Award Data

Commodity graphics processing units (GPUs) offer tremendous computational throughput for relatively little cost. They have been shown to outperform microprocessors in the important metrics of FLOPS/dollar, FLOPS/Watt, and FLOPS/unit space and have already been applied to a wide range of numerically intense problems. In Phase I of this project, we demonstrated their potential to enhance complex C ...

We propose to develop and deliver a nano-patterned metallic light trap platform that will allow ultra-thin InGaN photovoltaics to exhibit extended lifetime by a factor of four when used in low orbit satellite operations. We will test the enhancement of light absorption in InGaN layers with In fraction of 25% for use as an effective method of realizing radiation ultra-hard solar cells for space-ba ...

During the program baseline, LCI will develop an eyesafe, large array RT3D camera system that generates both 3D and 2D grayscale imagery in real-time that can be mounted on the iRobot PackBot. The 3D and 2D grayscale imagery can be fused in software to display both range and albedo information for each pixel in the 3D image, a display that will provide better scene understanding. During the option ...

A novel approach for the development of a lightweight, low-cost, compact, and quick start-up on-board fuel reformer is proposed in this Phase II program. The approach is based on a novel MER¿s technique for the fabrication of multichannel mini-reactors incorporating hydrogen separating membrane. Multichannel mini-reactor shrinks the dimensions through which energy and reactants travel to their ...

The work proposed here consists of design, fabrication, packaging, and characterization of latching magnetic RF MEMS switches operational from dc through 40GHz. The active switching component of the device is a movable ferromagnetic cantilever thatelectrically shunts a gap in an on-chip transmission line (CPW and/or microstrip) to turn the switch ON and opens the gap to turn the switch OFF. Packag ...

Phase I research on the development of a supplemental seating system for short stature drivers was undertaken by Safe Inc. in 2005. The purpose of Phase I was to demonstrate the feasibility of a device that would improve the ability of short stature drivers to safely operate a motor vehicle and to improve occupant crash safety. The study sought to examine the use of pedal extenders and other imp ...

The proposed research effort will develop a highly efficient MEMS energy harvesters that utilize a novel nanocomposite technology recently developed by HARP Engineering LLC. Unlike existing piezoelectric nanocomposites, the material proposed here has an electromechanical coupling coefficient higher than most monolithic piezoceramics typically used in MEMS processing. This nanocomposite technolog ...

In the current SBIR program, AlphaSense aimed at developing a novel, handheld, non-destructive sensor to evaluate the integrity of Naval Advanced Amorphous Coatings (NAAC) in real time. In phase I, we have proven the feasibility of using the cavity perturbation technique to detect different types of defects present in thermal-sprayed testing coupons. Specifically, we optimized the sensor probe des ...

This program is expected to result in a combined, miniature Power/Microclimate cooling system for the soldier. The compact thermoelectric generator system will create significant power and have higher energy density than lithium technology batteries over extended missions. The highly integrated, and innovative microclimate cooler will result in a gravity-independent cooling system with high coef ...

This SBIR project proposes to develop a gas-kinetic CFD solver for separated turbulent flow simulation. After successfully developing prototype two-dimensional gas-kinetic BGK-NS/Burnett solvers and demonstrating the benefits of using higher-order hydrodynamic equations for separated turbulent flow simulation in Phase I, the technical objective of Phase II work will be to fully develop and validat ...