Award Data

The interface is often a limiting factor in determining the durability of composite materials used in harsh environments. Attaining a well-bonded interface is particularly difficult with low-temperature curing matrix resin systems. A need exists for a carbon fiber adhesion promoting finish that is compatible with vinyl ester chemistry. Prior work using reactive coupling agent chemistries modifi ...

Asbestos insulation material has been used in shipboard environments for many years. While the material is usually safe when left undisturbed, it becomes a major health hazard during removal. The fine, needle like crystals that can be released into the air during handling are inhaled into the deep parts of the lung where they are known to cause cancer. Current removal procedures require a compl ...

New high temperature sizings are needed that are compatible with resin infusion processes to improve the properties and durability of carbon/polyimide composites. Compatibility with resin infusion processes includes compatibility with weaving and braiding operations and improved wetting with the infusing polyimide resin. Achieving these characteristics will result in reducing life cycle costs. ...

A method of determining electromagnetic susceptibility thresholds for chaotic and non-chaotic field environments is proposed. Field sets and coupled current sets are decomposed into non-chaotic and chaotic components via projection onto deterministic models of the coupled structures. Rather than assume field distributions a priori, ensembles of field data are generated from which statistical pro ...

The US Navy's new DD(X) destroyer currently under design features amongst its extensive sensor suite an innovative dual (high frequency and mid-frequency) frequency, active bow sonar. One of the primary missions of the high frequency (HF) component of the bow-sonar will be in-stride mine avoidance. Advanced signal processing algorithms, developed for predecessor sonars aboard modern US submarine ...

The Navy is required to demonstrate the immunity of its ordnance and electronic systems to electromagnetic threats. Simple pass/fail testing is no longer adequate for demonstrating compliance in a field environment increasingly characterized by high power transmission. The Electro-Magnetic Probability of Effect (EMPE) tools proposed in this SBIR will enable the Navy to design new systems and asses ...

The proposed SBIR Phase II effort by D-STAR Engineering Corporation addresses the highest risk technologies necessary for the development of a unique light-weight, heavy-fueled 24 - 30 hp class hybrid-electric propulsion system for UGVs. The two most critical technologies are : 1) development of a compact, light-weight, fuel-efficient engine to operate on JP-8 and other heavy fuels; and 2) devel ...

Many Naval capabilities are hamstrung by the need for lighter more powerful batteries, particularly propulsion systems of unmanned surface vessels and underwater vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries with specific energy of 115 to 125 Wh/kg have been demonstrated at the 1 and 100 Ah class size, but significant barriers prevent their safe use as power sources for high-energy, large-scale applications. ...

The leading edge of the V-22 rotor blade is made of titanium and nickel abrasion strips bonded to the composite substrate (blade). Although effective for rain erosion protection, nickel and titanium have poor sand erosion resistance. There is a need to protect the nickel and titanium against sand erosion during operation. The Navy is also interested in removing the metallic erosion guard and re ...

The US Navy seeks none-line-of-sight deposition technologies to produce gear coatings to meet the Navy~{!&~}s loss-of-lubricant requirement. Current rotary platform drive trains, coated with black oxide, barely meet the loss-of-lubricant survivability requirement, and consequently require an expensive auxiliary lubrication system adding additional weight to the drive system. Inframat Corporation ...