, which suffer from a large SWAP-C (size, weight, power consumption, and cost). It has been challenging to achieve simultaneously high inductance, compact size, and high quality factors at 1~300MHz for integrated power electronics. In the completed Phase II Army STTR Phas ...

NATO is currently developing the Next-Generation Reference Mobility Model (NG-NRMM), which is used to determine terrain strength properties for mobility. The NG-NRMM relies heavily on in-situ measurements, which is a significant limitation for traversing unknown areas and combat zones. The MTRI Inc. and MTU team recently competed the A21C-T021 Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proj ...

Advancements in thermal/infrared imaging can potentially permit improved detection of assets critical to the U.S. Warfighter, potentially affecting mission outcome. In other situations, improved heat trapping/thermal management may also be beneficial, especially in cold environments. To meet thermal management needs like these, Luna Labs proposes to develop a high-performing but more occupational ...

Military obscurants effectively absorb, scatter, or emit radiation in the visible, infrared and millimeter wavelength ranges to disrupt the line of sight between the target and observer. These aerosolized materials play a crucial role in preventing the detection of the US Warfighter by enemy sensors including seekers, trackers, optical devices, and the human eye. Recently, the Army has expressed i ...

Optical detection of objects hidden behind opaque layers is a challenging problem. As such, Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (PB-IEDs) underneath clothing continue to be a persistent threat to the military and law enforcement communities. Safe stand-off detection in crowds is needed for the confirmation, identification, and neutralization of PB-IEDs. Technologies previously investigated i ...

Bacterial infections are particularly significant for military personnel in situations where there may be a long delay between the injury and treatment at a hospital or clinic. The development of an effective, portable light-based system which can operate in both military hospitals and far-forward situations is proposed. The proof-of-concept prototype developed in Phase I will be refined to be mor ...