Award Data

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 ...

ACX proposes an innovative new process for the manufacture of smart structures using a High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) thermal spray process. This simple, multi-step process will be capable of depositing electroded piezoceramic coatings. The coatings will be poled while still hot, reducing poling times and voltages while increasing poling efficiency. Process times will be extremely short. The pr ...

AcuSoft proposes to develop a set of HLA Development Tools to assist simulation software developers in their efforts to implement the HLA. The HLA Development Tools will support the Federation Execution and Development Process (FEDEP) and present an approach to solving the problems associated with the HLA's flexible FOM data definitions. A set of data visualization tools, such as a 2D Plan View ...

AcuSoft proposes to research and develop a Synthetic Environment RTI (SE-RTI). The SEDRIS initiative has established a new programming paradigm that provides lossless transmission of synthetic environment objects. The HLA has been designed to support interoperability and reuse of DoD simulations, and SEDRIS is a major component of HLA. Currently, the SEDRIS data model, APIs and format are prima ...

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 ...

Because of the scarce network bandwidth available on the wireless links, data compression plays a critical role in the wireless system design. We propose to evaluate existing public-domain and commercial lossless data compression packages in the context of wireless networking. The specific criteria used include compression efficiency, compression speed, memory usage, and ease of being incorporat ...

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project seeks to combine the enhanced piezoelectric properties of single crystal perovskite ferroelectrics, recently discovered at Pennsylvania State University, with the electrostrictive properties of polyurethane to make a new class of "smart" materials for acoustic transducers. A tape casting process is used to form composite sheets compromising ...

The final prototype of the Microcircuit Board Repair apparatus will be capable of laying down or lifting metal strips with micrometer dimensions. Under real time computer control, the translation stages will be fully automated or manually controlled. The end user will monitor the process in real time using a camera attached with the source. Laying down the metal lines will be done using Laser C ...