Award Data

IST is proposing to integrate electrical conductors and antennas directly into composite structures using a new Synergistic Composite Conductor (SCC). IST's novel SCC technology enables small cross section electrical conductors that can be printed on or embedded into composites without degrading their structural performance. The benefits of this approach include better resistance to vibration and ...

A new metal matrix composite material consisting of natural graphite particulates processed into a designed reinforcement architecture that, after pressure infiltration casting with molten Al alloy, results in materials with thermal conductivity (TC) controllable over a range of 600 to 750 W/mK and thermal expansion controllable over the range of 7 to 3 ppm/K. This material, with strategically lo ...

Target detection, classification and tracking by missile defense sensor systems from post boost phase through mid-course to reentry is affected not only by background contrast but also by the irradiance contributing to the target signature by extended sources including direct and reflected sunshine, earthshine, airglow, moonshine and other celestial sources. The total irradiance on the target from ...

Satellite ground imagery from space-based infrared (IR) sensors can be invaluable when monitoring areas of military significance during periods of rapid activity of several hours to days. IR ground imagery is strongly influenced by weather conditions such as cloud cover and water content that can adversely impact surveillance. Predictions of IR image availability and quality during adverse weather ...

Active Control eXperts, (ACX) Inc. proposes to design, fabricate, and demonstrate a novel hybrid vibration ccntrol actuator system capable of very precise, controllable motion. This system will combine the advantages of a capacitive actuator with feedback control capability. This system will possess the force and stroke characteristics of a small hydraulic device and the bandwidth of electric moto ...

X-ray imaging is an important technique which is used in variety of applications such as general radiology in medicine, astronomical observations, non-destructive testing, X-ray diffraction for materials studies and others. The ability of X-rays to penetrate deep in to matter allows investigation of interior components with possibility of real-time dynamic studies. However, while significant advan ...

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase l project is proposed by American Superconductor Corporation (ASC) to establish the feasibility of hermetically manufacturing small-filament, high temperature superconducting (HTS) composite wires for use above 20 K in AC magnet applications such as inductive energy storage devices. HTS magnet wire applications will typically operate under fluctuating ...

This DOE SBIR proposal explores cost effective production of non-magnetic substrates which will have a major role in the production of YBCO coated conductors. Deformation textured substrates offer a cost-effective way of texturing. The substrate will be produced using inexpensive raw materials and processing. A novel feature is the production of a solid solution alloy with an excellent cube textur ...

Most dimond like carbon (DLC) deposition processes require gaseous hydocarbon breakdown on high temperature tolerant substrates. A team of Argonne National Laboratory demonstrated that fullerenes can be used as DLC precursors and that an H2 or O2 rich environment is not required. Burek is extending a similar fullerene techique to DLC coating of plastic materials. Injection molding of plastics i ...

Electrostatic thrusters are the likely choice for station keeping of the new generation of small communication satellites. Xenon is the fuel of choice for these thrusters because of its high mass and low ionization potential. Existing worldwide xenon production will not permit fueling of more than a small fraction of the projected satellite population unless significant price increase of Xe is rea ...