Award Data

This proposal covers the development of audio processing technology that enables improved communications capability among first responders. The goal is to improve the SNR of the audio signal that is input to the radio or other communication system when the user is in a noisy environment. The technologies to be investigated include the use of multiple microphones for acoustic beam-steering, new tec ...

Design, build, test and evaluate an engineering prototype neutron generator for Am-Be replacement that is to scale and function to simulate ruggedness and suitability for borehole applications. In Phase II, Starfire will develop the most difficult tool for design and evaluation, the 1-11/16” bore tool for 2” cased oil/gas wells, which has the greatest market application. The unit output will ...

Individual differences in vulnerability to sleep loss and fatigue from extended work hours and night work are a substantial problem in transportation work schedule development, fatigue risk management strategies, and prediction of performance impairment in real-world operations. This project will deliver an individualized Fatigue Management Program (FMP) technology for trucking operations that in ...

This proposal describes the application of a mature nanotechnology-based crack arrest / structural repair technology as a novel crack arrestor tool for high-strength pipelines. The crack arrestor would comprise a thin layer or sleeve of electrodeposited nanocrystalline material applied to the outside of the pipe either in the coating mill during fabrication or in-field during or following constru ...

Laser Technology Inc. (LTI) proposes a Phase II SBIR research project to further develop a Compact Shearography System, Analysis Method and Software for micro-crack detection in concrete. There is an urgent need to detect and characterize fine cracks in concrete that form because of various damage mechanisms including alkali-silicate reaction, delayed ettringite formation or frost damage. Fine s ...

Research is proposed to develop a locking mechanism for intercity (Amtrak) rotating seats that can be retro-fit to existing seats. Current intercity rail seats, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), present a safety hazard to the riding public. Post accident investigations show that passenger rail seats were found to have been uncontrollably rotated even though current se ...

Development of the basic EMAT based transverse rail defect detector has progressed toward finished form, as envisioned in the original solicitation. This modification is intended to produce a demonstratable version of a 2-rail detection system with automated signal interpertation. The objectives of this work are to: a. Further develop the system into a functioning 2-rail detection system, as ori ...

During Phase 1 of the project, Sharma & Associates, Inc. developed a concept for high speed freight truck intended for 70-ton, regular freight and bi-modal operation, at speeds up to 150 mph. The truck uses a rigid frame and an indpendent, compliant, primary suspension for its basic architecture. Constant contact side-bearings and yaw dampers were also added to improve dynamic performance. Vehi ...

As processor clock speeds top out, software developers increasingly rely on concurrency, multicore, and distributed computing for performance goals -- and on platforms ranging from industrial controls to multicore desktops and scalable clouds. It is safe to speculate that errors in concurrent software will be the next buffer overflow, only more difficult to detect and debug. The non-determinism i ...

This proposal describes the application of a mature nanotechnology-based crack arrest/structural repair technology as a novel in-field pipeline repair tool. The repair would be comprised of a thin layer or sleeve of electrodeposited nancrystalline material applied to the damaged region of the pipe in order to utilize the "crack filling" characteristic of the process. The concept proposed has alr ...