Award Data

Without the means for stabilizing the scale factor and bias of MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers, they cannot become precise and accurate instruments. With stabilization, however, autonomous navigation is possible and GPS reliability can be improved. We propose to introduce active stabilization methods and test devices and carry out the proof-of-concept tests during Phase I. We will make use of e ...

The overall objective of this program is to develop methodologies for: automatic removal of the pellets from the press, precise measurement of the pellets (weight, thickness), calculation of density, inspection of pellets for chips and cracks, and segregation of non-compliant pellets. Automation of the above processes will ultimately lead to increased throughput with reduced cycle times. Phase ...

Proliferation of nuclear weapons is a serious threat in the world today. One way to determine the presence of nuclear weapons is to detect neutrons emitted by special nuclear material(SNM) such as highly enriched uranium and weapons grade plutonium. The purpose of this project is to develop improved solid state neutron detectors from CVD diamond for homeland security applications. Phase I work wil ...

It is the intent of Hittite through this proposal to explore the feasibility of using chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-diamond as a passivating layer within the junction of a Gallium Nitride (GaN) microwave transistor. CVD-diamond being a material with very high thermal conductivity, and being located as close as possible to the heat dissipation source, will have the effect of reducing junction tem ...

DHS is committed to strengthening interest in science and technology (SandT) studies and career choices, and in elevating SandT understanding within various populations. One of the expected learning facilitators is a wealth of contemporary scientific information and discoveries emanating from DHS Centers of Excellence. And one of the populations that could potentially benefit greatly from access t ...

A new metal matrix composite material consisting of natural graphite particulates processed into a designed reinforcement architecture that, after pressure infiltration casting with molten Al alloy, results in materials with thermal conductivity (TC) controllable over a range of 600 to 750 W/mK and thermal expansion controllable over the range of 7 to 3 ppm/K. This material, with strategically lo ...

The objective of this effort is to reduce the weight of the cryocooler system, improve the efficiency of the cryocooler system, provide multiple cryocooler temperatures, and improve the configuration of the gimbaled flexible joint. At first glance, this set of claims seems incredibly ambitious; however, as disclosed in this proposal, these achievements can be obtained by implementing an improved ...

Accurate forecasts of infrared satellite imagery are needed to optimize tasking of valuable and limited space borne surveillance assets. Atmospheric constituents such as clouds, aerosols, and water vapor can negatively impact the ability of IR surveillance systems to monitor activities on the ground. Due to their chaotic nature, atmospheric impacts are particularly severe for applications that r ...

Satellite ground imagery from space-based infrared (IR) sensors can be invaluable when monitoring areas of military significance during periods of rapid activity of several hours to days. IR ground imagery is strongly influenced by weather conditions such as cloud cover and water content that can adversely impact surveillance. Predictions of IR image availability and quality during adverse weather ...

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) and its team member Aerojet, propose to mitigate slow cook-off violence by adding a thermally-decomposing trigger to a propellant formulation to provide a benign ignition mechanism for large diameter SRMs. Physical Sciences and Aerojet have identified a potential furazan replacement for ammonium nitrate (AN) which eliminates the significant problems of AN such as hygro ...