Award Data

Development of the ballistic missile targets is a complex undertaking, particularly since radio-frequency (RF) blackout caused by plasma formation during re-entry complicates antenna designs for Global Positioning System (GPS) and telemetry signals. To minimize the cost of the design/build/test process, proposed designs should be first simulated and refined in a virtual prototyping environment bef ...

The objective of this proposal is to describe the design and technique behind a novel framing 2-dimensional (2-D) hyperspectral imager system that overcomes the limitations of traditional hyperspectral systems when tracking high speed targets and is capable of placing a 2-dimensional spatial grid on the target with enough pixels for shape-based target detection, while simultaneously and instantane ...

In this Phase II effort, SK Infrared LLC, is collaborating with Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS) to demonstrate a dual color 512x512 30 um pitch long wave/long wave (LW/LW) pBp focal plane array (FPA) hybridized to a RVS SB410 Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC). The SB410 is a 512x512 30 micron pitch dual band ROIC developed by RVS. The final deliverable at the end of the two year project would be a ...

MZA partnered with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) propose the development of an integrated satellite-derived numerical weather prediction (NWP) modeling and optical sensor measurements technique to provide comprehensive atmospheric characterization for modeling of directed energy (DE) weapon performance. We will build on an existing technique for temperature and wind modeling using ...

Sensors, capacitors, and conducting features such as resistors and capacitors on circuit boards are produced from metal and ceramic powders 1-12 These powders are manufactured by liquid phase precipitation routes which often start with reduction of metal salts or by solid-state routes where solid reactants are mixed, heated and then milled. The solid-state processing is generally repeated several ...

Optomec Design Company proposes to use Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENSTM), a Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (RP&M) technology currently under development at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), as a new method for integrating instrumentation (e.g., embedded sensors) into metal structural components. SNL has demonstrated the ability of the LENSTM technology to produce near net shape stainles ...

Glass is an attractive material for microelectronic packaging because it is hermetically sealing, has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and is compatible with d.c. circuits. Unfortunately, the working temperature of glass is too high for this application. Low-temperature processing of a sol-gel derived, aluminosilicate material for hermetic seals is proposed for electronic packaging. This ...

Breathable release coatings that can withstand processing conditions up to 750F are needed for use on ceramic tooling. In situ removal of volatiles in solvent-based composite processing is a critical issue that will enable production of high quality parts at lower cost per part. Current release coatings meet neither the temperature nor the solvent transport requirements of solvent-based composit ...

Rocket motors that develop greater thrust with lower weight and volume require-ments are an ever present goal of the BMDO. One method of providing this is through formulation of higher energy propellant mixtures. TPL proposes to develop a new method of effectively producing new high perfor-mance propellant constituents for launch, orbit-orbit transfer and station keeping propulsion systems. The p ...

The objective of this research is to demonstrate the feasibility of spray forming aluminum Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) in the solid-state physical form as a light weight structural material. It is anticipated that this innovative manufacturing process will provide opportunities to fabricate near-net-shape spacecraft and interceptor structures with unique material properties. The process called S ...