Award Data

An innovative model for simulating cavitation in liquid rocket turbopumps using cryogenic working fluids is proposed. The formulation is based on a compressible gas-liquid framework that accurately models the acoustics in a multi-phase mixture. This methodology was successfully applied, in our Phase I effort, to simulate cavitating inducer performance in water. Our Phase II effort will extend this ...

NASA has identified a need to reduce weight and cost of cooled composite nozzle ramps. A lightweight actively cooled ceramic matrix composite (CMC) system would be lighter than metallic designs and would require significantly less cooling during re-entry. Composite Factory proposes a zirconium-silicate or Zr-Si-O glass CMC with integral ceramic tubes reinforced with a low cost discontinuous cerami ...

Honeybee Robotics is proposing a new type of planetary and small bodies sample acquisition and sample handling system that can operate in extreme environments and satisfy crucial mission related science and sample return requirements. Many in-situ instruments are currently only capable of handling small amount of samples (0.1 - 1.0 cc) while missions with sample return requirements have a need for ...

During the Phase I program, MSC demonstrated a powerful new software tool designed for the analysis of bonded joints in General Aviation (GA) aircraft. The tool can handle the complex geometry and boundary conditions found in typical joints, and has been shown to be exceptionally accurate. An easy-to-use front end to the code was also demonstrated. In addition, Materials Sciences Corporation (M ...

Phase I established the viability of a 3.0-volt, Li-ion-based LixV2O5 cell system. Rechargeability, rate capability, and operability at -30oC, -200C, R/T, and +550C were demonstrated. It was also found that depending on the structural modifications of V2O5, delivery of specific capacity at 200 mAh/g or higher can be achieved. Further development and optimization of this cathode material, including ...

As an excellent candidate soft magnetic material for transformer, generator, inductor and other applications at low frequency, Fe-Co alloys have attracted much attention. However, at high frequency, the power loss increases due to its low electrical resistivity. During the Phase I research, Nanomat, Inc. has successfully synthesized Fe-Co alloy nanoparticles coated with some electrically insulatin ...

We propose the application of sublimation purification technology (SPT) to the recovery of water from solid wastes which originate from functions of the spacecraft life support system. We will apply SPT to the purification of simulated solid waste media (SWM)which has a well characterized composition and morphology. SPT is a physical process and does not involve the consumption of any resources ex ...

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I Project proposes to use the semiconducting compound AlxGa1-xN to develop a photocathode for use in highly sensitive, solar-blind photomultipliers. The band gap of AlxGa1-xN has a long wavelength cutoff that can be varied from 365 to 200 nm as the AlN molar fraction increases from zero to one. Further, this compound can show a negative electron affini ...

Platform Digital proposes to develop a Remote Experience Authoring Language (REAL) that will allow educators, multi-media developers and scientists to create, quickly and easily interactive 3D models from NASA data sets for the study, evaluation and presentation of science in an engaging and fun way. REAL will enable the public to actively explore NASA remote sites via 3D computer game style repre ...

This Phase I SBIR proposal presents a very simple and practical approach to control the radiation from a surface. The method and prototype product developed as part of this Phase I proposal can replace louvers and provide improved performance with significantly reduced complexity and weight.The approach, which only works in a space environment and with a cold background, is based on the fact that ...