Award Data

Operation of heavy equipment results in the generation of high sound levels. These sounds (exhaust from diesel or turbine engines, clatter of vehicle parts and cargo, movement of joints, etc.), when taken together result in a characteristic acoustic signature. Depending on terrain and environmental conditions this sound may carry several kilometers. This unintentional noise offers an opportunit ...

A quality simulation which allows a user to simulate the acoustic emissions in a multi-source environment and then study the effects these conditions have on a set of acoustic sensors would be of great value. As acoustic sensors technology continues to advance with robust algorithms for detection, tracking and identification as well as high performance hardware providing real-time operation, thes ...

This project applies a combination of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Genetic Algorithms (GA), and CAD software to the problem of optimum armor design. Previous work for TACOM has established the efficacy of ANN/GA as applied to the problem of 1-D armor design. This new work will extend the concept to full 3-D vehicle geometries (CAD models). The CAD part of the code will handle the 3D data d ...

This exploratory development program is a study of existing means of attaching hardware to composite materials in general. Special attention for mounting racks, brackets, modular armor and other types of equipment and hardware on combat and tactical vehicle will be provided. These vehicles use all types and shapes of composite structure including: solid laminates, thin wall composites, pultrusion, ...

Low cost compact diffusers are needed for small gas turbine compressor stages to economically minimize centrifugal compressor overall diameter yet permit high efficiency and wide operating range. The proposer has performed over 130 different detailed tests (on more than 40 different stage configurations) with various conventional and novel diffusers (vaneless, low solidity airfoil, channel, tande ...

Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay: Xenopus (FETAX) is a 96-h, whole-embryo bioassay designed to detect potential developmental toxicants. The primary goal of this research is to improve the predictability and increase the overall utility of FETAX as a screen for developmental toxicants that pose a hazard to human health. Since Xenopus laevis embryos lack mixed-fliriction oxidase metabolism (cytoch ...

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Tactical military hardware is tested and evaluated to assess performance and ensure proper operation in its anticipated field environment. A key technique involves testing the hardware placed on a test platform isolated from the laboratory environment and associated dynamic disturbances. In order to accurately assess this performance, it is vital that precise environmental disturbances are emula ...

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In the present domestic and world political climate, U.S. military forces are faced with situations requiring less-than-lethal response options. Low-energy lasers can be effective, non-lethal weapons for a variety of military missions and law enforcement applications. Through the effects of illumination, glare, flashblinding and psychological impact, lasers can create surrender, hesitation, dela ...