Award Data

Hypersonic vehicles need compact, high temperature capable power sources since batteries are not sufficiently compact and require insulation. A thermoelectric (TE) energy-harvesting system converts thermal energy into electricity by taking advantage of the temperature difference between two surfaces. The objective of this effort is to increase the temperature limits of current TE materials from ap ...

Physical Sciences Inc. proposes to develop a unique ionic monopropellant thruster for next generation DACS that uses an electrically-assisted ignition technique to generate rapid thrust impulses with short ignition delay times. The thruster will produce these short delay times with low power consumption using a novel monopropellant decomposition strategy and a high performance electrode arrangemen ...

The Modular Clandestine Communications System is proposed to enable friendly platforms to communicate acoustically through the water without compromising their presence or location. The MCCS signals and processing algorithms both have a modular structure that enables it to accommodate platforms of varying capabilities including receiver assets and computational power. In addition to this scalabili ...

Increasing global RF electromagnetic (EM) activity related to commercial, scientific, and military systems, threatens the integrity of satellite communication links and has resulted in an environment cluttered with RF signals, particularly in the UHF-band. This is causing two major problems: 1) interference (due to co-site and jamming); and 2) increase in the EM noise floor. These effects can caus ...

Subsequent Phase II Proposal, extension of Phase I contract N00014-13-P-1152.Under the ACTUV program, DARPA developed a strategically critical autonomous anti-submarine warfare vessel, called Sea Hunter. One key to Sea Hunter’s success is an ability to avoid collisions with manned vessels by following the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). However, autonomous C ...

The goal of the proposed research is to develop a non-destructive method for subsurface residual stress measurement in turbo-machinery components. Neutron diffraction techniques have a proven ability to determine residual stresses at significant depths, however implementation of these techniques has been limited to specialized facilities such as the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) neutron at Oak ...

Physical Sciences Inc. proposes to develop and scale up process for a unique, electrically-assisted, insensitive munition compliant, self-extinguishable, high performance controllable solid propellant for advanced thrust control motors. This novel propellant formulation has a predicted specific impulse and density specific impulse that exceed the performance of state-of-the-art ionic propellants. ...

The US Navy, and other maritime operators, has a problem with fouling on hull surfaces. Coatings that may be effective when submarines are out at sea are not as effective when the boat is maintained in a static state for long periods of time. The skilled manpower needed, the radiological considerations, and the methods and tools used currently to address fouling in static situations collectively a ...

This Phase II development is to address diver helmet communications that will operate in the high noise of diver helmet breathing noise and underwater tool noise as well as in varying gas density/mixtures (squeaky voice). The developed system (helmet (bottom-side) and diver station (topside)) will demonstrate improved and clear communications in actual dives and/or dive chambers. The components wi ...

Transparent ceramics are currently utilized by the Department of Defense for electro-optical applications including sensor windows. In addition to providing necessary optical performance, transparent ceramics offer the potential for improved ballistic strength and personnel protection. Conformal electro-optic sensor windows are desirable for future air platforms as they maintain the shape of the a ...