Award Data

Functional gradient materials (FGMs) have a microstructurally graded transition in composition (e.g. zirconia to a nickel based superalloy). The graded transition eliminates problems associated with a discrete interface such as poor mechanical strength and transport losses. They are being actively pursued by the engineering community, particularly in Japan, as a means of taking advantage of two di ...

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This project seeks to demonstrate the practicality of using resonant circuit techniques to excite the field of specially designed high frequency alternators for the efficient production of 60 Hz AC power. The project will also explore the practicality of controlling the resonant excitation so that the device power output can be synchronized with and n coupled to an existing power grid. Tests will ...

InP based heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) exhibit proven potential for use in high performance digital integrated circuits and discrete microwave components. For high speed applications, it is desirable to utilize structures that have been designed to promote high levels of nonequilibrium electron transport as this allows realization of higher electron velocities than possible for diffus ...

This program on high-strength piezocermaic fibers probes a critical gap in the technology of smart materials which interconvert electrical and mechanical energy. Strong piezoceramic fibers that can function as load bearing members in structures and survive the large mechanical strains encountered in highly stressed engineering components are not developed. It is envisioned that piezoelectric fabri ...

To continue the development of low cost carbon composite material, this program is intended to demonstrate the ability to fabricate net shape tubular space truss components using co-braided carbon and thermoplastic (PEEK) yarns. The thermoplastic yarn, when processed through an autoclave cure using high pressure and temperature, will fuse the high modulus carbon fibers together to form a rigid fin ...

REGENERATORS THERMOFLUID CRYOREFRIGERATORS THE NEW TYPE OF REGENERATORS PROPOSED OFFERS FOR 10 K CRYOCOOLERS THE PROSPECT OF REDUCTIONS OF 100'S OF WATTS OF POWER AND KILOGRAMS OF WEIGHT PER WATT OF REFRIGERATION, AND EXTENSION OF OPERATING LIFE BY 10,000'S OF HOURS. PHASE 1 WILL DEFINE THE MODELING, THERMOFLUID PERFORMANCE TRADE-OFFS, MATERIAL PROPERTIES, PRODUCTION AND TEST METHODS. THESE REGENE ...

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Aerospace composite panels containing a core structure usually use an expanded honeycomb of either aluminum, NOMEX, or carbon fiber. These types of composite panels are often used as structure since the honey-comb core provides stiffness in the "Z" direction. However, they provide no thermal insulation value. Aerospace craft operating both inside and outside the earth's atmosphere experience envir ...

Currently manufactured aerospace composites absorb water vapor to varying degrees. This moisture absorption adds weight to the composite, however, it lowers the glass transition temperature. And, subsequently, the ultimate strength of the resin holding the composite together, in the total composite matrix. For aerospace vehicles that slip the bonds of Earth and enter the vacume of space, any compo ...