Award Data

The pressing need exists within industry to accurately measure high aspect ratio microscale structures. For example, diesel injector nozzles are manufactured with microscale holes ranging from 50-200 micrometers in diameter and 3-5 mm depths. One fundamental challenge is to nondestrucvely measure these features in order to validate models, enhance manufacturing processes, and reduce fuel emissions ...

The objective of this Phase 1 effort is to demonstrate the feasibility of printed circuit assembly (PCA) warpage simulation through a novel combination of advanced AP210-based printed circuit board (PCB) simulation methods and cutting-edge general-purpose mesh generation tools. Our proposed solution, the extended multi-representation architecture (MRA), embodies an innovative approach that combine ...

We propose research to develop and demonstrate a deeply submersible video plankton recording system (ViPR) to perform image recording of plankton. The ViPR will apply artificial intelligence to 2-D or 3-D imaging using pattern recognition for a statistically reliable survey of plankton using two cameras, one for larger zooplankton and the other for microplankton. The ViPR computer will be PC compl ...

Manning Applied Technology proposes to develop a handheld infrared spectrometer, ideally suited to detection of airborne chemical agents at and below permissible exposure limits. This approach offers unmatched sensitivity and specificity for detection of all types of chemical vapors. The instrument is modular, rugged, compact and highly sensitive. Volume pricing will be less than $1000 each. ...

The goal of the proposed research is to develop a highly sensitive and specific amplification system that can be coupled to any pathogen detection and quantification unit for sensitive real-time detection of biological warfare agents. The system is builtaround a dual-enzyme substrate-recycling electrochemical amplification system coupled to an immunoassay detection technology that has already been ...

Southwest Sciences proposes to develop an automated, fast, and compact instrument to measure tropospheric ammonia from light aircraft. Ammonia plays important roles in aerosol particle chemistry, and particle characteristics are critical in understanding climate change and air quality. Existing ammonia instruments are either too large or measure too slowly for use on light aircraft. The unique ...

U.S. forces require rapid, early and accurate pathogen detection systems designed for use in extreme combat situations. Numerous options to deliver weaponized pathogens drives the necessity for U.S. forces to have technology to detect infectious pathogens.TPL has conceived a unique methodology for amplifying the presence of a pathogen without multiplying physical number of pathogens. TPL proposes ...

A smart machine tool must be able to monitor its condition and report problems. Every CNC machine should provide an alarm for tool condition problems, including tool wear, much as every automobile has a low oil indicator. Tool wear is particularly important for unattended machining as a worn tool can ruin a part. All current tool condition systems operate "blind" without direct information on curr ...

We will develop two programs to process data describing a model geometry and convert it to input acceptable to the Monte Carlo transport codes MCNP and MCNPX. One program will read CAD files in the ACIS solid body SAT format. Solid bodies, surfaces, and cells described in the SAT file will be converted to equivalent MCNP objects where available. Where there is no MCNP equivalent, such as for splin ...

MCNC PROPOSES A FEASIBILITY STUDY AND EVALUATION OF THREE PROMISING APPROACHES TO THE FABRICATION OF SURFACE TEST STRUCTURES ON SILICON. SURFACE FEATURES ON THE FIRST STRUCTURE WILL BE PRODUCED BY CONTROLLABLY ETCHING THERMALLYGROWN OXIDES. FEATURES ON THE SECOND WILL BE MADE BY ETCHING PIEZOELECTRIC THIN FILMS. USING THE PIEZOELECTRIC FILM AS PART OF A CAPACITOR, STEP-HEIGHT CAN BE VARIED AND PRO ...