Award Data

The objective of this proposal is to develop and implement a scientifically based solderability tester as a process control tool during the fabrication process for printed circuit boards. Using the sequential electrochemical reduction analysis (SERA) process as invented by Rockwell International, data will be gathered to correlate the coulomb density values determined by SERA to current, commercia ...

It is proposed to develop a mathematical model for the bistatic signature of chaff, as well as weather (rain and fog). The model will include the full scattering matrix and temporal and spatial amplitude and phase fluctuation statistics. The model will be parametric in such factors as the electrical length of the chaff dipoles, wind turbulence, and radar resolution volumes. DSA proposes to build u ...

The automated inspection of gas turbine components has proven to be difficult due to their complex geometry. While ultrasonics has demomstrated excellent capabilities in detecting and characterizing the erosion and corrosion on turbine components from the hot effluent gases, it's application details laborious alignment procedures for the ultrasonic transducer during inspection. The need for automa ...

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Aerosol sprays of paint, epoxy, and other substances can be dispensed by mines and other munitions to disable hostile sensors, vehicles, and weapon systesm. For example, a paint-filled aerosol mine could be designed to detect an approaching vehicle, pop into the air, and eject and aerosol mist of opaque, brightly colored, slovent resistive, electrically conductive paint at the vehicle. The resulti ...

Omni-directional microstrip antenna system integrally located on a soldier's helmet for secure and reliable communications in the battlefield is the subject matter of this proposed innovative research. The antenna system consist of (N+1) circular microstrip patch elements integrally located on the soldier's helmet to provide omni-directional coverage with acceptable antenna gain for all positions ...

This effort would develop the laboratory set-up of the solderability tester into a real time statistical process control tool in the manufacture of printed wiring boards. By correlation of SERA test data to copper contamination levels in the solder plating bath; and the application of statistical process control techniques, real time feedback to the plating process would be established.