Award Data

The D.N. American research and development team proposes a novel approach to improving the process of multidisciplinary optimization for composite laminate designs. In Phase I, we successfully demonstrated the feasibility of our approach to the problem. The Phase II effort leverages these results along with the team's experience-in design optimization with Genetic Algorithms, composite laminate ...

Surfaces Research proposes optimization and engine endurance demonstration of an innovative tribology system for Future Combat System (FCS) diesel engines. Our new extreme-temperature engine lubricant and self-lubricating cylinder liner coatings will be evaluated in NATO-cycle endurance testing. In the Phase I program, we developed the extreme-temperature engine lubricant using Surfaces Resear ...

Modular concepts will be applied to round parachutes and parafoil parachutes for the purpose of improving utility and reducing cost. Round parachute designs will be formed from the alteration of uniform fabric panels and limited sewing operations. Fabric panels of round parachutes will be connected with structurally suitable cordage ties to facilitate rapid fabrication and maintenance repairs. ...

The Ocular Scanning Instrumentation (OSI) will provide the warfighter with an unobtrusive, portable triage tool for the automated and non-invasive diagnosis of physiological insults via ocular biomarkers, closing the gap in combat casualty care. Specific functions with heightened value include applications as a (1) sentinel animal screening tool to assess potential hazards on the battlefield prior ...

During Phase I, Pinnacle Technology Inc. and Aviation Simulation Technology Inc. (AST) designed a distributed digital input/output (I/O) bus to replace the cumbersome discrete wire bundle used in all military and commercial flight simulators. After analysis of latency, compatibility with existing systems, power delivery potential, cable length constraints and bandwidth issues, Pinnacle/AST chose ...

Advances in fabrication technology have made it possible to prodce features that are smaller than the wavelength of light. As such a new class of optical devices based on submicron periodic structures has emerged and is referred to as photonic crystals (PhC) or photonic band gap devices (PBGs). Preliminary research indicates that these devices will be capable of performing a wide variety of functi ...

Touchstone Research Laboratory is currently producing carbon foam in its pilot production facility. In the Phase I feasibility study, Touchstone identified opportunities to reduce the production cycle by combining manufacturing processes. The results indicated that a batch foaming process was optimum and the heat treatment step should be converted to a continuous process. This would lead to a s ...

Modular concepts will be applied to round parachutes and parafoil parachutes for the purpose of improving utility and reducing cost. Round parachute designs will be formed from the alteration of uniform fabric panels and limited sewing operations. Fabric panels of round parachutes will be connected with structurally suitable cordage ties to facilitate rapid fabrication and maintenance repairs. ...

Although the surface decontamination of parts / equipment exposed to chemical and biological warfare agents takes place at forward operating areas, there is need for a system to eliminate the possibility of exposure to repair depot personnel and facilities from contaminated parts / components (e.g., decon in deep cracks and crevices of the parts). The objective of this program is to develop and ...

The team of Surfaces Research and the University of Florida proposes to study novel ionic liquids as lubricants for space mechanisms, MEMS devices, and electrical contacts. Ionic liquids offer unique properties of great interest to the U.S. Air Force, including ultra-low vapor pressures, extremely low friction, and electrical conductivity. We propose fundamental materials interaction, surface ...