Award Data

In Phase I, research demonstated the feasibility of using state-of-the-art computer avatars for providing social skills training for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The results showed a significant improvement in social skills knowledge when engaging in an independently usable mutimedia framework, and training system that utilizes state-of-the-art computer simulation, animation, a mul ...

The project develops and evaluates a prototype translator system determining the feasibility of enabling independent and effective community-based communication for individuals with intellectual disabilities and speech impairments. The prototype is based on PDA technologies and provides evaluation through: (1) the ability of persons with intellectual disabilities to use it independently; (2) the ...

An aqueous-based finish (sizing) was developed in Phase I to improve the carbon/vinyl ester interfacial bond. The finish is composed of a reactive coupling agent, a low viscosity vinyl ester resin, a free radical inhibitor, and a surfactant. The reactive finishes substantially improved the carbon/vinyl ester interface compared to unsized or FOE sized materials. Failure mode analysis shows that ...

New high-temperature sizings are needed to improve the properties and durability of carbon/polyimide composites. Compatibility with weaving and braiding operations and improved wetting during prepregging or resin infusing polyimide resin is also needed. Achieving these characteristics will result in reducing life cycle costs for jet engine composites through better property translation, reduced ...

High-temperature (HT) polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are desired for many aerospace and military applications. Silicon carbide (SiC) fibers provide a potentially attractive reinforcement for HT PMCs for applications ranging from propulsion systems to structures for the orbiting space plane. The sizings routinely added to commercial SiC fibers are not compatible with the new HT matrix resins. ...

The objective of this project is to develop and validate a CAD tool for the rapid design of mechanically fastened repairs, bonded repairs, and hybrid repairs involving both adhesive bonding and mechanical fasteners. To allow use by non-specialists, the CAD tool will replace the current process of manual construction of joint finite element models with CAD tinker toy assembly using parametric par ...

Military platforms expose personnel to extreme vertical vibrations. These vibrations can induce visual-vestibular disturbance or even permanent injury, resulting in spatial-disorientation-related mishaps or decreased performance due to motion-sickness. ANCO Engineers, Inc. proposes to investigate the feasibility of a human-rated, computer-controlled, innovative Vertical Linear Accelerator (VLA) ...

Boundless proposes to show the feasibility of an entirely new manufacturing process to enable efficient long-run or short-run production of a completely new, high-power, low-cost, lithium-ion polymer battery. Boundless will work with Lithium Technology Corporation to evaluate the feasibility of adapting existing battery manufacturing equipment to permit efficient short-run production and rapid ru ...

In their current state, memory density and its associated packaging costs will be a limiting factor in supporting the various Network Centric Warfare (NCW) mission capability packages that tomorrow's aircraft will be asked to perform. Any rugged memory platform, whether it is currently being developed or is a future revolutionary technology, will need to increase density to accommodate the need. ...

We propose to research the application of our novel object detection and classification approach to floating objects using EO/IR sensors. The approach is based on a biologically realistic neural network simulation of the mammalian visual system that has shown promising results in early tests. These results indicate that it will be able to supplement sonar-based systems to reduce false alerts as ...