Award Data

Recent studies show that zero-valent metal nanoparticles, metal-oxide nanoparticles, and microbial reagents are among the most promising remediants for the detoxification of heavily contaminated sites that contain hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons and metals. Unfortunately, it is difficult to treat large volumes of soil with a single injection because nanoparticles and microbial reagents are ...

The major drawback to the use of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells as auxiliary power units (APUs) by deployed forces is their inability to directly use battlefield fuels. PEM systems require clean, essentially sulfur-free hydrogen to prevent the poisoning of the anode catalyst. Unfortunately, battlefield fuels (i.e., NATO-76, JP-8) contain high levels of refractory sulfur species (up to ...

The major drawback to using fuel cells as auxiliary power units (APUs) is their inability to directly use battlefield fuels. Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) systems require clean, essentially sulfur-free hydrogen, and ppm levels of sulfur degrade even solid-oxide fuel cells. Battlefield fuels (i.e., NATO-76, JP8) contain high levels of refractory sulfur specie, which must be removed before en ...

Nanostructured tungsten has the potential of exceeding the performance of depleted uranium in kinetic energy devices. To make full density bulk nanocrystalline tungsten, the tungsten powder needs to be less that 20 nm in size, but there currently is no inexpensive and scalable method to mass-produce nanosized tungsten powders. In this Phase I SBIR project, TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) will develop a ...

Currently there is a strong interest in developing new weapons systems that increase the vehicle's speed and range. Several types of advanced propulsion systems could be considered for this purpose, including high-speed turbines, ramjets, scramjet, and pulse detonation engines (PDE). However, maintaining stable fuel combustion in these high performance engines is a significant challenge. At the ...

New weapons systems that incorporate advanced propulsion technologies, such as high speed turbines, ramjets, scramjets, or pulse detonation engines (PDE) are needed. However, these systems place severe demands on combustion and thus methods to improve the combustion process are also required. In the Phase I portion of the project, TDA Research Inc. (TDA) developed catalysts that are soluble in f ...

The national missile defense system is based on early warning satellites, early warning radars, command centers, and the actual interceptors. The satellites will infrared sensors to "detect" the IR plumes from a missile's booster and determine its approximate trajectory as well as track the missiles throughout their flight. The codes used to generate rocket plume exhausts combine both fluid dynami ...

The major drawback to the use of fuel cells as electric generators by deployed forces is their inability to directly use battlefield fuels. Low temperature fuel cells require a relatively pure, concentrated hydrogen stream, with very low levels of sulfur and carbon monoxide in order to prevent poisoning of fuel cell anode catalysts, and even the far more robust high temperature solid oxide fuel c ...

Defense against chemical weapons is a critical DoD requirement. An effective defense requires the development of a combination of unique clothing systems that provide a physical barrier to toxic vapors, liquids, and aerosols, as well as a system to detect chemical threats. Protective clothing and detection systems currently exist, but ideally the detection equipment should be miniaturized and inte ...

Defense against chemical weapons is a critical DoD requirement. An effective defense requires the development of a combination of unique clothing systems that provide a physical barrier to toxic vapors, liquids, and aerosols, as well as a system to detect chemical threats. Protective clothing and detection systems currently exist, but ideally the detection equipment should be miniaturized and int ...