Award Data

In this phase I SBIR program, a team led by Advanced Ceramics Research Inc. (ACR) propose a novel, low-cost manufacturing process for multi-functional polymer composite components with improved lightning strike mitigation and EMI shielding capabilities. The proposed program will develop and demonstrate a process for manufacturing complex-geometry composite parts with tailored lightning strike miti ...

Aurora Flight Sciences proposes to develop specialized algorithms and software decision-aiding tools for four-dimensional (4D) vehicle-centric, tactical trajectory management (TTM), derived from algorithms developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to perform similar functions in military scenarios. These algorithms, based on the concept of receding horizon mixed-integer linear ...

Model-based machinery diagnostic and prognostic techniques depend upon high-quality mathematical models of the plant. Modeling uncertainties and errors decrease system sensitivity to faults and decrease the accuracy of failure prognoses. However, the behavior of many physical systems changes slowly over time as the system ages. These changes may be perfectly normal and not indicative of impendi ...

The proposed SBIR Phase I plan of research seeks to develop and demonstrate an integrated architecture designed to compensate for combined propulsion, airframe, effector, and structural damage caused by catastrophic system failure or an intentionally hostile act. Whereas prior damage-adaptive control work focused on reconfiguring from unforeseen aerodynamic changes (e.g., effector or airframe dam ...

Real-time dosimetry is needed to provide immediate feedback, so astronauts can minimize their exposure to ionizing radiation during periods of high solar activity. Optical radiation monitors provide continuous detection of e- and n. Radiation induced changes in the optical properties of each sensor's active material are interpreted via software to estimate the dose from each type of particle. C ...

Fibertek has developed transmitters for Lidar and 3D imaging applications based on fiber optics architectures both at 1064nm. We have demonstrated an all fiber transmitter producing as much as 15W at 10Kpps. This all-fiber based transmitter produces pulses at 1064nm as short as 750ps and can have its repetition rate varied from 10Kpps to several 10s of Mpps. In addition the transmitter central ...

NASA has identified the need for the development of lightweight structures technologies to support Lunar Lander and Lunar Habitats programs and for the transfer of relevant technology to Crew Exploration Vehicle and Crew Launch Vehicle programs. NASA further calls for revolutionary advances in radiation shielding materials and structures technologies to protect humans from the hazards of space ra ...

Metron Aviation designs and develops an integrated methodology and supporting algorithms for estimating environmental impacts of increased traffic on the surface and in the terminal airspace, and extends beyond estimation to identify key causes and develop mitigation options. From previous work, we provide multi-dimensional impact calculation in terms of noise, emissions, and fuel usage, as well ...

The core planning algorithms to support the NGATS concepts will need accurate predictions of airport configuration over planning horizons of six hours or more. Such predictions are not currently feasible because the configuration often is not completely determined by factors such as weather forecasts, future demand, and noise restrictions that might be input to an automated predictor. When this ...

Both FAA and NASA research has highlighted the need for efficient and equitable allocation of NAS resources and increased operational flexibility. In particular, market-based mechanisms are needed for transferring system-imposed delay from more critical to less critical flights. In this SBIR, we will develop a National Airspace Resource Exchange System (NRES) that will provide the FAA and the av ...