Award Data

A critical step in the extraction of elements from ore, especially rare earth elements that are found in complex minerals, is separation. Froth flotation is a highly versatile method for physically separating particles based on differences in the ability of air bubbles to selectively adhere to specific mineral surfaces in a mineral/water slurry. The particles with attached air bubbles are then ca ...

As analysts and operators move from data to insights, tools are needed for supervisory control, command and control, and intelligence analysis. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) requires the ability to navigate and interpret mounds of data to produce actionable decisions. Through the Urban Telepresence program, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is redefining a concept of ...

It is not likely that an autonomous system can be programmed with all the information it requires to perform every mission or every variation of every contingency within the near future. One way to address this issue is to provide user-friendly means to teach or program a robot to add to its autonomous capability. This proposal focuses on the physical aspects of the robot performance, manipulat ...

Recent advancements in sensor simulation tools [2] have improved our ability to model radar, lidar, camera, and GPS with software/hardware in the loop. Of course, our ability to model the physics of heavy trucks [3] is quite mature as well. To address the challenge of developing the STE, we will provide our autonomy algorithms as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). The focus of this topic ...

Imagery analysts face a number of challenges that complicate their ability to gain contextual awareness, particularly when exploiting multiple forms of sensor data. Faced with adaptable adversaries, analysts require advanced training tools that span a variety of mission contexts. Because no analyst can be an expert in every sensor platform, what is needed is a training tool that senses and adapts ...

Solid waste disposal and/or destruction are problems that cannot be ignored in patrol base camps or combat outposts and are frequently cited as one of the pressing concerns for established camps. MSW Power has developed a Solid Waste Destruction System (SWDS) consisting of a compactor that mechanically and thermally removes moisture from patrol base camp solid waste, a pyrolysis unit in which the ...

Two approaches are proposed to attack the problems of fixturing process. First, a novel hardware holding system, Dexterous Vise, is proposed. Functionally, a single Dexterous Vise is capable of revealing four faces of the clamped workpiece to the cutting tool without re-fixturing, which actually increases one degree of freedom to the machine tool. A pair of Dexterous Vises, the "Dual-Vise", ena ...

In order to realize the full potential of cryogenic power converters, it is vital to develop the technology for cryogenic capacitors and inductors, in order to be combined with the switching semiconductors. Capacitors with high dielectric constant and high voltage withstand at cryogenic temperatures with low weight and volume lie on the critical path. The proposed work focuses on innovative tech ...

To Operate effectively, PEM small fuel cells stacks need a chemical hydride hydrogen generator. The chemical hydride digital reactor suggested in the proposed program will provide about 2.5 kWH of energy in a5 pound package.--almost three times the energy density of a BA5590 battery. Studies and experiments will be conducted with spe ...

Proposed is the technical development and design of the electronics and cooling systems for a 1 megawatt cryogenically cooled inverter suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including Uninterruptable Power Suplies (UPS) and motors in the +1000 HP range. The proposed work will provide a logical progression to the development that has already been done by American Superconductor Corp. I ...